Two gene clusters are required for mannosylerythritol lipid biosynthesis in Sporisorium reilianum
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American Society for Microbiology
Abstract
Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are antibacterial surface-active molecules produced by several basidiomycetous fungi. Enzymes for MEL biosynthesis are encoded in a gene cluster composed of five genes, which are both necessary and sufficient for the biosynthesis of MELs. Here, we report that in two closely related biotrophic pathogens—Sporisorium reilianum f. sp. reilianum (SrS) and Sporisorium reilianum SRZ2—MEL production is achieved through the combined activity of two gene clusters. While the larger cluster is required for production of the disaccharide moiety, for attachment of one acyl chain to the sugar backbone and for export of MELs, the smaller cluster encodes two enzymes for additional acylation of the sugar backbone and is essential to produce mature MELs in S. reilianum. The genes in the smaller cluster appear to be duplications of two of the original genes in the larger cluster, which are not expressed in SrS but in related fungi, e.g., Ustilago maydis. MELs made by SrS are tri-acylated and exhibit altered physical and chemical properties, making them interesting candidates for future biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. In summary, our study showcases how duplication and diversification of MEL clusters can lead to the evolution of novel biosurfactants.
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Except where otherwised noted, this item's license is described as Attribution 4.0 International