The adpA-like regulatory gene from Actinoplanes teichomyceticus: in silico analysis and heterologous expression

Analysis of the draft sequence of the genome of teicoplanin producer Actinoplanes teichomyceticus (NRRL-B16726) led to identification of several genes encoding AraC-family regulators that resemble AdpA, master regulator of transcription in Streptomyces. We elucidated possible regulatory functions of one of the identified genes, adpA19at, most similar to archetypal adpA from model Streptomyces species, in a series of expression experiments. Introduction of adpA19at under control of its own promoter on moderate copy number vector pKC1139 into NRRL-B16726 had no influence on antibiotic production and sporulation. Introduction of adpA19at into Streptomyces coelicolor M145 and several S. ghanaensis strains had major influence on antibiotic production by these bacteria. Finally, adpA19at expression in a set of soil actinomycete isolates led to induction of synthesis of antibiotic compounds. Our data point to pleiotropic regulatory role of adpA19at, warranting its use as a tool to manipulate secondary metabolome of actinomycetes.