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Involvement of enterobactin synthesis pathway in production of microcin H47

María F Azpiroz1, Magela Laviña

  • 1Sección de Fisiología y Genética Bacterianas, Facultad de Ciencias, Montevideo 11.400, Uruguay.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|March 30, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Microcin H47 (MccH47), a peptide antibiotic from Escherichia coli, requires enterobactin siderophore synthesis for its own production. This finding reveals a link between MccH47 and catecholate siderophore pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Microcin H47 (MccH47) is a peptide antibiotic produced by Escherichia coli.
  • MccH47 uptake in E. coli K-12 is mediated by catechol receptors (Cir, Fiu, FepA).
  • The genetic basis for MccH47 production and its relationship with siderophores were not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the genetic system of Microcin H47 (MccH47).
  • To investigate the relationship between enterobactin synthesis and MccH47 production.
  • To propose a model for MccH47 synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Nucleotide sequencing of the MccH47 genetic system.
  • Genetic complementation studies using enterobactin-deficient E. coli strains.
  • Analysis of gene functions, including homologues of siderophore biosynthesis genes.

Main Results:

  • Five open reading frames were identified in the MccH47 genetic system.
  • Genes homologous to siderophore biosynthesis genes (mchA, mchS1, mchS4) were found.
  • Enterobactin-deficient strains failed to produce MccH47, which was restored by introducing the enterobactin gene cluster.
  • The enterobactin nonribosomal peptide synthase EntF was found to be necessary for MccH47 synthesis.

Conclusions:

  • MccH47 production is dependent on enterobactin synthesis.
  • Specific components of the enterobactin pathway, like EntF, are crucial for MccH47 biosynthesis.
  • A model for MccH47 synthesis involving catecholate siderophore pathways is proposed.

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