Giant plasmid-encoded polyketide synthases produce the macrolide toxin of <i>Mycobacterium ulcerans</i>

Abstract excerpt

Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), an emerging human pathogen harbored by aquatic insects, is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, a devastating skin disease rife throughout Central and West Africa. Mycolactone, an unusual macrolide with cytotoxic and immunosuppressive properties, is responsible for the massive s.c. tissue destruction seen in Buruli ulcer. Here, we show that MU contains a 174-kb plasmid, pMUM001,...

Topics

Share this publication in a Topic to start or enrich a Post.

• Share to Infectious Diseases and Mycology
• Share to Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis
• Share to Mycobacterium research and diagnosis