Biosynthesis of polymyxin E by a cell-free enzyme system. II. Synthesis of enzyme-bound octanoyldiaminobutyric acid.

ABSTRACT

A partially purified enzyme of Aerobacillus polyaerogenes, which produces polymyxin E, activates L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid and binds it as a thioester. The incubation of the enzyme preparation with octanoyl coenzyme A and L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid in the presence of ATP and an ammonium sulfate fraction yields octanoyldiaminobutyric acid thioesterified to the enzyme.