Structure, Biosynthesis, and Biological Activity of the Cyclic Lipopeptide Anikasin

The
class of cyclic lipopeptide natural products consists of compounds
with a diverse range of bioactivities. In this study, we elucidated
the structure of the cyclic lipopeptide anikasin using X-ray crystallography,
analyzed its biosynthetic gene cluster, and investigated its natural
role in the interaction between the producer strain Pseudomonas
fluorescens HKI0770 and protozoal predators. These results
led to the conclusion that anikasin has dual functionality enabling
swarming motility and acting as a niche amoebicide, which effectively
inhibits the social amoeba Polysphondylium violaceum and protects the producer strain from protozoal grazing.