Biosynthetic studies on the macrolide antibiotic turimycin using 14C-labeled precursors

Using a strain of Streptomyces hygroscopicus JA 6599 several 14C-compounds were investigates as potential precursors of the macrolide antibiotic turimycin followed by partial degradation to localize the radioactivity. L-Methionine-14C-methyl and n-butyrate-1-14C were incorporated exclusively and in a specific manner. The incorporation ratios were dependent on the addition time of the precursors. Studies of the incorporation of acylmycaroses and demycarosyl turimycin into the antibiotic are also reported.