The gyrase inhibitor albicidin consists of p-aminobenzoic acids and cyanoalanine
January 19th, 2015 by Stéphane Cociancich
Nature Chemical Biology 11, 195 (2015). doi:10.1038/nchembio.1734
Authors: Stéphane Cociancich, Alexander Pesic, Daniel Petras, Stefanie Uhlmann, Julian Kretz, Vivien Schubert, Laura Vieweg, Sandrine Duplan, Mélanie Marguerettaz, Julie Noëll, Isabelle Pieretti, Manuela Hügelland, Sebastian Kemper, Andi Mainz, Philippe Rott, Monique Royer & Roderich D Süssmuth
Albicidin is a potent DNA gyrase inhibitor produced by the sugarcane pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas albilineans. Here we report the elucidation of the hitherto unknown structure of albicidin, revealing a unique polyaromatic oligopeptide mainly composed of p-aminobenzoic acids. In vitro studies provide further insights into the biosynthetic machinery of albicidin. These findings will enable structural investigations on the inhibition mechanism of albicidin and its assessment as a highly effective antibacterial drug.