Re-identification of Aspergillus nidulans wA gene to code for a polyketidesynthase of naphthopyrone

By reconstruction and expression of the full-length WA (NWA) polyketide syn thase of A. nidulans based on the revised wA gene sequence, its product was re-identified to be a naphthopyrone compound YWA1 instead of citreoisocoum arin and its derivatives, which were found to be products of C-terminus tru ncated WA polyketide synthase. YWA1 shows yellow color and is considered to be a true intermediate of A, nidulans asexual spore pigments. Thus, the wA gene is identified to code for a polyketide synthase of heptaketide naphth opyrone YWA1. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.