ISSN:
1476-5535
Keywords:
M. xanthus
;
antibiotic TA
;
autocide
;
paracide
;
autolysis
;
development
;
focusin
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
Abstract Myxococcus xanthus produces two categories of low molecular weight antibacterial materials, autocides and paracides, that have diametrically opposite host ranges. Low concentrations of autocides lyseM. xanthus, the producing organism, whereas paracides exert their effects on other bacteria. Antibiotic TA (a paracide) kills all growing bacteria tested that have a peptidoglycan cell wall exceptM. xanthus. It is a macrocyclic polyketide with a molecular weight of 623. The two major autocides produced byM. xanthus are phosphatidylethanolamine and a mixture of fatty acids. The modes of action, host ranges and biosynthesis of antibiotic TA and the autocides are presented, and then an attempt is made to explain their role in the complex life cycle ofM. xanthus. In addition, the remarkable adhesion properties of antibiotic TA and a new semisynthetic derivative of it, focusin, are presented.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01574773
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