Tracking down biotransformation to the genetic level: identification of a highly flexible glycosyltransferase from Saccharothrix espanaensis

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2013 Sep;79(17):5224-32. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01652-13. Epub 2013 Jun 21.

Abstract

Saccharothrix espanaensis is a member of the order Actinomycetales. The genome of the strain has been sequenced recently, revealing 106 glycosyltransferase genes. In this paper, we report the detection of a glycosyltransferase from Saccharothrix espanaensis which is able to rhamnosylate different phenolic compounds targeting different positions of the molecules. The gene encoding the flexible glycosyltransferase is not located close to a natural product biosynthetic gene cluster. Therefore, the native function of this enzyme might be not the biosynthesis of a secondary metabolite but the glycosylation of internal and external natural products as part of a defense mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycetales / enzymology*
  • Actinomycetales / genetics
  • Actinomycetales / metabolism*
  • Biotransformation
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Gene Deletion
  • Glycosyltransferases / genetics*
  • Glycosyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Phenols / metabolism
  • Phylogeny
  • Rhamnose / metabolism
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

Substances

  • Phenols
  • Glycosyltransferases
  • Rhamnose