Abstract
Valinomycin is a nonribosomal peptide that was discovered from Streptomyces in 1955. Over the past more than six decades, it has received continuous attention due to its special chemical structure and broad biological activities. Although many research papers have been published on valinomycin, there has not yet been a comprehensive review that summarizes the diverse studies ranging from structural characterization, biogenesis, and bioactivity to the identification of biosynthetic gene clusters and heterologous biosynthesis. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of valinomycin to address this gap, covering from 1955 to 2020. First, we introduce the chemical structure of valinomycin together with its chemical properties. Then, we summarize the broad spectrum of bioactivities of valinomycin. Finally, we describe the valinomycin biosynthetic gene cluster and reconstituted biosynthesis of valinomycin. With that, we discuss possible opportunities for the future research and development of valinomycin.
Highlights
Among the large number of natural products (NPs), nonribosomal peptides (NRPs) belong to an important class of peptide compounds, which are synthesized through mRNA-independent assembly lines termed nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) [4,5]
Using two representative fungi Candida albicans and Cryptococcus albidus, Makarasen and colleagues investigated the mode of action and verified the efficacy of valinomycin alone and in combination with an antifungal antibiotic amphotericin B (AmB) against both fungi
They found that valinomycin in combination with AmB can promote the permeability of the fungal cell wall and the cell membrane and may penetrate into the cell wall and inhibit ergosterol formation, eventually leading to cell death [52]
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Like a magic chemist, is able to synthesize complex compounds from simple building blocks These compounds are called natural products (NPs), whose diverse chemical structures usually confer significant biological and pharmaceutical activities to them [1]. Many research papers of valinomycin have been published so far, a comprehensive review with a focus on valinomycin is still lacking This motivates us to comprehensively summarize valinomycin, ranging from its discovery and characterization to bioactivity and biosynthesis. We describe in detail the progress made in characterizing the valinomycin biosynthetic gene cluster (i.e., the NRPS valinomycin synthetase), and the production of valinomycin in native producers as well as reconstituted biosynthesis of valinomycin in vivo and in vitro
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
