Biosynthesis of Phenazine Antibiotics in Streptomyces antibioticus: Stereochemistry of Methyl Transfer from Carbon-2 of Acetate

Structural characterization, derivatization and antibacterial activity of secondary metabolites produced by termite-associated Streptomyces showdoensis BYF17

BACKGROUND

Insect-associated Streptomyces is a valuable resource for development of compounds with antibacterial potential. However, relatively little is known of the secondary metabolites produced by termite-associated Streptomyces.

RESULTS

Here, seven compounds including o-acetaminophenol (1), phenazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid (2), phenylacetic acid (3), phenazinolin D (4), izumiphenazine A (5), izumiphenazine B (6) and phenazinolin E (7) were obtained from the fermentation broth of a termite-associated Streptomyces showdoensis BYF17, which was isolated from the body surfaces of Odontotermes formosanus. Two additional novel derivative compounds (6a and 6b) were synthesized via acetylation and methylation, respectively. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. The antibacterial bioassay showed that compound 6a displayed strong inhibitory effects against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) diameter of 20.6 mm, which was comparable to that of positive gentamicin sulfate with a ZOI value of 25.6 mm. Furthermore, the Day 5 curative activities of both compounds 6 and 6a against kiwifruit bacterial canker were 71.5%, which was higher than those of referred oxine-copper (55.0%) and ethylicin (46.8%) at a concentration of 200 μg mL^-1 . In addition, the mechanism analysis based on scanning electron microscopic observation revealed that both compounds 6 and 6a destroyed the integrity of the Psa cell membrane.

CONCLUSION

The results of biological tests showed that these bioactive compounds exhibit potent antimicrobial activities, which have the potential to be developed into new antibacterial agents. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Wasteful Azo Dyes as a Source of Biologically Active Building Blocks

In this work, an environment-friendly enzymatic strategy was developed for the valorisation of dye-containing wastewaters. We set up biocatalytic processes for the conversion of azo dyes representative of the main classes used in the textile industry into valuable aromatic compounds: aromatic amines, phenoxazinones, phenazines, and naphthoquinones. First, purified preparations of PpAzoR azoreductase efficiently reduced mordant, acid, reactive, and direct azo dyes into aromatic amines, and CotA-laccase oxidised these compounds into phenazines, phenoxazinones, and naphthoquinones. Second, whole cells containing the overproduced enzymes were utilised in the two-step enzymatic conversion of the model mordant black 9 dye into sodium 2-amino-3-oxo-3H-phenoxazine-8-sulphonate, allowing to overcome the drawbacks associated with the use of expensive purified enzymes, co-factors, or exquisite reaction conditions. Third, cells immobilised in sodium alginate allowed recycling the biocatalysts and achieving very good to excellent final phenoxazine product yields (up to 80%) in water and with less impurities in the final reaction mixtures. Finally, one-pot systems using recycled immobilised cells co-producing both enzymes resulted in the highest phenoxazinone yields (90%) through the sequential use of static and stirring conditions, controlling the oxygenation of reaction mixtures and the successive activity of azoreductase (anaerobic) and laccase (aerobic).

PhzA, the shunt switch of phenazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid biosynthesis in Pseudomonas chlororaphis HT66

Natural phenazines are versatile secondary metabolites that are mainly produced by Pseudomonas and Streptomyces. All phenazine-type metabolites originate from two precursors: phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) in Pseudomonas or phenazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) in Streptomyces and other bacteria. Although the biosynthesis of PCA in Pseudomonas has been extensively studied, the origin of PDC still remains unclear. Comparing the phenazine biosynthesis operons of different species, we found that the phzA gene was restricted to Pseudomonas in which PCA is produced. By generating phzA-inactivated mutant, we found a new compound obviously accumulated; it was then isolated and identified as PDC. Protein sequence alignment showed that PhzA proteins from Pseudomonas form a separate group that is recognized by H73L and S77L mutations. Generating mutations of L⁷³ into H⁷³ and L⁷⁷ into S⁷⁷ resulted in a significant increase in PDC production. These findings suggest that phzA may act as a shunt switch of PDC biosynthesis in Pseudomonas and distinguish the pathway producing only PCA from the pathway forming PCA plus PDC. Using real-time PCR analysis, we suggested that the phzA, phzB, and phzG genes either directly or indirectly regulate the production of PDC, and phzA plays the most significant regulatory role. This is the first description of phzA in the biosynthesis of PDC, and the first-time substantial PDC was obtained in Pseudomonas. Therefore, this study not only provides valuable clues to better understand the biosynthesis of PCA and PDC in Pseudomonas but also introduces a method to produce PDC derivatives by genetically engineered strains.

