1
|
Kaweewan I, Mukai K, Rukthanapitak P, Nakagawa H, Hosaka T, Kodani S. Heterologous biosynthesis of myxobacterial lanthipeptides melittapeptins. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:122. [PMID: 38229328 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12834-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The myxobacteria are an attractive bioresource for bioactive compounds since the large size genome contains many biosynthetic gene clusters of secondary metabolites. The genome of the myxobacterium Melittangium boletus contains three biosynthetic gene clusters for lanthipeptide production. One of the gene clusters includes genes coding lanthipeptide precursor (melA), class II lanthipeptide synthetase (melM), and transporter (melT). The amino acid sequence of melA indicated similarity with that of known lanthipeptides mersacidin and lichenicidin A1 by the alignment. To perform heterologous production of new lanthipeptides, the expression vector containing the essential genes (melA and melM) was constructed by utilizing codon-optimized synthetic genes. The co-expression of two genes in the host bacterial cells of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) afforded new lanthipeptides named melittapeptins A-C. The structures of melittapeptins A-C including lanthionine/methyllanthionine bridge pattern were proposed based on protease digestion and MS/MS experiments. The native strain of M. boletus did not produce melittapeptins A-C, so heterologous production using the biosynthetic gene cluster was effective in obtaining the lanthipeptides. Melittapeptins A-C showed specific and potent antibacterial activity to the Gram-positive bacterium Micrococcus luteus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of antibacterial lanthipeptides derived from myxobacterial origin. KEY POINTS: • New lanthipeptides melittapeptins were heterologously produced in Escherichia coli. • Melittapeptins showed specific antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus. • Melittapeptins were the first antibacterial lanthipeptides of myxobacterial origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Issara Kaweewan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Keiichiro Mukai
- Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | | | - Hiroyuki Nakagawa
- Research Center for Advanced Analysis, Core Technology Research Headquarters, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hosaka
- Graduate School of Medicine, Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Nagano, Japan
| | - Shinya Kodani
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan.
- Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan.
- College of Agriculture, Academic Institute, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jain PM, Nellikka A, Kammara R. Understanding bacteriocin heterologous expression: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 277:133916. [PMID: 39033897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriocins are a diverse group of ribosomally synthesised antimicrobial peptides/proteins that play an important role in self-defence. They are widely used as bio-preservatives and effective substitutes for disease eradication. They can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to antibiotics to minimize the risk of resistance development. There are remarkably few reports indicating resistance to bacteriocins. Although there are many research reports that emphasise heterologous expression of bacteriocin, there are no convincing reports on the significant role that intrinsic and extrinsic factors play in overexpression. A coordinated and cooperative expression system works in concert with multiple genetic elements encoding native proteins, immunoproteins, exporters, transporters and enzymes involved in the post-translational modification of bacteriocins. The simplest way could be to utilise the existing E. coli expression system, which is conventional, widely used for heterologous expression and has been further extended for bacteriocin expression. In this article, we will review the intrinsic and extrinsic factors, advantages, disadvantages and major problems associated with bacteriocin overexpression in E. coli. Finally, we recommend the most effective strategies as well as numerous bacteriocin expression systems from E. coli, Lactococcus, Kluveromyces lactis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris for their suitability for successful overexpression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanshi M Jain
- Department of Microbiology and Fermentation Technology, CSIR-CFTRI, AcSIR, Mysore, India
| | - Anagha Nellikka
- Department of Microbiology and Fermentation Technology, CSIR-CFTRI, AcSIR, Mysore, India
| | - Rajagopal Kammara
- Department of Microbiology and Fermentation Technology, CSIR-CFTRI, AcSIR, Mysore, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sugrue I, Ross RP, Hill C. Bacteriocin diversity, function, discovery and application as antimicrobials. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:556-571. [PMID: 38730101 PMCID: PMC7616364 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriocins are potent antimicrobial peptides that are produced by bacteria. Since their discovery almost a century ago, diverse peptides have been discovered and described, and some are currently used as commercial food preservatives. Many bacteriocins exhibit extensively post-translationally modified structures encoded on complex gene clusters, whereas others have simple linear structures. The molecular structures, mechanisms of action and resistance have been determined for a number of bacteriocins, but most remain incompletely characterized. These gene-encoded peptides are amenable to bioengineering strategies and heterologous expression, enabling metagenomic mining and modification of novel antimicrobials. The ongoing global antimicrobial resistance crisis demands that novel therapeutics be developed to combat infectious pathogens. New compounds that are target-specific and compatible with the resident microbiota would be valuable alternatives to current antimicrobials. As bacteriocins can be broad or narrow spectrum in nature, they are promising tools for this purpose. However, few bacteriocins have gone beyond preclinical trials and none is currently used therapeutically in humans. In this Review, we explore the broad diversity in bacteriocin structure and function, describe identification and optimization methods and discuss the reasons behind the lack of translation beyond the laboratory of these potentially valuable antimicrobials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Sugrue
