An anthrol reductase of Talaromyces islandicus WF-38-12 (ARti-2) from an unrelated biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) has been identified and characterized. It catalyses the NADPH-dependent reduction of anthrols (hydroanthraquinones), estrone and a naphthol with high stereo- and regioselectivity. The role of ARti-2, the CRG89872.1 gene of the same BGC and non-enzymatic oxidation in the biosynthesis of (−)-flavoskyrin has been proposed.