NUCLEOTIDE-SEQUENCE OF THE ERME DISTAL FLANK OF THE ERYTHROMYCIN BIOSYNTHESIS CLUSTER IN SACCHAROPOLYSPORA-ERYTHRAEA

A 7023 nucleotide BamHI fragment immediately upstream of the eryK gene of the erythromycin (Er) biosynthesis cluster in Saccharopolyspora er ythraea was sequenced. Computer-assisted analysis of this sequence rev eals the existence of seven ORFs that display the codon preferences ty pical of actinomycete genes. Six of these show homology to known genes : an esterase, a transposase, a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase, a subtilisin inhibitor-like protein, and two genes involved in bacteria l cell wall biosynthesis. All the ORFs are transcribed toward the Er b iosynthetic gene cluster (in the same direction as eryK). From the pre dicted functions of the putative ORF products none of these genes appe ar to be involved in the biosynthesis of Er. The eryK gene thus most l ikely defines one end of the Er biosynthetic gene cluster. (C) 1997 El sevier Science B.V.