Heterologous expression and optimization of fermentation conditions for recombinant ikarugamycin production

Ikarugamycin is a member of the natural product family of the polycyclic tetramate macrolactams (PoTeMs). The compound exhibits a diverse range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, anti-leukemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, it interferes with several crucial cellular functions, such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein uptake in macrophages, Nef-induced CD4 cell surface downregulation, and mechanisms of endocytosis. It is therefore used as a tool compound to study diverse biological processes. However, ikarugamycin commercial prices are very high, with up to 1300 € per 1 mg, thus limiting its application. We therefore set out to develop a high-yielding recombinant production platform of ikarugamycin by screening different expression vectors, recombinant host strains, and cultivation conditions. Overall, this has led to overproduction levels of more than 100 mg/L, which, together with a straightforward purification protocol, establishes biotechnological access to affordable ikarugamycin enabling its increased use in biomedical research in the future.