scholarly journals Molecular Basis for Mycophenolic Acid Biosynthesis in Penicillium brevicompactum

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 3035-3043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torsten Bak Regueira ◽  
Kanchana Rueksomtawin Kildegaard ◽  
Bjarne Gram Hansen ◽  
Uffe H. Mortensen ◽  
Christian Hertweck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Mycophenolic Acid ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Polyketide Synthase ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Biosynthesis Gene Cluster ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Polyketide Synthase Gene ◽  
Penicillium Brevicompactum

ABSTRACTMycophenolic acid (MPA) is the active ingredient in the increasingly important immunosuppressive pharmaceuticals CellCept (Roche) and Myfortic (Novartis). Despite the long history of MPA, the molecular basis for its biosynthesis has remained enigmatic. Here we report the discovery of a polyketide synthase (PKS), MpaC, which we successfully characterized and identified as responsible for MPA production inPenicillium brevicompactum. mpaCresides in what most likely is a 25-kb gene cluster in the genome ofPenicillium brevicompactum. The gene cluster was successfully localized by targeting putative resistance genes, in this case an additional copy of the gene encoding IMP dehydrogenase (IMPDH). We report the cloning, sequencing, and the functional characterization of the MPA biosynthesis gene cluster by deletion of the polyketide synthase genempaCofP. brevicompactumand bioinformatic analyses. As expected, the gene deletion completely abolished MPA production as well as production of several other metabolites derived from the MPA biosynthesis pathway ofP. brevicompactum. Our work sets the stage for engineering the production of MPA and analogues through metabolic engineering.

scholarly journals Involvement of a Natural Fusion of a Cytochrome P450 and a Hydrolase in Mycophenolic Acid Biosynthesis

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (14) ◽  
pp. 4908-4913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjarne Gram Hansen ◽  
Ewelina Mnich ◽  
Kristian Fog Nielsen ◽  
Jakob Blæsbjerg Nielsen ◽  
Morten Thrane Nielsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cytochrome P450 ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Mycophenolic Acid ◽  
Polyketide Synthase ◽  
Fusion Gene ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Terminal Region ◽  
Ring Closure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Penicillium Brevicompactum

ABSTRACTMycophenolic acid (MPA) is a fungal secondary metabolite and the active component in several immunosuppressive pharmaceuticals. The gene cluster coding for the MPA biosynthetic pathway has recently been discovered inPenicillium brevicompactum, demonstrating that the first step is catalyzed by MpaC, a polyketide synthase producing 5-methylorsellinic acid (5-MOA). However, the biochemical role of the enzymes encoded by the remaining genes in the MPA gene cluster is still unknown. Based on bioinformatic analysis of the MPA gene cluster, we hypothesized that the step following 5-MOA production in the pathway is carried out by a natural fusion enzyme MpaDE, consisting of a cytochrome P450 (MpaD) in the N-terminal region and a hydrolase (MpaE) in the C-terminal region. We verified that the fusion gene is indeed expressed inP. brevicompactumby obtaining full-length sequence of thempaDEcDNA prepared from the extracted RNA. Heterologous coexpression ofmpaCand the fusion genempaDEin the MPA-nonproducerAspergillus nidulansresulted in the production of 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylphthalide (DHMP), the second intermediate in MPA biosynthesis. Analysis of the strain coexpressingmpaCand thempaDpart ofmpaDEshows that the P450 catalyzes hydroxylation of 5-MOA to 4,6-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-3-methylbenzoic acid (DHMB). DHMB is then converted to DHMP, and our results suggest that the hydrolase domain aids this second step by acting as a lactone synthase that catalyzes the ring closure. Overall, the chimeric enzyme MpaDE provides insight into the genetic organization of the MPA biosynthesis pathway.

scholarly journals Versatile Enzyme Expression and Characterization System for Aspergillus nidulans, with the Penicillium brevicompactum Polyketide Synthase Gene from the Mycophenolic Acid Gene Cluster as a Test Case