Isolation of phenazine 1,6-di-carboxylic acid from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain HRW.1-S3 and its role in biofilm-mediated crude oil degradation and cytotoxicity against bacterial and cancer cells

Pseudomonas sp. has long been known for production of a wide range of secondary metabolites during late exponential and stationary phases of growth. Phenazine derivatives constitute a large group of secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms including Pseudomonas sp. Phenazine 1,6-di-carboxylic acid (PDC) is one of such metabolites and has been debated for its origin from Pseudomonas sp. The present study describes purification and characterization of PDC isolated from culture of a natural isolate of Pseudomonas sp. HRW.1-S3 while grown in presence of crude oil as sole carbon source. The isolated PDC was tested for its effect on biofilm formation by another environmental isolate of Pseudomonas sp. DSW.1-S4 which lacks the ability to produce any phenazine compound. PDC showed profound effect on both planktonic as well as biofilm mode of growth of DSW.1-S4 at concentrations between 5 and 20 μM. Interestingly, PDC showed substantial cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines and against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Thus, the present study not only opens an avenue to understand interspecific cooperation between Pseudomonas species which may lead its applicability in bioremediation, but also it signifies the scope of future investigation on PDC for its therapeutic applications.

Insights into a divergent phenazine biosynthetic pathway governed by a plasmid-born esmeraldin gene cluster

Phenazine-type metabolites arise from either phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) or phenazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC). Although the biosynthesis of PCA has been studied extensively, PDC assembly remains unclear. Esmeraldins and saphenamycin, the PDC originated products, are antimicrobial and antitumor metabolites isolated from Streptomyces antibioticus Tü 2706. Herein, the esmeraldin biosynthetic gene cluster was identified on a dispensable giant plasmid. Twenty-four putative esm genes were characterized by bioinformatics, mutagenesis, genetic complementation, and functional protein expressions. Unlike enzymes involved in PCA biosynthesis, EsmA1 and EsmA2 together decisively promoted the PDC yield. The resulting PDC underwent a series of conversions to give 6-acetylphenazine-1-carboxylic acid, saphenic acid, and saphenamycin through a unique one-carbon extension by EsmB1-B5, a keto reduction by EsmC, and an esterification by EsmD1-D3, the atypical polyketide sythases, respectively. Two transcriptional regulators, EsmT1 and EsmT2, are required for esmeraldin production.

New pyranonaphthoquinones and a phenazine alkaloid isolated from Streptomyces sp. IFM 11307 with TRAIL resistance-overcoming activity

Four new pyranonaphthoquinones (1-4) were isolated from the liquid culture of Streptomyces sp. IFM 11307. Additionally, one new phenazine derivative (5), along with the known phenazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid (6) were identified. The chemical structure of compounds 1-6 was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy together with CD spectral analysis. Compounds 1-4 significantly overcame tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand resistance in human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines.

Isolation and purification of a modified phenazine, griseoluteic acid, produced by Streptomyces griseoluteus P510

Antibiotic phenazine derivatives and their formation pathways were studied in a new Streptomyces strain P510. Culture characteristics and 16S rRNA nucleotide analysis confirmed strain P510 as Streptomyces griseoluteus. The culture medium of this strain showed strong antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Using organic solvent extraction, silica gel column chromatography and HPLC, a modified phenazine, griseoluteic acid, and a shikimic acid-derived metabolite, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, were separated and purified. In addition, the biological activity of griseoluteic acid (GA), an important intermediate for biosynthesis of phenazine derivatives, was also investigated in this research. It significantly inhibited growth of Bacillus subtilis. The presence of GA and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde implied that the phenazine biosynthesis pathway in S. griseoluteus P510 might be initiated with shikimic acid, using phenazine-1, 6-dicarboxylic acid as the precursor. The discovery of a partial analogical sequence of phenazine biosynthetic genes, sgpC, sgpD and sgpE, in S. griseoluteus P510 further supported this hypothesis.

Izumiphenazines A-C: isolation and structure elucidation of phenazine derivatives from Streptomyces sp. IFM 11204

Three new phenazine derivatives, named izumiphenazines A-C (1-3), and the known phenazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid (4) were isolated from Streptomyces sp. IFM 11204. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, HRESIMS, and 1D and 2D NMR. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their activity in overcoming TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) resistance in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Compounds 2 (30 μM) and 3 (20 μM) in combination with TRAIL showed synergistic activity in sensitizing TRAIL-resistant AGS cells.

Synthesis and fungicidal activity of novel aminophenazine-1-carboxylate derivatives

A series of novel 6-aminophenazine-1-, 7-aminophenazine-1- and 8-aminophenazine-1-carboxylate derivatives were synthesized by a facile method, and their structures were characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Some unexpected byproducts V-7b-V-8d were noticed and isolated, and their structures were identified by 2D NMR spectra including heteronuclear multiple-quantum coherence (HMQC), heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (Hmbc) and H-H correlation spectrometry (H-H COSY) approach. Their fungicidal activities against five fungi were evaluated, which indicated that most of the title compounds showed low fungicidal activities in vitro against Alternaria solani, Cercospora arachidicola, Fusarium omysporum, Gibberella zeae, and Physalospora piricola at a dosage of 50 microg mL(-1), while compounds IV-6a and IV-6b exhibited excellent activities against P. piricola at that dosage. Compound IV-6a could be considered as a leading structure for further design of fungicides.

Phenazine compounds in fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. biosynthesis and regulation

The phenazines include upward of 50 pigmented, heterocyclic nitrogen-containing secondary metabolites synthesized by some strains of fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. and a few other bacterial genera. The antibiotic properties of these compounds have been known for over 150 years, but advances within the past two decades have provided significant new insights into the genetics, biochemistry, and regulation of phenazine synthesis, as well as the mode of action and functional roles of these compounds in the environment. This new knowledge reveals conservation of biosynthetic enzymes across genera but raises questions about conserved biosynthetic mechanisms, and sets the stage for improving the performance of phenazine producers used as biological control agents for soilborne plant pathogens.

Correlation between pigmentation and antifouling compounds produced by Pseudoalteromonas tunicata

Pseudoalteromonas tunicata is a marine bacterium with the ability to prevent biofouling by the production of at least four target-specific compounds. In addition to these antifouling compounds, P. tunicata produces at least two pigments. These include a yellow and a purple pigment which, when combined, give the bacterium a dark green appearance. Transposon mutagenesis was used in this study to investigate the correlation between pigment production and the expression of specific antifouling phenotypes in P. tunicata. Four different categories of pigmentation mutants were isolated including yellow, dark-purple, light-purple and white mutants. The mutants were tested for their ability to inhibit the settlement of invertebrate larvae, algal spore germination, fungal growth and bacterial growth. The results showed that the yellow-pigmented mutants retained full antifouling activity, whereas the purple and white mutant strains had lost some, or all, of their ability to inhibit target organisms. This demonstrates that the loss of antifouling capabilities correlates with the loss of yellow pigment and not purple pigment. Sequencing and analysis of the genes disrupted by the transposons in these mutants identified a number of potential biosynthetic enzymes and transport systems involved in the synthesis and regulation of pigmentation and fouling inhibitors in this organism.

Characterization of a novel phenazine antibiotic gene cluster in Erwinia herbicola Eh1087

Erwinia herbicola strain Eh1087 produces the broad-spectrum phenazine antibiotic D-alanylgriseoluteic acid (AGA). In this report, a cluster of 16 ehp (Erwinia herbicola phenazine) plasmid genes required for the production of AGA by Eh1087 is described. The extent of the gene cluster was revealed by the isolation of 82 different Eh1087 AGA- mutants, all found to possess single mini-Tn5lacZ2 insertions within a 14 kbp DNA region. Additional transposon insertions that did not affect antibiotic production by Eh1087 were created to define the boundaries of the gene cluster. The size and location of genes between these boundaries were derived from a combination of DNA sequence analyses, minicell protein analyses and the correlation between mutation position and the production of coloured AGA intermediates by many ehp mutants. Precursor-feeding and complementation experiments resulted in 15 ehp genes being assigned to one of four functional groups according to their role in the synthesis of AGA. Group 1 is required for the synthesis of the phenazine nucleus in the form of antibiotic precursor one (AP1, phenazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid). Group 2 is responsible for conversion of AP1 to AP2, which is subsequently modified to AP3 (griseoluteic acid) and exported by the group 3 gene products. Group 4 catalyses the addition of D-alanine to AP3 to create AGA, independently of groups 1, 2 and 3. A gene that is divergently transcribed from the 15 AGA synthesis ehp genes confers resistance to AGA.