Phenoxazinone Biosynthesis: Accumulation of a Precursor, 4-Methyl-3-hydroxyanthranilic Acid, by Mutants of Streptomyces parvulus

Abstract

Mutants of S. parvullus that are blocked in the synthesis of the phenoxazinone-containing antibiotic, actinomycin, were isolated by the agar piece method (after UV irradiation or treatment with 8-methoxypsoralen plus near-UV light). Radio-labeling experiments in conjunction with paper, TLC and column chromatography revealed that 4-methyl-3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (MHA) is a major metabolite accumulated by these mutants. Studies in vitro and in vivo provided evidence that MHA is a precursor of the phenoxazinone chromophore, actinocin. Normally MHA does not accumulate during growth or antibiotic synthesis by the parental strains. Protoplasts derived from the mutant strain AM5 synthesized MHA in significant amounts. A scheme is proposed for the biosynthesis of actinomycin D that accounts for the accumulation of MHA by the mutants.