GNPS - Priestia endophytica fluorescent pigments

The endophytic bacterium Priestia endophytica (Bacillus endophyticus) UCM B-5715 (= DSM 13796) has been found to produce a distinctive pink pigment exhibiting vibrant yellow fluorescence. Investigation of the pigment extract revealed the presence of 2 non-polar fluorescent-colored compounds, with molecular masses of 376 (14.12%) and 410 (82.02%) a.m.u. FTIR spectroscopy indicated the characteristic signatures of heliomycin and chlorxanthomycin IR spectra, respectively. The chlorxathomycin nature of the main compound was confirmed by H1 NMR spectroscopy. Light, luminescence, and transmission electron microscopy, as well as IR and H1 NMR spectroscopy, established a close association between the colored fluorescent compounds and poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate granules. Genome analysis utilizing the antiSMASH 6.0 tool unveiled key gene sequences encoding the type II polyketide synthase complex and halogenase, involved in the biosynthesis of heliomycin and chlorxanthomycin. Given the similarity of chlorxanthomycin to heliomycin, a well-known antimicrobial, and antitumor antibiotic, this pigment might share similar properties with the potential for medical application.