Biosynthesis of aminocyclitol antibiotics.

Abstract

A review on the biosynthesis of aminocyclitol antibiotics [by Streptomyces spp., Micromonospora spp. and Bacillus spp.] is presented. Little is certain about the order in which the subunits are joined, although it can be inferred from certain mutant studies that, at least in ribostamycin (and sisomicin) the order is neosamine C (or 2,6-diamino-2,3,4,6 tetradeoxy-D-glycero-hex-4-enose, dehydropurpurosamine) adding to deoxystreptamine, followed by addition of a 3rd unit. The enzymatic steps of bioconversion of glucose to the subunits of the aminocyclitol antibiotics are well understood only for the streptidine moiety of streptomycin. The intermediate compounds for the other subunits are only partially characterized.