Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Selective Pressure Incorporation of Non-canonical Amino Acids
Published on: May 4, 2018
A natural prodrug activation mechanism in nonribosomal peptide synthesis
Daniela Reimer1, Klaas M Pos, Marco Thines
1Molecular Biotechnology, Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Abstract:
We have identified a new mechanism for the cleavage and activation of nonribosomally made peptides and peptide-polyketide hybrids that are apparently operational in several different bacteria. This process includes the cleavage of a precursor molecule by a membrane-bound and D-asparagine-specific peptidase, as shown here in the biosynthesis of the antibiotic xenocoumacin from Xenorhabdus nematophila.
Related Concept Videos
Prodrugs
Prodrugs help overcome...
tRNA Activation
tRNA Activation
Types of RNA
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis
Drug Metabolism: Phase II Reactions