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 3044-3051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjarne G. Hansen ◽  
Bo Salomonsen ◽  
Morten T. Nielsen ◽  
Jakob B. Nielsen ◽  
Niels B. Hansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Genomics ◽  
Aspergillus Nidulans ◽  
Filamentous Fungi ◽  
Mycophenolic Acid ◽  
Polyketide Synthase ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Genomic Location ◽  
Polyketide Synthase Gene ◽  
Penicillium Brevicompactum

ABSTRACTAssigning functions to newly discovered genes constitutes one of the major challenges en route to fully exploiting the data becoming available from the genome sequencing initiatives. Heterologous expression in an appropriate host is central in functional genomics studies. In this context, filamentous fungi offer many advantages over bacterial and yeast systems. To facilitate the use of filamentous fungi in functional genomics, we present a versatile cloning system that allows a gene of interest to be expressed from a defined genomic location ofAspergillus nidulans. By a single USER cloning step, genes are easily inserted into a combined targeting-expression cassette ready for rapid integration and analysis. The system comprises a vector set that allows genes to be expressed either from the constitutive PgpdA promoter or from the inducible PalcA promoter. Moreover, by using the vector set, protein variants can easily be made and expressed from the same locus, which is mandatory for proper comparative analyses. Lastly, all individual elements of the vectors can easily be substituted for other similar elements, ensuring the flexibility of the system. We have demonstrated the potential of the system by transferring the 7,745-bp largempaCgene fromPenicillium brevicompactumtoA. nidulans. In parallel, we produced defined mutant derivatives ofmpaC, and the combined analysis ofA. nidulansstrains expressingmpaCor mutatedmpaCgenes unequivocally demonstrated thatmpaCindeed encodes a polyketide synthase that produces the first intermediate in the production of the medically important immunosuppressant mycophenolic acid.

scholarly journals Identification of a Polyketide Synthase Gene Responsible for Ascochitine Biosynthesis in Ascochyta fabae and Its Abrogation in Sister Taxa

mSphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wonyong Kim ◽  
Judith Lichtenzveig ◽  
Robert A. Syme ◽  
Angela H. Williams ◽  
Tobin L. Peever ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Secondary Metabolite ◽  
Polyketide Synthase ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Biosynthesis Gene Cluster ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pathogenicity Factor ◽  
Biosynthesis Gene ◽  
Ascochyta Fabae

ABSTRACT The polyketide-derived secondary metabolite ascochitine is produced by species in the Didymellaceae family, including but not restricted to Ascochyta species pathogens of cool-season food legumes. Ascochitine is structurally similar to the well-known mycotoxin citrinin and exhibits broad-spectrum phytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities. Here, we identified a polyketide synthase (PKS) gene (denoted pksAC) responsible for ascochitine production in the filamentous fungus Ascochyta fabae. Deletion of the pksAC prevented production of ascochitine and its derivative ascochital in A. fabae. The putative ascochitine biosynthesis gene cluster comprises 11 genes that have undergone rearrangement and gain-and-loss events relative to the citrinin biosynthesis gene cluster in Monascus ruber. Interestingly, we also identified pksAC homologs in two recently diverged species, A. lentis and A. lentis var. lathyri, that are sister taxa closely related to ascochitine producers such as A. fabae and A. viciae-villosae. However, nonsense mutations have been independently introduced in coding sequences of the pksAC homologs of A. lentis and A. lentis var. lathyri that resulted in loss of ascochitine production. Despite its reported phytotoxicity, ascochitine was not a pathogenicity factor in A. fabae infection and colonization of faba bean (Vicia faba L.). Ascochitine was mainly produced from mature hyphae at the site of pycnidial formation, suggesting a possible protective role of the compound against other microbial competitors in nature. This report highlights the evolution of gene clusters harnessing the structural diversity of polyketides and a mechanism with the potential to alter secondary metabolite profiles via single nucleotide polymorphisms in closely related fungal species. IMPORTANCE Fungi produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites, many of which are of pharmacological importance whereas many others are noted for mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin and citrinin, that can threaten human and animal health. The polyketide-derived compound ascochitine, which is structurally similar to citrinin mycotoxin, has been considered to be important for pathogenicity of legume-associated Ascochyta species. Here, we identified the ascochitine polyketide synthase (PKS) gene in Ascochyta fabae and its neighboring genes that may be involved in ascochitine biosynthesis. Interestingly, the ascochitine PKS genes in other legume-associated Ascochyta species have been mutated, encoding truncated PKSs. This indicated that point mutations may have contributed to genetic diversity for secondary metabolite production in these fungi. We also demonstrated that ascochitine is not a pathogenicity factor in A. fabae. The antifungal activities and production of ascochitine during sporulation suggested that it may play a role in competition with other saprobic fungi in nature.