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cheng B, Xue Y, Duan Y, Liu W. Enzymatic Formation of an Aminovinyl Cysteine Residue in Ribosomal Peptide Natural Products. Chempluschem 2024; 89:e202400047. [PMID: 38517224 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The carboxyl-terminal (C-terminal) S-[(Z)-2-aminovinyl]-cysteine (AviCys) analogs have been identified in four families of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs): lanthipeptides, linaridins, thioamitides, and lipolanthines. Within identified biosynthetic pathways, a highly reactive enethiol intermediate, formed through an oxidative decarboxylation catalyzed by a LanD-like flavoprotein, can undergo two types of cyclization: a Michael addition with a dehydroamino acid or a coupling reaction initiated by a radical species. The collaborative actions of LanD-like proteins with diverse enzymes involved in dehydration, dethiolation or cyclization lead to the construction of structurally distinct peptide natural products with analogous C-terminal macrocyclic moieties. This concept summarizes existing knowledge regarding biosynthetic pathways of AviCys analogs to emphasize the diversity of biosynthetic mechanisms that paves the way for future genome mining explorations into diverse peptide natural products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Botao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanqing Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuting Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lilge L, Kuipers OP. A two-step regulatory circuit involving Spo0A-AbrB activates mersacidin biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 63:107155. [PMID: 38527561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Due to intramolecular ring structures, the ribosomally produced and post-translationally modified peptide mersacidin shows antimicrobial properties comparable to those of vancomycin without exhibiting cross-resistance. Although the principles of mersacidin biosynthesis are known, there is no information on the molecular control processes for the initial stimulation of mersacidin bioproduction. By using Bacillus subtilis for heterologous biosynthesis, a considerable amount of mersacidin could be produced without the mersacidin-specific immune system and the mersacidin-activating secretory protease. By using the established laboratory strain Bacillus subtilis 168 and strain 3NA, which is used for high cell density fermentation processes, in combination with the construction of reporter strains to determine the promoter strengths within the mersacidin core gene cluster, the molecular regulatory circuit of Spo0A, a master regulator of cell differentiation including sporulation initiation, and the global transcriptional regulator AbrB, which is involved in cell adaptation processes in the transient growth phase, was identified to control the initial stimulation of the mersacidin core gene cluster. In a second downstream regulatory step, the activator MrsR1, encoded in the core gene cluster, acts as a stimulatory element for mersacidin biosynthesis. These findings are important to understand the mechanisms linking environmental conditions and microbial responses with respect to the bioproduction of bioactive metabolites including antimicrobials such as mersacidin. This information will also support the construction of production strains for bioactive metabolites with antimicrobial properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Lilge
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, AG Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Oscar P Kuipers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eslami SM, van der Donk WA. Proteases Involved in Leader Peptide Removal during RiPP Biosynthesis. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2024; 4:20-36. [PMID: 38404746 PMCID: PMC10885120 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.3c00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) have received much attention in recent years because of their promising bioactivities and the portability of their biosynthetic pathways. Heterologous expression studies of RiPP biosynthetic enzymes identified by genome mining often leave a leader peptide on the final product to prevent toxicity to the host and to allow the attachment of a genetically encoded affinity purification tag. Removal of the leader peptide to produce the mature natural product is then carried out in vitro with either a commercial protease or a protease that fulfills this task in the producing organism. This review covers the advances in characterizing these latter cognate proteases from bacterial RiPPs and their utility as sequence-dependent proteases. The strategies employed for leader peptide removal have been shown to be remarkably diverse. They include one-step removal by a single protease, two-step removal by two dedicated proteases, and endoproteinase activity followed by aminopeptidase activity by the same protease. Similarly, the localization of the proteolytic step varies from cytoplasmic cleavage to leader peptide removal during secretion to extracellular leader peptide removal. Finally, substrate recognition ranges from highly sequence specific with respect to the leader and/or modified core peptide to nonsequence specific mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara M. Eslami
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Illinois at
Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Wilfred A. van der Donk
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Illinois at
Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, University of
Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Puan SL, Erriah P, Baharudin MMAA, Yahaya NM, Kamil WNIWA, Ali MSM, Ahmad SA, Oslan SN, Lim S, Sabri S. Antimicrobial peptides from Bacillus spp. and strategies to enhance their yield. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:5569-5593. [PMID: 37450018 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12651-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern that is affecting public health globally. The search for alternative antimicrobial agents has become increasingly important. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced by Bacillus spp. have emerged as a promising alternative to antibiotics, due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against resistant pathogens. In this review, we provide an overview of Bacillus-derived AMPs, including their classification into ribosomal (bacteriocins) and non-ribosomal peptides (lipopeptides and polyketides). Additionally, we delve into the molecular mechanisms of AMP production and describe the key biosynthetic gene clusters involved. Despite their potential, the low yield of AMPs produced under normal laboratory conditions remains a challenge to large-scale production. This review thus concludes with a comprehensive summary of recent studies aimed at enhancing the productivity of Bacillus-derived AMPs. In addition to medium optimization and genetic manipulation, various molecular strategies have been explored to increase the production of recombinant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These include the selection of appropriate expression systems, the engineering of expression promoters, and metabolic engineering. Bacillus-derived AMPs offer great potential as alternative antimicrobial agents, and this review provides valuable insights on the strategies to enhance their production yield, which may have significant implications for combating antibiotic resistance. KEY POINTS: • Bacillus-derived AMP is a potential alternative therapy for resistant pathogens • Bacillus produces two main classes of AMPs: ribosomal and non-ribosomal peptides • AMP yield can be enhanced using culture optimization and molecular approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheau Ling Puan
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pirasannah Erriah
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Malik Al-Adil Baharudin
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Normi Mohd Yahaya
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Nur Ismah Wan Ahmad Kamil
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shukuri Mohamad Ali
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Aqlima Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nurbaya Oslan
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sooa Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hoseo University, 31499, Asan-Si, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Suriana Sabri
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang X, Chen X, Wang ZJ, Zhuang M, Zhong L, Fu C, Garcia R, Müller R, Zhang Y, Yan J, Wu D, Huo L. Discovery and Characterization of a Myxobacterial Lanthipeptide with Unique Biosynthetic Features and Anti-inflammatory Activity. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 37466996 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c06014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The genomes of myxobacteria harbor a variety of biosynthetic gene clusters encoding numerous secondary metabolites, including ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) with diverse chemical structures and biological activities. However, the biosynthetic potential of RiPPs from myxobacteria remains barely explored. Herein, we report a novel myxobacteria lanthipeptide myxococin identified from Myxococcus fulvus. Myxococins represent the first example of lanthipeptides, of which the characteristic multiple thioether rings are installed by employing a Class II lanthipeptide synthetase MfuM and a Class I lanthipeptide cyclase MfuC in a cascaded way. Unprecedentedly, we biochemically characterized the first M61 family aminopeptidase MfuP involved in RiPP biosynthesis, demonstrating that MfuP showed the activity of an endopeptidase activity. MfuP is leader-independent but strictly selective for the multibridge structure of myxococin A and responsible for unwrapping two rings via amide bond hydrolysis, yielding myxococin B. Furthermore, the X-ray crystal structure of MfuP and structural analysis, including active-site mutations, are reported. Finally, myxococins are evaluated to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages without detectable cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
| | - Zong-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
| | - Mengwei Zhuang
- Department of Diagnostics, Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lin Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, Chin
| | - Chengzhang Fu
- Helmholtz International Laboratory, Department of Microbial Natural Products (MINS), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Department of Pharmacy at Saarland University, Campus E8 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Campus E8 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Ronald Garcia
- Helmholtz International Laboratory, Department of Microbial Natural Products (MINS), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Department of Pharmacy at Saarland University, Campus E8 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Campus E8 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Helmholtz International Laboratory, Department of Microbial Natural Products (MINS), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and Department of Pharmacy at Saarland University, Campus E8 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Campus E8 1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Youming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Diagnostics, Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Dalei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
| | - Liujie Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
