Genetic and functional analysis of genes required for the post-modification of the polyketide antibiotic TA of Myxococcus xanthus

Yossi Paitan, Elisha Orr, Eliora Z. Ron*, Eugene Rosenberg

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

The antibiotic TA of Myxococcus xanthus is a complex macrocyclic polyketide, produced through successive condensations of acetate by a type I PKS (polyketide synthase) mechanism. The genes encoding TA biosynthesis are clustered on a 36 kb DNA fragment, which has been cloned and analysed. The chemical structure of TA and the mechanism by which it is synthesized indicate the need for several post-modification steps, which are introduced into the carbon chain of the polyketide to form the final bioactive molecule. These include the addition of several carbon atoms originating from acetate carbonyl, three C-methylations, O-methylation and a specific hydroxylation. This paper reports the analysis of five genes which are involved in the postmodification of TA. Their functional analysis, by specific gene disruption, suggests that they may be essential for the production of the active antibiotic. The characteristics and organization of the genes suggest that they may be involved in the addition of the carbon atoms which arise from acetate.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3059-3067
Number of pages9
JournalMicrobiology
Volume145
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1999

Keywords

  • Acyl carrier protein
  • Antibiotic post-modification
  • Myxococcus xanthus
  • Polyketide synthase
  • β-keroacyl ACP synthase III

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Genetic and functional analysis of genes required for the post-modification of the polyketide antibiotic TA of Myxococcus xanthus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this