At the Georgia Institue of Technology, researchers have made a very significant breakthrough. They have discovered the genes used for the synthesis of Thiostrepton. Thiostrepton is an antibiotic and is naturally produced by certain bacteria. The researchers identified the gene cluster responsible for producing thiostrepton. Thiostrepton is derived from a gentically encoded peptide that undergoes nineteen different modifications. It is rare to find such a complicated process occuring. To add to that, this whole 19 stage process can be carried out by a single-cell bacterium, one of the most basic forms of life.
Wendy Kelly, one of the main researchers involved stated that the discovery, "was a combination of DNA sequencing, bioinformatic analysis of the encoded proteins and biochemical characterization." Despite the complexity of the process, the researchers found that the antibiotic resulted from a process controlled by the ribosome, making it a good target for genetic manipulation.
The antiobiotic is already a very powerful tool against the very dangerous MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. However the major impediment involving the drug is that it is not water soluble, limiting its applications. The researchers aim to put in subsititutions into the genetic machinery that could make it more water solube. Once this is achieved, the drug could be used for the development of a new class of antibiotics. New antiobiotics are needed as resistance and pathogens (like MRSA) are developing. This antibiotic could become extremely important in the near future.
Actual article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323161123.htm
