Biochemistry, genetics and regulation of bacilysin biosynthesis and its significance more than an antibiotic

N Biotechnol. 2015 Dec 25;32(6):612-9. doi: 10.1016/j.nbt.2015.01.006. Epub 2015 Jan 30.

Abstract

Bacillus subtilis has the capacity to produce more than two dozen bioactive compounds with an amazing variety of chemical structures. Among them, bacilysin is a non-ribosomally synthesized dipeptide antibiotic consisting of l-alanine residue at the N terminus and a non-proteinogenic amino acid, l-anticapsin, at the C terminus. In spite of its simple structure, it is active against a wide range of bacteria and fungi. As a potent antimicrobial agent, we briefly review the biochemistry and genetics as well as the regulation of bacilysin biosynthesis within the frame of peptide pheromones-based control of secondary activities. Biological functions of bacilysin in the producer B. subtilis beyond its antimicrobial activity as well as potential biotechnological use of the biosynthetic enzyme l-amino acid ligase (Lal) are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / biosynthesis*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / isolation & purification
  • Bacillus subtilis / physiology*
  • Dipeptides / biosynthesis
  • Dipeptides / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / physiology*
  • Models, Biological

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Dipeptides
  • bacilysin