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Updated: Oct 26, 2025
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Published on: May 4, 2018
Discovery and Bioactivity of the Novel Lasso Peptide Microcin Y
Yu Li1, Yu Han1, Zhiwei Zeng1
1College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Lasso peptides, a class of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) secreted by bacteria, have antimicrobial activity. Here, a novel lasso peptide, microcin Y (MccY), was discovered and characterized. The gene cluster for MccY synthesis was cloned for expression in Escherichia coli. This peptide was purified by HPLC and characterized by Q-TOF. MIC assays showed that some Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Shigella, and Salmonella strains were sensitive to MccY. Interestingly, and Salmonella infantis were efficiently inhibited by MccY, while they were not affected by MccJ25, a lasso peptide that has antibacterial effects on many Salmonella strains. Furthermore, MccY-resistant strains of S. typhimurium were screened, and mutations were found in FhuA and SbmA, indicating the importance of these transporters for MccY absorption. This novel peptide can greatly broaden the antimicrobial spectrum of MccJ25 in Salmonella and is expected to be used in food preservation and animal feed additive areas.
Insights
A novel lasso peptide, microcin Y (MccY), exhibits antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains. MccY shows broader efficacy than MccJ25, with potential applications in food preservation and animal feed.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Peptide Chemistry
- Bacterial Genetics
Background:
- Lasso peptides are bacterial RiPPs with antimicrobial properties.
- Microcin Y (MccY) is a newly discovered lasso peptide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the novel lasso peptide MccY.
- To investigate MccY's antimicrobial spectrum and mechanism of action.
Main Methods:
- Gene cluster cloning and expression in Escherichia coli.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification.
- Q-TOF mass spectrometry characterization.
- Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays.
- Screening for MccY-resistant strains.
Main Results:
- MccY demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Shigella, and Salmonella strains.
- MccY effectively inhibited Salmonella strains resistant to MccJ25.
- Mutations in FhuA and SbmA transporters were associated with MccY resistance in S. typhimurium.
Conclusions:
- MccY broadens the antimicrobial spectrum of lasso peptides against Salmonella.
- MccY has potential applications in food preservation and as an animal feed additive.
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