Open AccessIdentification, Characterization, and Regulation of a Cluster of Genes Involved in Carbapenem Biosynthesis in Photorhabdus luminescens
Author(s) -
Sylviane Derzelle,
Éric Duchaud,
Frank Kunst,
Antoine Danchin,
Philippe Bertin
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
applied and environmental microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.552
H-Index - 324
eISSN - 1070-6291
pISSN - 0099-2240
DOI - 10.1128/aem.68.8.3780-3789.2002
Subject(s) - photorhabdus luminescens , biology , operon , photorhabdus , gene cluster , autoinducer , microbiology and biotechnology , quorum sensing , gene , genetics , virulence , escherichia coli
The luminescent entomopathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens produces several yet-uncharacterized broad-spectrum antibiotics. We report the identification and characterization of a cluster of eight genes (named cpmA to cpmH) responsible for the production of a carbapenem-like antibiotic in strain TT01 of P. luminescens. The cpm cluster differs in several crucial aspects from other car operons. The level of cpm mRNA peaks during exponential phase and is regulated by a Rap/Hor homolog identified in the P. luminescens genome. Marker-exchange mutagenesis of this gene in the entomopathogen decreased antibiotic production. The luxS-like signaling mechanism of quorum sensing also plays a role in the regulation of the cpm operon. Indeed, luxS, which is involved in the production of a newly identified autoinducer, is responsible for repression of cpm gene expression at the end of the exponential growth phase. The importance of this carbapenem production in the ecology of P. luminescens is discussed.