Biotransformation, a new approach to aminoglycoside biosynthesis: II. Gentamicin

Utilizing a paromamine-producing mutant of Micromonospora purpurea blocked in the production of gentamicin, bioconversion of various minor gentamicin components into the gentamicin C complex was demonstrated. The compounds tested were structurally related to the gentamicin C's and are found as minor components in the gentamicin fermentation. Based upon the bioconversions detected, a branched pathway for the biosynthesis of the gentamicin C components is proposed.