- Helmholtz International Lab for Anti-Infectives, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Janssen K, Krasenbrink J, Strangfeld S, Kroheck S, Josten M, Engeser M, Bierbaum G. Elucidation of the Bridging Pattern of the Lantibiotic Pseudomycoicidin. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200540. [PMID: 36399337 PMCID: PMC10107895 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lantibiotics are post-translationally modified antibiotic peptides with lanthionine thioether bridges that represent potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics. The lantibiotic pseudomycoicidin is produced by Bacillus pseudomycoides DSM 12442 and is effective against many Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. While prior work demonstrated that pseudomycoicidin possesses one disulfide bridge and four thioether bridges, the ring topology has so far remained unclear. Here, we analyzed several pseudomycoicidin analogues that are affected in ring formation via MALDI-TOF-MS and tandem mass spectrometry with regard to their dehydration and fragmentation patterns, respectively. As a result, we propose a bridging pattern involving Thr8 and Cys13, Thr10 and Cys16, Ser18 and Cys21, and Ser20 and Cys26, thus, forming two double ring systems. Additionally, we localized the disulfide bridge to connect Cys3 and Cys7 and, therefore, fully elucidated the bridging pattern of pseudomycoicidin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Janssen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Krasenbrink
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany.,Present address: Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Department for Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarina Strangfeld
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sarah Kroheck
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michaele Josten
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marianne Engeser
- Kekulé Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Gerhard-Domagk-Str. 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriele Bierbaum
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vermeulen R, Van Staden ADP, van Zyl LJ, Dicks LMT, Trindade M. Unusual Class I Lanthipeptides from the Marine Bacteria Thalassomonas viridans. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3608-3616. [PMID: 36323319 PMCID: PMC9680876 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A novel class I lanthipeptide produced by the marine bacterium Thalassomonas viridans XOM25T was identified using genome mining. The putative lanthipeptides were heterologously coexpressed in Escherichia coli as GFP-prepeptide fusions along with the operon-encoded class I lanthipeptide modification machinery VdsCB. The core peptides, VdsA1 and VdsA2, were liberated from GFP using the NisP protease, purified, and analyzed by collision-induced tandem mass spectrometry. The operon-encoded cyclase and dehydratase, VdsCB, exhibited lanthipeptide synthetase activity via post-translational modification of the VdsA1 and VdsA2 core peptides. Modifications were directed by the conserved double glycine leader containing prepeptides of VdsA1 and VdsA2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Vermeulen
- Department
of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa
- Department
of Biotechnology, Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics
(IMBM), University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535 South Africa
| | - Anton Du Preez Van Staden
- Department
of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa
- Division
of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine
and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Parow 7505, South Africa
| | - Leonardo Joaquim van Zyl
- Department
of Biotechnology, Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics
(IMBM), University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535 South Africa
| | - Leon M. T. Dicks
- Department
of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Marla Trindade
- Department
of Biotechnology, Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics
(IMBM), University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535 South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Viel J, Kuipers OP. Modular Use of the Uniquely Small Ring A of Mersacidin Generates the Smallest Ribosomally Produced Lanthipeptide. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3078-3087. [PMID: 36065523 PMCID: PMC9486960 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Mersacidin is an antimicrobial class II lanthipeptide. Lanthipeptides are a class of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), characterized by intramolecular lanthionine rings. These rings give lanthipeptides their bioactive structure and stability. RiPPs are produced from a gene cluster that encodes a precursor peptide and its dedicated unique modification enzymes. The field of RiPP engineering aims to recombine modification enzymes from different RiPPs to modify new substrates, resulting in new-to-nature molecules with novel or improved functionality. The enzyme MrsM from the mersacidin gene cluster installs the four lanthionine rings of mersacidin, including the uniquely small ring A. By applying MrsM in RiPP engineering, this ring could be installed in linear peptides to achieve stabilization by a very small lanthionine or to create small lanthionine-stabilized modules for chemical modification. However, the formation of unique intramolecular structures like that of mersacidin's ring A can be very stringent. Here, the formation of ring A of mersacidin is characterized by mutagenesis. A range of truncated mersacidin variants was made to identify the smallest possible construct in which this ring could still be formed. Additionally, mutants were created to study the flexibility of ring A formation. It was found that although the formation of ring A is stringent, it can be formed in a core peptide as small as five amino acids. The truncated mersacidin core peptide CTFAL is the smallest ribosomally produced lanthipeptide reported to date, and it has exciting prospects as a new module for application in RiPP engineering.
Collapse
|
12
|
Viel JH, Kuipers OP. Mutational Studies of the Mersacidin Leader Reveal the Function of Its Unique Two-Step Leader Processing Mechanism. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1949-1957. [PMID: 35504017 PMCID: PMC9127955 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The class II lanthipeptide
mersacidin, a ribosomally synthesized
and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP), displays unique
intramolecular structures, including a very small lanthionine ring.
When applied in the growing field of RiPP engineering, these can add
unique features to new-to-nature compounds with novel properties.
