Genetic dissection of persiathiacin biosynthesis defines hierarchical P450 oxidations and reveals a more potent antitubercular intermediate

Abstract

Thiopeptides are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) that form complex bioactive scaffolds through extensive enzymatic tailoring. The polyglycosylated thiopeptides persiathiacins, exhibit potent activity against multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The persiathiacin biosynthetic gene cluster encodes six cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, but the logic of their oxidative modifications was unknown. Here, we establish a protoplast-based genetic system for Actinokineospora and systematically assign functions to all P450s. We demonstrate that PerX hydroxylates the central thiazole, PerV installs the third indole-core crosslink required for macrocyclization, and PerT, not PerU, catalyses indole N-hydroxylation. Combined gene inactivation and metabolite profiling reveal a hierarchical enzymatic sequence leading to the mature scaffold prior to sugar installation. Notably, the intermediate accumulating in the{Omega} perX mutant exhibits enhanced anti-M. tuberculosis potency compared to persiathiacin A (IC50 = 0.07 vs 1.5 {micro}g mL-1). These results define the enzymatic logic and temporal organization of persiathiacin biosynthesis, providing a conceptual framework for rational diversification of complex thiopeptide natural products.