 The gene encoding a FabH-like, type III ketosynthase (KS), located upstream of mlsA1, encodes a putative “joinase” (MUP045), and a type II thioesterase (TE II) gene (MUP038) is located between mlsA2 and mlsB.Mycolactone consists of a 12-membered macrolide core with an ester-linked polyketide chain.Three plasmid-encoded polyketide synthase (PKS) enzymes are responsible for its production