Project description:To understand the molecular details of the biosynthesis, secretion, and/or mode of action of antimicrobials, we performed a comparative analysis of transcripts expressed during log and stationary phases of growth of in Xenorhabdus szentirmaii to identify the deferentially expressed genes. Total RNA was isolated from X. szentirmaii grown at log and stationary phases (Fig 3A, four biological replicates referred here Dey1, Dey2, Dey3 and Dey4 for the log phase and Dey5, Dey6, Dey7 and Dey8 for the stationary phase, Supplemental Table 1). The equal amount of total RNA was subjected to RNA sequencing analysis.
Project description:Flavin-dependent halogenases (FHals) catalyse the halogenation of electron-rich substrates, mainly aromatics. Halogenated compounds have many applications, as pharmaceutical, agrochemicals or as starting materials for the synthesis of complex molecules. By exploring the sequenced bacterial diversity, we discovered and characterized XszenFHal, a novel FHal from Xenorhabdus szentirmaii, a symbiotic bacterium of entomopathogenic nematode. The substrate scope of XszenFHal was examined and revealed activities towards tryptophan, indole and indole derivatives, leading to the formation of the corresponding 5-chloro products. XszenFHal makes a valuable addition to the panel of flavin-dependent halogenases already discovered and enriches the potential for biotechnology applications by allowing access to 5-halogenated indole derivatives.