Divergent biosynthesis yields a cytotoxic aminomalonate-containing precolibactin.

ABSTRACT: Colibactin is an as-yet-uncharacterized genotoxic secondary metabolite produced by human gut bacteria. Here we report the biosynthetic discovery of two new precolibactin molecules from Escherichia coli, including precolibactin-886, which uniquely incorporates the highly sought genotoxicity-associated aminomalonate building block into its unprecedented macrocyclic structure. This work provides new insights into the biosynthetic logic and mode of action of this colorectal-cancer-linked microbial chemical.

SUBMITTER: Li ZR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5030165 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature