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Biosynthetic characterization and biochemical features of the third natural nisin variant, nisin Q, produced by Lactococcus lactis 61‐14
Author(s) -
Yoneyama F.,
Fukao M.,
Zendo T.,
Nakayama J.,
Sonomoto K.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2008.03958.x
Subject(s) - nisin , lantibiotics , lactococcus lactis , biology , bacteriocin , biochemistry , antimicrobial , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , genetics , lactic acid
Aims: To characterize the genetic and biochemical features of nisin Q. Methods and Results: The nisin Q gene cluster was sequenced, and 11 putative orf s having 82% homology with the nisin A biosynthesis gene cluster were identified. Nisin Q production was confirmed from the nisQ ‐introduced nisin Z producer. In the reporter assay, nisin Q exhibited an induction level that was threefold lower than that of nisin A. Nisin Q demonstrated an antimicrobial spectrum similar to those of the other nisins. Under oxidizing conditions, nisin Q retained a higher level of activity than nisin A. This higher oxidative tolerance could be attributed to the presence of only one methionine residue in nisin Q, in contrast to other nisins that contain two. Conclusions: The 11 orf s of the nisin producers were identical with regard to their functions. The antimicrobial spectra of the three natural nisins were similar. Nisin Q demonstrated higher oxidative tolerance than nisin A. Significance and Impact of the Study: Genetic and biochemical features of nisin Q are similar to those of other variants. Moreover, owing to its higher oxidative tolerance, nisin Q is a potential alternative for nisin A.