In vivo biocombinatorial synthesis of lipopeptides by COM domain-mediated reprogramming of the surfactin biosynthetic complex

Chem Biol. 2006 Aug;13(8):899-908. doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2006.06.015.

Abstract

The intermolecular communication within NRPS complexes relies on the coordinated interplay of donor and acceptor communication-mediating (COM) domains. In this study, the potential of COM domains was exploited in vivo by establishing a system for the true biocombinatorial synthesis of lipopeptides via directed reprogramming of a natural NRP biosynthetic assembly line (i.e., surfactin). By means of COM domain swapping, these experiments verified the decisive role of COM domains for the control of protein-protein interactions between NRPSs, demonstrated the functionality of COM domain pairs even in the context of a heterologous host and NRPS system, and allowed for the intended skipping of a biosynthetic enzyme within a multienzymatic biosynthetic complex. Ultimately, abrogation of the selectivity barrier provided by COM domains afforded the successful simultaneous, biocombinatorial synthesis of distinct lipopeptide products.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus subtilis / chemistry
  • Bacillus subtilis / enzymology
  • Bacillus subtilis / metabolism
  • Lipopeptides
  • Lipoproteins / biosynthesis*
  • Lipoproteins / chemistry
  • Lipoproteins / physiology
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Peptide Biosynthesis*
  • Peptide Synthases / chemistry
  • Peptide Synthases / metabolism
  • Peptides, Cyclic / chemistry
  • Peptides, Cyclic / physiology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Lipopeptides
  • Lipoproteins
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • surfactin peptide
  • Peptide Synthases