Structure, biosynthesis, and properties of kurstakins, nonribosomal lipopeptides from Bacillus spp

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2012 Aug;95(3):593-600. doi: 10.1007/s00253-012-4181-2. Epub 2012 Jun 9.

Abstract

A new family of lipopeptides produced by Bacillus thuringiensis, the kurstakins, was discovered in 2000 and considered as a biomarker of this species. Kurstakins are lipoheptapeptides displaying antifungal activities against Stachybotrys charatum. Recently, the biosynthesis mechanism, the regulation of this biosynthesis and the potential new properties of kurstakins were described in the literature. In addition, kurstakins were also detected in other species belonging to Bacillus genus such as Bacillus cereus. This mini-review gathers all the information about these promising bioactive molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Bacillus cereus / metabolism
  • Bacillus thuringiensis / metabolism*
  • Lipopeptides / biosynthesis*
  • Lipopeptides / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Peptide Biosynthesis, Nucleic Acid-Independent
  • Protein Conformation

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Lipopeptides