Function
Chalcone synthase (CHS) is essential for the biosynthesis of flavonoids and anthocyanin pigments in plants. CHS condenses p-coumaroyl-CoA and three malonyl-CoA to produce the polyketide naringenin
[1].
Relevance
The CHS biosynthesis product naringenin has inhibitory activity on a Cyt P450 isoform which can have carcinogenic effect [2] and has significant antioxidant properties.
Structural highlights
. The Cys residue (3-sulfinoalanine is shown in this case) is the catalytic nucleophile tethering the starting group and the growing polyketide chain[3]. Water molecules are shown as red spheres.
