New findings on regulation of bacterial antibiotic production

DSMZ scientist offers new insights into the molecular processes of antibiotic-producing Streptomyces

(Braunschweig, 15th October 2020): Researchers led by Prof. Yvonne Mast of the Leibniz-Institute DSZM – German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony, have for the first time managed to partially decipher the autoregulation of the biosynthesis of pristinamycin. This antibiotic is used as emergency drug against antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. The researchers recently published their findings in the renowned journal Frontiers in Microbiology (https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.580990).

Regulation of antibiotic production in Streptomyces

Streptomyces pristinaespiralis belong to Streptomyces, a group of bacteria that produce a range of metabolic products including various antibiotics. The production of antibiotics in Streptomyces is governed by complex regulatory networks that react flexibly to external influences such as physiological parameters. So-called gamma-butyrolactones (GBL) are important signaling molecules in this regard. They occur in most forms of Streptomyces, where they initiate the production of antibiotics in the form of a sort of microbial hormone within the context of quorum sensing.

For the pristinamycin producing strain S. pristinaespiralis, neither the structure of the signaling molecule nor its coding gene sequence is known. In the present study, researchers led by Prof. Yvonne Mast were able to show for the first time that a total of three different regulators (SpbR, PapR3 and PapR5) act as GBL-receptors and influence pristinamycin production by binding GBL. Microbiologist Yvonne Mast summarizes the main findings: “As yet it is unclear whether all three receptors bind the same signaling molecule. Bioinformatic simulations however suggest that the PapR3 receptors binds a structurally different molecule than the other two receptors.”

Further experiments also allowed the authors to identify a gene (snbU) involved in the biosynthesis of the pristinamycin-GBL-signaling molecule – another research first. In addition, the researchers were able to increase the pristinamycin production by externally adding a synthetic GBL. The outlook is positive, says Prof. Mast: “Our data will contribute to a better insight into how the biosynthesis of antibiotics is regulated. The pristinamycin regulatory system is by now relatively well understood and acts as a modelling system that gives us a more thorough comprehension of antibiotic production in Streptomyces. And this better knowledge about which signaling molecules are involved in the regulation of antibiotic production not only opens up possibilities to optimize antibiotic production, but also to activate so-called silent gene clusters to detect new antibiotics.”

Yvonne Mast took over the Department of Bioresources for Bio-Economy and Health Research at the Leibniz-Institute DSMZ in Braunschweig in 2019. The department focuses on investigating the potential of biological material for use in human medicine and biotechnology.

Original publication
Handel F, Kulik A and Mast Y (2020) Investigation of the Autoregulator-Receptor System in the Pristinamycin Producer Streptomyces pristinaespiralis. Front. Microbiol. 11:580990.
doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.580990

Press contact:
PhDr. Sven-David Müller, Head of Public Relations, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH
Phone: ++49 (0)531/2616-300
Mail: press@dsmz.de

About the Leibniz Institute DSMZ
The Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures is the world’s most diverse collection of biological resources (bacteria, archaea, protists, yeasts, fungi, bacteriophages, plant viruses, genomic bacterial DNA as well as human and animal cell lines). Microorganisms and cell cultures are collected, investigated and archived at the DSMZ. As an institution of the Leibniz Association, the DSMZ with its extensive scientific services and biological resources has been a global partner for research, science and industry since 1969. The DSMZ is the first registered collection in Europe (Regulation (EU) No. 511/2014) and certified according to the quality standard ISO 9001:2015. As a patent depository, it offers the only possibility in Germany to deposit biological material in accordance with the requirements of the Budapest Treaty. In addition to scientific services, research is the second pillar of the DSMZ. The institute, located on the Science Campus Braunschweig-Süd, accommodates more than 73,000 cultures and biomaterials and has 198 employees. www.dsmz.de

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The Leibniz Association connects 96 independent research institutions that range in focus from the natural, engineering and environmental sciences via economics, spatial and social sciences to the humanities. Leibniz Institutes address issues of social, economic and ecological relevance. They conduct knowledge-driven and applied basic research, maintain scientific infrastructure and provide research-based services. The Leibniz Association identifies focus areas for knowledge transfer to policy-makers, academia, business and the public. Leibniz institutions collaborate intensively with universities – in the form of “Leibniz ScienceCampi” (thematic
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Originalpublikation:

Handel F, Kulik A and Mast Y (2020) Investigation of the Autoregulator-Receptor System in the Pristinamycin Producer Streptomyces pristinaespiralis. Front. Microbiol. 11:580990.
doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.580990

http://www.dsmz.de