Curing baldness activates antibiotic production

Chem Biol. 2013 Oct 24;20(10):1199-200. doi: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2013.10.001.

Abstract

Kalan and colleagues describe an unusual way of activating a "silent" gene cluster for the biosynthesis of a new antibiotic by analyzing and curing the aerial growth defect of an old Streptomyces isolate, Streptomyces calvus. This commentary addresses the broad scientific and historical context and practical and biological significance of this finding.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial*
  • Genes, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Genetic Complementation Test*
  • Multigene Family*
  • Polyenes / metabolism*
  • Streptomyces / genetics*
  • Streptomyces / metabolism*

Substances

  • Polyenes