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The Fumitremorgin Gene Cluster of Aspergillus fumigatus : Identification of a Gene Encoding Brevianamide F Synthetase
Author(s) -
Maiya Shubha,
Grundmann Alexander,
Li ShuMing,
Turner Geoffrey
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
chembiochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 126
eISSN - 1439-7633
pISSN - 1439-4227
DOI - 10.1002/cbic.200600003
Subject(s) - aspergillus fumigatus , aspergillus nidulans , nonribosomal peptide , gene cluster , gene , biology , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology , biosynthesis , mutant
A gene encoding a putative dimodular nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) was identified within a gene cluster of Aspergillus fumigatus , a species reported to produce fumitremorgins and other prenylated alkaloids. The gene was deleted and overexpressed in the genome reference strain Af293, and was also expressed in the naïve host Aspergillus nidulans , which lacks the equivalent gene cluster. While neither fumitremorgins nor the dipeptide brevianamide F ( cyclo ‐ L ‐Trp‐ L ‐Pro), an early intermediate, were detected in wild‐type and deletion strains of A. fumigatus , brevianamide F accumulated in fungal cultures following increased expression of the NRPS gene in both A. fumigatus and A. nidulans . We conclude that the gene Afu8g00170, named ftmA , encodes the NRPS brevianamide synthetase. Brevianamide F is the precursor of a variety of fungal prenylated alkaloids with biological activity, including fumitremorgins A, B and C and tryprostatin B.