scholarly journals Cloning and Heterologous Expression of the Thioviridamide Biosynthesis Gene Cluster from Streptomyces olivoviridis

2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (22) ◽  
pp. 7110-7113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masumi Izawa ◽  
Takashi Kawasaki ◽  
Yoichi Hayakawa
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Draft Genome ◽  
Peptide Antibiotic ◽  
Heterologous Production ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Biosynthesis Gene Cluster ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Precursor Peptide ◽  
Biosynthesis Gene ◽  
Draft Genome Sequencing

ABSTRACTThioviridamide is a unique peptide antibiotic containing five thioamide bonds fromStreptomyces olivoviridis. Draft genome sequencing revealed a gene (thetvaAgene) encoding the thioviridamide precursor peptide. The thioviridamide biosynthesis gene cluster was identified by heterologous production of thioviridamide inStreptomyces lividans.

scholarly journals Overproduction of Ristomycin A by Activation of a Silent Gene Cluster in Amycolatopsis japonicum MG417-CF17

2014 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 6185-6196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marius Spohn ◽  
Norbert Kirchner ◽  
Andreas Kulik ◽  
Angelika Jochim ◽  
Felix Wolf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Genome Mining ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Von Willebrand Disease ◽  
Biosynthesis Gene Cluster ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bioinformatic Tools

ABSTRACTThe emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria within the last decades is one reason for the urgent need for new antibacterial agents. A strategy to discover new anti-infective compounds is the evaluation of the genetic capacity of secondary metabolite producers and the activation of cryptic gene clusters (genome mining). One genus known for its potential to synthesize medically important products isAmycolatopsis. However,Amycolatopsis japonicumdoes not produce an antibiotic under standard laboratory conditions. In contrast to mostAmycolatopsisstrains,A. japonicumis genetically tractable with different methods. In order to activate a possible silent glycopeptide cluster, we introduced a gene encoding the transcriptional activator of balhimycin biosynthesis, thebbrgene fromAmycolatopsis balhimycina(bbrAba), intoA. japonicum. This resulted in the production of an antibiotically active compound. Following whole-genome sequencing ofA. japonicum, 29 cryptic gene clusters were identified by genome mining. One of these gene clusters is a putative glycopeptide biosynthesis gene cluster. Using bioinformatic tools, ristomycin (syn. ristocetin), a type III glycopeptide, which has antibacterial activity and which is used for the diagnosis of von Willebrand disease and Bernard-Soulier syndrome, was deduced as a possible product of the gene cluster. Chemical analyses by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed thein silicoprediction that the recombinantA. japonicum/pRM4-bbrAbasynthesizes ristomycin A.

scholarly journals Transcriptional Regulator PhlH Modulates 2,4-Diacetylphloroglucinol Biosynthesis in Response to the Biosynthetic Intermediate and End Product

