Involvement of Peptide Epimerization in Poly-γ-glutamic Acid Biosynthesis

Org Lett. 2019 Jun 7;21(11):3972-3975. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b01121. Epub 2019 May 15.

Abstract

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) is a promising polymer that comprises d- and l-glutamic acid (Glu) connected via an amide bond. PGA is biosynthesized by a transmembrane enzyme complex composed of PgsB, PgsC, and PgsA. However, the detailed reaction, especially the mechanism for introducing d-Glu residues into PGA, remains elusive. We herein report isotope tracer experiments with deuterated l- and d-Glu and demonstrate that epimerization of a growing peptide is involved in PGA biosynthesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus / chemistry
  • Bacillus / metabolism
  • Molecular Structure
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Peptides / metabolism*
  • Polyglutamic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polyglutamic Acid / biosynthesis
  • Polyglutamic Acid / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Peptides
  • poly(gamma-glutamic acid)
  • Polyglutamic Acid