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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Selective Pressure Incorporation of Non-canonical Amino Acids
11:56

Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Selective Pressure Incorporation of Non-canonical Amino Acids

Published on: May 4, 2018

[Posttranslationally modified microcins]

O A Pavlova, K V Severinov

    Genetika
    |March 1, 2007
    PubMed

    Insights

    Microcins are bacterial antibiotics that disrupt cell membranes or target intracellular processes. This review focuses on posttranslationally modified microcins, highlighting their unique structures and mechanisms against sensitive cells.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Biochemistry
    • Molecular Biology

    Context:

    • Microcins are ribosomally synthesized antibacterial peptides with ecological significance.
    • They are potential antibiotic candidates due to their antimicrobial properties.
    • Most microcins target the cell membrane, increasing permeability.

    Purpose:

    • To review known classes of posttranslationally modified microcins.
    • To elucidate the unusual structures of these microcins.
    • To describe their mechanisms of action on sensitive cells.

    Summary:

    • Posttranslationally modified microcins possess unique structures.
    • Unlike other microcins, they enter the cytoplasm of sensitive cells.
    • They inhibit growth by targeting essential intracellular components like DNA gyrase.

    Impact:

    • Understanding microcin mechanisms can lead to novel antibiotic development.
    • Provides insight into bacterial defense and communication strategies.
    • Highlights the potential of microbial natural products in medicine.

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