Engineering Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 for improved production of the lantibiotic subtilin

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2006 Jan;69(5):532-6. doi: 10.1007/s00253-005-0023-9. Epub 2005 Jul 7.

Abstract

To improve the production of the lantibiotic subtilin in Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, two genetic engineering strategies were followed. Firstly, additional copies of subtilin self-protection (immunity) genes spaIFEG have been integrated into the genome of the producer strain. Their expression significantly enhanced the subtilin tolerance level, and concomitantly, the subtilin yield 1.7-fold. Secondly, a repressor of subtilin gene expression, the B. subtilis general transition state regulator protein AbrB, was deleted. A sixfold enhancement of the subtilin yield could be achieved with the abrB deletion mutant; however, the produced subtilin fraction predominantly consists of succinylated subtilin species with less antimicrobial activity compared to unmodified subtilin.

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / genetics
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / biosynthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacillus subtilis / genetics*
  • Bacillus subtilis / metabolism
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacteriocins / biosynthesis*
  • Bacteriocins / chemistry
  • Bacteriocins / genetics
  • Bacteriocins / pharmacology
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Drug Tolerance
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Dosage
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Genome, Bacterial
  • Lipoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / genetics
  • Peptides / pharmacology
  • Succinic Acid / analysis
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • AbrB protein, Bacillus subtilis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Bacteriocins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Lipoproteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Peptides
  • SpaB protein, Bacillus subtilis
  • SpaF protein, Bacillus subtilis
  • SpaG protein, Bacillus subtilis
  • SpaI protein, Bacillus subtilis
  • Transcription Factors
  • Succinic Acid
  • subtilin