Alternative sigma factor over-expression enables heterologous expression of a type II polyketide biosynthetic pathway in Escherichia coli.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Heterologous expression of bacterial biosynthetic gene clusters is currently an indispensable tool for characterizing biosynthetic pathways. Development of an effective, general heterologous expression system that can be applied to bioprospecting from metagenomic DNA will enable the discovery of a wealth of new natural products.

Methodology

We have developed a new Escherichia coli-based heterologous expression system for polyketide biosynthetic gene clusters. We have demonstrated the over-expression of the alternative sigma factor σ(54) directly and positively regulates heterologous expression of the oxytetracycline biosynthetic gene cluster in E. coli. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that σ(54) promoters are present in nearly 70% of polyketide and non-ribosomal

SUBMITTER: Stevens DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3665592 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature