The biosynthetic origin of the pyridone ring of efrotomycin

J Ind Microbiol. 1991 Nov;8(4):265-71. doi: 10.1007/BF01576065.

Abstract

Nocardia lactamdurans has been shown to catabolyse uracil via the reductive pathway. The end product of this pathway, beta-alanine, is incorporated into the pyridone ring of efrotomycin. Support for this proposal includes: (1) reversal of thymine inhibition of efrotomycin biosynthesis by dihydrouracil and N-carbamoyl-beta-aline, two intermediates of the catabolic pathway; (2) incorporation of [5,6-3H]-uracil into efrotomycin with a relative molar specific activity of approximately 0.5, close to the theoretical maximum; and (3) 13C coupling at C4 and C5 of efrotomycin after feeding resting cells with [4,5-13C]-uracil. Our results do not rule out the possibility of an alternative source of beta-alanine or the coexistence of uracil catabolism via oxidative reactions.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / biosynthesis*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Fermentation
  • Molecular Structure
  • Mutagenesis
  • Nocardia / genetics
  • Nocardia / metabolism*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Pyridones / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Pyridones / chemistry
  • Thymidine / pharmacology
  • Thymine / pharmacology
  • Uracil / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Uracil / metabolism*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Pyridones
  • Uracil
  • efrotomycin
  • Thymine
  • Thymidine