Lactacystin is an irreversible proteasome inhibitor isolated from Streptomyces lactacystinicus, structurally comprising a cyclic α,α-disubstituted amino acid with a γ-lactam-β-lactone, however, the biosynthesis of lactacystin remains unknown. Here, the authors identify the lactacystin biosynthetic gene cluster and examine the functions of six genes (lctA-lctF), demonstrating the overall biosynthesis of lactacystin.
- Takeshi Tsunoda
- Shunkichi Furumura
- Tohru Dairi