Recently, a heterologous expression system for mersacidin in Escherichia coli was developed to add its modification
enzymes to the RiPP engineering toolbox and further explore mersacidin
biosynthesis and leader-processing. The dedicated mersacidin transporter
and leader protease MrsT was shown to cleave the leader peptide only
partially upon export, transporting GDMEAA-mersacidin out of the cell.
The extracellular Bacillus amyloliquefaciens protease AprE was shown to release active mersacidin in a second
leader-processing step after transport. The conserved LanT cleavage
site in the mersacidin leader is present in many other class II lanthipeptides.
In contrast to mersacidin, the leader of these peptides is fully processed
in one step. This difference with mersacidin leader-processing raises
fundamentally interesting questions about the specifics of mersacidin
modification and processing, which is also crucial for its application
in RiPP engineering. Here, mutational studies of the mersacidin leader–core
interface were performed to answer these questions. Results showed
the GDMEAA sequence is crucial for both mersacidin modification and
leader processing, revealing a unique leader layout in which a LanM
recognition site is positioned downstream of the conserved leader-protease
LanT cleavage site. Moreover, by identifying residues and regions
that are crucial for mersacidin-type modifications, the wider application
of mersacidin modifications in RiPP engineering has been enabled.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob H. Viel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar P. Kuipers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rungsirivanich P, Parlindungan E, O'Connor PM, Field D, Mahony J, Thongwai N, van Sinderen D. Simultaneous Production of Multiple Antimicrobial Compounds by Bacillus velezensis ML122-2 Isolated From Assam Tea Leaf [ Camellia sinensis var. assamica (J.W.Mast.) Kitam.]. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:789362. [PMID: 34899671 PMCID: PMC8653701 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.789362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus velezensis ML122-2 is an antimicrobial-producing strain isolated from the leaf of Assam tea or Miang [Camellia sinensis var. assamica (J.W.Mast.) Kitam.]. The cell-free supernatant (CFS) of strain ML122-2 exhibits a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as the mold Penicillium expansum. The genome of B. velezensis ML122-2 was sequenced and in silico analysis identified three potential bacteriocin-associated gene clusters, that is, those involved in the production of mersacidin, amylocyclicin, and LCI. Furthermore, six gene clusters exhibiting homology (75–100% DNA sequence identity) to those associated with the secondary metabolites bacilysin, bacillibactin, surfactin, macrolactin H, bacillaene, and plipastatin were identified. Individual antimicrobial activities produced by B. velezensis ML122-2 were purified and characterized by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry analysis, revealing three antimicrobial peptides with molecular masses corresponding to surfactin, plipastatin, and amylocyclicin. Transcriptional analysis of specific genes associated with mersacidin (mrsA), amylocyclicin (acnA), plipastatin (ppsA), and surfactin (srfAA) production by B. velezensis ML122-2 showed that the first was not transcribed under the conditions tested, while the latter three were consistent with the presence of the associated peptides as determined by mass spectrometry analysis. These findings demonstrate that B. velezensis ML122-2 has the genetic capacity to produce a wide range of antimicrobial activities that may support a specific community structure and highlight the biotechnological properties of Assam tea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patthanasak Rungsirivanich
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Elvina Parlindungan
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paula M O'Connor
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Des Field
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Narumol Thongwai
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Research Center in Bioresources for Agriculture, Industry and Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Viel JH, van Tilburg AY, Kuipers OP. Characterization of Leader Processing Shows That Partially Processed Mersacidin Is Activated by AprE After Export. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:765659. [PMID: 34777321 PMCID: PMC8581636 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.765659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide mersacidin is a class II lanthipeptide with good activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The intramolecular lanthionine rings, that give mersacidin its stability and antimicrobial activity, are specific structures with potential applications in synthetic biology. To add the mersacidin modification enzymes to the synthetic biology toolbox, a heterologous expression system for mersacidin in Escherichia coli has recently been developed. While this system was able to produce fully modified mersacidin precursor peptide that could be activated by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens supernatant and showed that mersacidin was activated in an additional proteolytic step after transportation out of the cell, it lacked a mechanism for clean and straightforward leader processing. Here, the protease responsible for activating mersacidin was identified and heterologously produced in E. coli, improving the previously reported heterologous expression system. By screening multiple proteases, the stringency of proteolytic activity directly next to a very small lanthionine ring is demonstrated, and the full two-step proteolytic activation of mersacidin was elucidated. Additionally, the effect of partial leader processing on diffusion and antimicrobial activity is assessed, shedding light on the function of two-step leader processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob H Viel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Amanda Y van Tilburg
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Oscar P Kuipers
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|