Localization of the pathway of the penicillin biosynthesis in Penicillium chrysogenum
Müller, W.H.; van der Krift, T.P.; Krouwer, A.J.; Wösten, H.A.; van der Voort, L.H.; Smaal, E.B.; Verkleij, A.J.
EMBO Journal 10(2): 489-495
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0261-4189 PMID: 1899377 Document Number: 374672
The localization of the enzymes involved in penicillin biosynthesis in Penicillium chrysogenum hyphae has been studied by immunological detection methods in combination with electron microscopy and cell fractionation. The results suggest a complicated pathway involving different intracellular locations. The enzyme .delta.-(L-.alpha.-aminoadipyl)-L-cysteinyl-D-valine synthetase was found to be associated with membranes or small organelles. The next enzyme isopenicillin N-synthetase appeared to be a cytosolic enzyme. The enzyme which is involved in the last step of penicillin biosynthesis, acyltransferase, was located in organelles with a diameter of 200-800 nm. These organelles, most probably, are microbodies. A positive correlation was found between the capacity for penicillin production and the number of organelles per cell when comparing different P. chrysogenum strains.