Biosynthesis of Rifamycins (Ansamycins) and Microbial Production of Shikimate Pathway Precursors, Intermediates, and Metabolites

Abstract

Is the elucidation of biosynthetic pathways of academic interest only, or are there enough valuable spin-offs to make biogenetic studies attractive for a research laboratory in a pharmaceutical company? In this short review it is demonstrated how an interdisciplinary approach to the biosynthesis of rifamycins resulted in the formulation of a general biosynthetic pathway for the whole group of ansamycins and related antibiotics. 3-Amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid, a natural amino acid derived from the shikimate pathway has been identified as the starter unit for ansamycins and related antibiotics. The microbial mutants produced for this biogenetic study are very useful for the microbial production of shikimate pathway precursors or intermediates such as D(−)-ribulose or shikimic acid.