Targeted screening for elongation factor Tu binding antibiotics

J Antibiot (Tokyo). 1997 Jan;50(1):22-6. doi: 10.7164/antibiotics.50.22.

Abstract

The development of a screen targeted to antibiotics which bind elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) is described. The method was based on selection of antimicrobial activities which were antagonized by exogenous EF-Tu. Kirromycin, a known inhibitor of EF-Tu, was positive in this screen. Among 47,000 microorganisms screened, several producers of kirromycin-type antibiotics were detected and the novel antibiotics GE2270 and GE37468 were discovered. These thiopeptide molecules constitute, along with amithiamycin, a novel class of antibiotics acting on EF-Tu.

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycetales / metabolism
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / analysis*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / metabolism
  • Peptide Elongation Factor Tu / metabolism*
  • Peptide Elongation Factor Tu / pharmacology
  • Pyridones / analysis

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Pyridones
  • Peptide Elongation Factor Tu
  • mocimycin