Microcins, gene-encoded antibacterial peptides from enterobacteria
- 18 April 2007
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in Natural Product Reports
- Vol. 24 (4), 708-734
- https://doi.org/10.1039/b516237h
Abstract
Covering 1982 to 2006 Microcins are gene-encoded antibacterial peptides, with molecular masses below 10 kDa, produced by enterobacteria. They are secreted under conditions of nutrient depletion and exert potent antibacterial activity against closely related species. Typical gene clusters encoding the microcin precursor, the self-immunity factor, the secretion proteins and frequently the post-translational modification enzymes are located either on plasmids or on the chromosome. In contrast to most of the antibiotics of microbial origin, which are non-ribosomally synthesized by multimodular enzymes termed peptide synthetases, microcins are ribosomally synthesized as precursors, which are further modified enzymatically. They form a restricted class of potent antibacterial peptides. Fourteen microcins have been reported so far, among which only seven have been isolated and characterized. Despite the low number of known representatives, microcins exhibit a diversity of structures and antibacterial mechanisms. This review provides an updated overview of microcin structures, antibacterial activities, genetic systems and biosyntheses, as well as of their mechanisms of action.Keywords
This publication has 119 references indexed in Scilit:
- Coordinated Repression In Vitro of the Divergent fepA-fes Promoters of Escherichia coli by the Iron Uptake Regulation (Fur) ProteinJournal of Bacteriology, 1998
- Major Facilitator SuperfamilyMicrobiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, 1998
- Synthesis of the DNA Gyrase Inhibitor Microcin B17, a 43‐Peptide Antibiotic with Eight Aromatic Heterocycles in its BackboneAngewandte Chemie, 1996
- Bacteriocins of gram-positive bacteria.Microbiological Reviews, 1995
- Posttranslational Backbone Modifications in the Ribosomal Biosynthesis of the Glycine‐Rich Antibiotic Microcin B17Angewandte Chemie, 1993
- Colicin V virulence plasmids.Microbiological Reviews, 1991