Expression of genes for the biosynthesis of penicillin

Turner, Geoffrey; Browne, P; Brakhage, Axel A.

doi:10.1007/978-3-642-84625-0_15

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 22 publications

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“…Genetic data suggested, however, that in A. nidulans, L-␣-AAA for penicillin biosynthesis is also provided by catabolic conversion of L-lysine by an as yet unidentified pathway. This was concluded from the observation that lysine-auxotrophic mutants defective in the lower part of the pathway leading to the formation of L-␣-AAA produced penicillin when L-lysine was added to the medium (330) (Fig. 6).…”

Section: Amino Acids As Precursors and Mediators Of Regulationmentioning

confidence: 90%

Molecular Regulation of β-Lactam Biosynthesis in Filamentous Fungi

Brakhage¹

1998

Microbiol Mol Biol Rev

211

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SUMMARY The most commonly used β-lactam antibiotics for the therapy of infectious diseases are penicillin and cephalosporin. Penicillin is produced as an end product by some fungi, most notably by Aspergillus (Emericella) nidulans and Penicillium chrysogenum. Cephalosporins are synthesized by both bacteria and fungi, e.g., by the fungus Acremonium chrysogenum (Cephalosporium acremonium). The biosynthetic pathways leading to both secondary metabolites start from the same three amino acid precursors and have the first two enzymatic reactions in common. Penicillin biosynthesis is catalyzed by three enzymes encoded by acvA (pcbAB), ipnA (pcbC), and aatA (penDE). The genes are organized into a cluster. In A. chrysogenum, in addition to acvA and ipnA, a second cluster contains the genes encoding enzymes that catalyze the reactions of the later steps of the cephalosporin pathway (cefEF and cefG). Within the last few years, several studies have indicated that the fungal β-lactam biosynthesis genes are controlled by a complex regulatory network, e.g., by the ambient pH, carbon source, and amino acids. A comparison with the regulatory mechanisms (regulatory proteins and DNA elements) involved in the regulation of genes of primary metabolism in lower eukaryotes is thus of great interest. This has already led to the elucidation of new regulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, such investigations have contributed to the elucidation of signals leading to the production of β-lactams and their physiological meaning for the producing fungi, and they can be expected to have a major impact on rational strain improvement programs. The knowledge of biosynthesis genes has already been used to produce new compounds.

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Section: Amino Acids As Precursors and Mediators Of Regulationmentioning

confidence: 90%