Genome Mining of Aspergillus hancockii Unearths Cryptic Polyketide Hancockinone A Featuring a Prenylated 6/6/6/5 Carbocyclic Skeleton

Activation of a cryptic polyketide synthase gene cluster hkn from Aspergillus hancockii via overexpression of the gene-cluster-specific transcription factor HknR led to the discovery of a novel polycyclic metabolite, which we named hancockinone A. The compound features an unprecedented prenylated 6/6/6/5 tetracarbocyclic skeleton and shows moderate antibacterial activity. Heterologous expression, substrate feeding, and in vitro assays confirmed the role of cytochrome P450 HknE in constructing the five-membered ring in hancockinone A from the precursor neosartoricin B.

Automated summary

Activation of a cryptic polyketide synthase gene cluster hkn from Aspergillus hancockii by overexpressing the gene-cluster-specific transcription factor HknR led to the discovery of a novel polycyclic metabolite named hancockinone A. This compound, featuring a unique prenylated tetracyclic skeleton, exhibits moderate antibacterial activity and the role of cytochrome P450 HknE in constructing the five-membered ring in hancockinone A has been confirmed through heterologous expression, substrate feeding, and in vitro assays.