Recent Advances in the Stereochemical Determination and Total Synthesis of Myxobacterial Polyketides

Abstract

Myxobacteria are a rich source of structurally diverse polyketides with unique architectures. Many of these compounds are associated with high biological activities, including antiproliferative, antibiotic, antifungal, and antiplasmodial activities, and in many cases specific targets are addressed at the molecular level. Unfortunately, many of these compounds were originally only reported as flat structures, impeding further advancement. In recent years, considerable progress has been made on the stereochemical determination and total syntheses of myxobacterial polyketides. This account highlights from a personal perspective illustrative examples of recent advances in the stereochemical determination and total synthesis of myxobacterial polyketides.