Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for Cladoniamides
Author Information
Author(s): Katherine S. Ryan
Primary Institution: The University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
Indenotryptoline cores are biosynthetically derived from the oxidative rearrangement of an indolocarbazole precursor.
Conclusion
The study reveals that cladoniamides are generated from the oxidative rearrangement of an indolopyrrolocarbazole scaffold via the action of two flavin-dependent enzymes.
Supporting Evidence
- The cladoniamides have an unusual, indenotryptoline structure rarely observed among bis-indole alkaloids.
- The cladoniamide gene cluster differs from the BE-54017 gene cluster in gene organization and in the absence of one N-methyltransferase gene.
- Both gene clusters encode enzymes needed for the construction of an indolocarbazole core.
- Transposon mutagenesis of the BE-54017 gene cluster provides insight into the biosynthetic construction of cladoniamides.
Takeaway
Scientists found out how a special type of chemical, called cladoniamides, is made by tiny bacteria. They figured out the steps and the tools the bacteria use to create these chemicals.
Methodology
The cladoniamide gene cluster was isolated, sequenced, and compared to the BE-54017 gene cluster using PCR and transposon mutagenesis.
Limitations
The exact order of chlorinations and methylations in the biosynthetic pathway is currently unknown.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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