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The structural gene for microcin H47 encodes a peptide precursor with antibiotic activity
E Rodríguez1, C Gaggero, M Laviña
1Sección de Fisiología y Genética Bacterianas, Facultad de Ciencias, Iguá 4225, Malvín Norte, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|September 3, 1999
Summary
Microcin H47, a novel antibiotic from Escherichia coli, is a ribosomally synthesized peptide. Its precursor molecule exhibits antibiotic activity, suggesting a unique mechanism for this bactericidal agent.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Naturally occurring Escherichia coli strains produce antimicrobial compounds.
- Microcin H47 is a bactericidal antibiotic identified in a Uruguayan E. coli isolate.
- The genetic system for microcin H47 spans a 10-kb chromosomal DNA segment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the synthesis and nature of Microcin H47.
- To investigate the function of the mchB gene in Microcin H47 production.
- To determine if the microcin precursor possesses biological activity.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of the mchB gene, the smallest microcin synthesis gene.
- Construction and isolation of an mchB-phoA gene fusion.
- Analysis of the hybrid protein's enzymatic and antibiotic activities.
Main Results:
- The mchB gene encodes a highly hydrophobic peptide.
- The mchB-phoA fusion protein demonstrated both PhoA and Microcin H47-like activities.
- Evidence suggests the microcin precursor itself has antibiotic properties.
Conclusions:
- Microcin H47 is a ribosomally synthesized peptide antibiotic.
- The precursor peptide of Microcin H47 possesses inherent antibiotic activity.
- This finding offers insights into novel antibiotic synthesis pathways.