Biosynthesis of valinomycin

Abstract

A Streptomyces species (PRL 1642) was grown on media containing compounds labeled with 14C or 15N. Valinomycin was isolated from the cultures and degraded to show the distribution of the isotopes. D-α-Hydroxyisovaleric-1-14C acid was incorporated specifically into the D-α-hydroxyisovaleryl portion of valinomycin, and the L-isomer was not incorporated. L-Valine-15N-1-14C was incorporated to a similar extent into the D- and L-valyl portions of valinomycin, and into mycelial valine. L-Lactyl-L-valine-114C was not incorporated directly into valinomycin but was probably first hydrolyzed to L-valine.