2017 ◽  
Vol 83 (21) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Yan ◽  
Rui Yang ◽  
Rui-Xue Zhao ◽  
Jian-Ting Han ◽  
Wen-Juan Jia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Fluorescens ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Feedback Regulation ◽  
Biosynthetic Gene Cluster ◽  
Sequence Motif ◽  
Target Sequence ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Negative Feedback Regulation ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Certain strains of biocontrol bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens produce the secondary metabolite 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG) to antagonize soilborne phytopathogens in the rhizosphere. The gene cluster responsible for the biosynthesis of 2,4-DAPG is named phlACBDEFGH and it is still unclear how the pathway-specific regulator phlH within this gene cluster regulates the metabolism of 2,4-DAPG. Here, we found that PhlH in Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 2P24 represses the expression of the phlG gene encoding the 2,4-DAPG hydrolase by binding to a sequence motif overlapping with the −35 site recognized by σ70 factors. Through biochemical screening of PhlH ligands we identified the end product 2,4-DAPG and its biosynthetic intermediate monoacetylphloroglucinol (MAPG), which can act as signaling molecules to modulate the binding of PhlH to the target sequence and activate the expression of phlG. Comparison of 2,4-DAPG production between the ΔphlH, ΔphlG, and ΔphlHG mutants confirmed that phlH and phlG impose negative feedback regulation over 2,4-DAPG biosynthesis. It was further demonstrated that the 2,4-DAPG degradation catalyzed by PhlG plays an insignificant role in 2,4-DAPG tolerance but contributes to bacterial growth advantages under carbon/nitrogen starvation conditions. Taken together, our data suggest that by monitoring and down-tuning in situ levels of 2,4-DAPG, the phlHG genes could dynamically modulate the metabolic loads attributed to 2,4-DAPG production and potentially contribute to rhizosphere adaptation. IMPORTANCE 2,4-DAPG, which is synthesized by biocontrol pseudomonad bacteria, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic against bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, and nematodes and plays an important role in suppressing soilborne plant pathogens. Although most of the genes in the 2,4-DAPG biosynthetic gene cluster (phl) have been characterized, it is still not clear how the pathway-specific regulator phlH is involved in 2,4-DAPG metabolism. This work revealed the role of PhlH in modulating 2,4-DAPG levels by controlling the expression of 2,4-DAPG hydrolase PhlG in response to 2,4-DAPG and MAPG. Since 2,4-DAPG biosynthesis imposes a metabolic burden on biocontrol pseudomonads, it is expected that the fine regulation of phlG by PhlH offers a way to dynamically modulate the metabolic loads attributed to 2,4-DAPG production.

Functional characterization of a gene cluster responsible for inositol catabolism associated with hospital-adapted isolates of Enterococcus faecium

Microbiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 167 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janetta Top ◽  
Jery Baan ◽  
Adinda Bisschop ◽  
Sergio Arredondo-Alonso ◽  
Willem van Schaik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Enterococcus Faecium ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Integration Site ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Donor Strain ◽  
Integrase Gene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Link Type

Enterococcus faecium is a nosocomial, multidrug-resistant pathogen. Whole genome sequence studies revealed that hospital-associated E. faecium isolates are clustered in a separate clade A1. Here, we investigated the distribution, integration site and function of a putative iol gene cluster that encodes for myo-inositol (MI) catabolism. This iol gene cluster was found as part of an ~20 kbp genetic element (iol element), integrated in ICEEfm1 close to its integrase gene in E. faecium isolate E1679. Among 1644 E. faecium isolates, ICEEfm1 was found in 789/1227 (64.3 %) clade A1 and 3/417 (0.7 %) non-clade A1 isolates. The iol element was present at a similar integration site in 180/792 (22.7 %) ICEEfm1-containing isolates. Examination of the phylogenetic tree revealed genetically closely related isolates that differed in presence/absence of ICEEfm1 and/or iol element, suggesting either independent acquisition or loss of both elements. E. faecium iol gene cluster containing isolates E1679 and E1504 were able to grow in minimal medium with only myo-inositol as carbon source, while the iolD-deficient mutant in E1504 (E1504∆iolD) lost this ability and an iol gene cluster negative recipient strain gained this ability after acquisition of ICEEfm1 by conjugation from donor strain E1679. Gene expression profiling revealed that the iol gene cluster is only expressed in the absence of other carbon sources. In an intestinal colonization mouse model the colonization ability of E1504∆iolD mutant was not affected relative to the wild-type E1504 strain. In conclusion, we describe and functionally characterise a gene cluster involved in MI catabolism that is associated with the ICEEfm1 island in hospital-associated E. faecium isolates. We were unable to show that this gene cluster provides a competitive advantage during gut colonisation in a mouse model. Therefore, to what extent this gene cluster contributes to the spread and ecological specialisation of ICEEfm1-carrying hospital-associated isolates remains to be investigated.

scholarly journals The Fusarium verticillioides FUM Gene Cluster Encodes a Zn(II)2Cys6 Protein That Affects FUM Gene Expression and Fumonisin Production

