Glycopeptide biosynthesis in the context of basic cellular functions.

Using molecular genetics, biochemistry and organic chemistry the biosynthesis of glycopeptides has been elucidated in detail. It can be categorised in three parts: precursor supply, linking of the peptide backbone and modification reactions. The important steps of the biosynthesis are carried out at a multi-enzyme complex consisting of three non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), three oxygenases and one halogenase. Novel derivatives can be generated by precursor-directed biosynthesis or combinatorial approaches and the knowledge can be used to optimise the yield of production by metabolic engineering approaches. To protect themselves glycopeptide producers seem to have developed strategies which may differ from those of the resistant pathogens.