Mycolic acid-containing bacteria induce natural-product biosynthesis in Streptomyces species.

ABSTRACT: Natural products produced by microorganisms are important starting compounds for drug discovery. Secondary metabolites, including antibiotics, have been isolated from different Streptomyces species. The production of these metabolites depends on the culture conditions. Therefore, the development of a new culture method can facilitate the discovery of new natural products. Here, we show that mycolic acid-containing bacteria can influence the biosynthesis of cryptic natural products in Streptomyces species. The production of red pigment by Streptomyces lividans TK23 was induced by coculture with Tsukamurella pulmonis TP-B0596, which is a mycolic acid-containing bacterium. Only living cells induced this pigment production, which was not mediated by any substances. T. pulmonis could induce nat

SUBMITTER: Onaka H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3020563 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature