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Published on: October 4, 2019
C(35)-terpenes from Bacillus subtilis KSM 6-10
Hirofumi Takigawa1, Mitsuru Sugiyama, Yusuke Shibuya
1Biological Science Laboratories, Kao Corporation, 2606 Akabane, Ichikai, Haga, Tochigi 321-3497, Japan. takigawa.hirofumi@kao.co.jp
Journal of Natural Products
|January 21, 2010
Summary
Researchers isolated four C(35)-terpenes from Bacillus subtilis, including two new polycyclic C(35)-terpenols. These compounds are likely formed by terpene cyclase cyclization, with expression not linked to bacterial sporulation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bacillus subtilis KSM 6-10 produces C(35)-terpenes.
- Previous studies identified tetraprenyl-beta-curcumene and tetraprenyl-alpha-curcumene in spore preparations.
- The biosynthetic pathways and functions of these compounds are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize novel C(35)-terpenes from Bacillus subtilis KSM 6-10 liquid cultures.
- To investigate the structural relationship between acyclic C(35)-terpenes and polycyclic C(35)-terpenols.
- To explore the potential role of terpene cyclase in Bacillus subtilis sporulation.
Main Methods:
- Liquid culture of Bacillus subtilis KSM 6-10.
- Isolation and purification of C(35)-terpenes using chromatographic techniques.
- Structure elucidation of isolated compounds using spectroscopic methods (e.g., NMR, MS).
- Comparative analysis of terpene content in vegetative cells versus spores.
Main Results:
- Four C(35)-terpenes were isolated, including two known compounds (1 and 2) and two new C(35)-terpenols (3 and 4).
- Compounds 3 and 4 possess polycyclic skeletons, suggesting cyclization.
- New C(35)-terpenols (3 and 4) were found in trace amounts in spores compared to vegetative cells.
Conclusions:
- The C(35)-terpenols (3 and 4) are proposed to be formed via cyclization of acyclic C(35)-terpenes (1 and 2).
- Terpene cyclase expression in Bacillus subtilis KSM 6-10 is likely not related to sporulation.
- These findings contribute to understanding terpene biosynthesis in bacteria.
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