2007 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 1210-1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daren W. Brown ◽  
Robert A. E. Butchko ◽  
Mark Busman ◽  
Robert H. Proctor
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Polyketide Synthase ◽  
Fusarium Verticillioides ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Biosynthetic Gene Cluster ◽  
Regulatory Proteins ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Polyketide Synthase Gene ◽  
Splice Forms ◽  
Self Protection

ABSTRACT Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by some Fusarium species and can contaminate maize or maize products. Ingestion of fumonisins is associated with diseases, including cancer and neural tube defects, in humans and animals. In fungi, genes involved in the synthesis of mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites are often located adjacent to each other in gene clusters. Such genes can encode structural enzymes, regulatory proteins, and/or proteins that provide self-protection. The fumonisin biosynthetic gene cluster includes 16 genes, none of which appear to play a role in regulation. In this study, we identified a previously undescribed gene (FUM21) located adjacent to the fumonisin polyketide synthase gene, FUM1. The presence of a Zn(II)2Cys6 DNA-binding domain in the predicted protein suggested that FUM21 was involved in transcriptional regulation. FUM21 deletion (Δfum21) mutants produce little to no fumonisin in cracked maize cultures but some FUM1 and FUM8 transcripts in a liquid GYAM medium. Complementation of a Δfum21 mutant with a wild-type copy of the gene restored fumonisin production. Analysis of FUM21 cDNAs identified four alternative splice forms (ASFs), and microarray analysis indicated the ASFs were differentially expressed. Based on these data, we present a model for how FUM21 ASFs may regulate fumonisin biosynthesis.

scholarly journals Cloning and sequence analysis of the putative rifamycin polyketide synthase gene cluster fromAmycolatopsis mediterranei

1998 ◽  
Vol 159 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Schupp ◽  
Christiane Toupet ◽  
Nathalie Engel ◽  
Stephen Goff
Keyword(s):  
Sequence Analysis ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Polyketide Synthase ◽  
Polyketide Synthase Gene

scholarly journals Characterization of the Amicetin Biosynthesis Gene Cluster from Streptomyces vinaceusdrappus NRRL 2363 Implicates Two Alternative Strategies for Amide Bond Formation

2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (7) ◽  
pp. 2393-2401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaiyun Zhang ◽  
Haibo Zhang ◽  
Sumei Li ◽  
Ji Xiao ◽  
Guangtao Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Acyl Carrier Protein ◽  
Bond Formation ◽  
Antiviral Agent ◽  
Amide Bond ◽  
Biosynthesis Gene Cluster ◽  
Alternative Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Amide Bond Formation ◽  
Biosynthesis Gene

ABSTRACTAmicetin, an antibacterial and antiviral agent, belongs to a group of disaccharide nucleoside antibiotics featuring an α-(1→4)-glycoside bond in the disaccharide moiety. In this study, the amicetin biosynthesis gene cluster was cloned fromStreptomyces vinaceusdrappusNRRL 2363 and localized on a 37-kb contiguous DNA region. Heterologous expression of the amicetin biosynthesis gene cluster inStreptomyces lividansTK64 resulted in the production of amicetin and its analogues, thereby confirming the identity of theamigene cluster.In silicosequence analysis revealed that 21 genes were putatively involved in amicetin biosynthesis, including 3 for regulation and transportation, 10 for disaccharide biosynthesis, and 8 for the formation of the amicetin skeleton by the linkage of cytosine,p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), and the terminal (+)-α-methylserine moieties. The inactivation of the benzoate coenzyme A (benzoate-CoA) ligase geneamiLand theN-acetyltransferase geneamiFled to two mutants that accumulated the same two compounds, cytosamine and 4-acetamido-3-hydroxybenzoic acid. These data indicated that AmiF functioned as an amide synthethase to link cytosine and PABA. The inactivation ofamiR, encoding an acyl-CoA-acyl carrier protein transacylase, resulted in the production of plicacetin and norplicacetin, indicating AmiR to be responsible for attachment of the terminal methylserine moiety to form another amide bond. These findings implicated two alternative strategies for amide bond formation in amicetin biosynthesis.

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