Complete Biochemical Characterization of Pantaphos Biosynthesis Highlights an Unusual Role for a SAM-Dependent Methyltransferase.

ABSTRACT: Pantaphos is small molecule virulence factor made by the plant pathogen Pantoea ananatis. An 11 gene operon, designated hvr for high virulence, is required for production of this phosphonic acid natural product, but the metabolic steps used in its production have yet to be established. Herein, we determine the complete biosynthetic pathway using a combination of bioinformatics, in vitro biochemistry and in vivo heterologous expression. Only 6 of the 11 hvr genes are needed to produce pantaphos, while a seventh is likely to be required for export. Surprisingly, the pathway involves a series of O-methylated intermediates, which are then hydrolyzed to produce the final product. The methylated intermediates are produced by an irreversible S-adenosylmethione (SAM)-dependent methyltransferase th

SUBMITTER: Polidore ALA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10873477 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature