Syringomycin E

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SyringomycinE

Syringomycin E is a bacterial lipodepsipeptide produced by the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. It is part of a family of syringomycin compounds that exhibit potent antifungal and antibacterial properties. Syringomycin E is particularly notable for its role in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas syringae, contributing to the virulence of this bacterium in infected plants.

Structure and Biosynthesis

Syringomycin E is a cyclic lipodepsipeptide composed of a peptide ring and a fatty acid tail. The peptide ring consists of nine amino acids, including unusual residues such as Dhb (2,3-dehydro-2-aminobutyric acid) and Dab (2,4-diaminobutyric acid). The biosynthesis of syringomycin E is directed by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), which are large multi-enzyme complexes that assemble the peptide in a template-dependent manner.

Mechanism of Action

Syringomycin E exerts its biological effects by forming ion channels in the plasma membrane of target cells. This disrupts the membrane potential and leads to cell death. The compound is effective against a wide range of fungi and some Gram-positive bacteria, making it a valuable tool for studying membrane dynamics and potential therapeutic applications.

Role in Plant Pathogenicity

In the context of plant pathology, syringomycin E is a key virulence factor for Pseudomonas syringae. It facilitates the colonization and infection of plant tissues by disrupting the integrity of plant cell membranes. This leads to cell lysis and the release of nutrients that the bacteria can utilize for growth and proliferation.

Applications

Due to its potent antifungal properties, syringomycin E has been studied for potential applications in agriculture and medicine. In agriculture, it could be used as a biocontrol agent to protect crops from fungal pathogens. In medicine, its ability to disrupt cell membranes makes it a candidate for developing new antimicrobial therapies.

Related Compounds

Syringomycin E is part of a larger family of syringomycin compounds, which also includes syringomycin A, B, and C. These compounds share similar structures and mechanisms of action but may vary in their specific biological activities and target specificities.

See Also

• Pseudomonas syringae
• Lipodepsipeptide
• Antifungal
• Non-ribosomal peptide synthetase
• Virulence factor