Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified that Chromobacterium vaccinii produces FR900359 (FR) and can also be easily cultivated in the laboratory. Their results were published in Nature Communications. For years, FR has been regarded as a possible forerunner of a new group of potent drugs.
“We have now searched huge databases for other microorganisms that also have these genes for FR synthesis," lead researcher Max Crüsemann explains. "In the process, we came across another bacterium. Unlike its coralberry relative, it does not grow in plants, but in soil and is easily propagated in culture media."
This finding should greatly facilitate the production of FR in the future. However, it also allows more detailed insights into how the active substance works. "We have known for several years that FR inhibits an important group of signaling molecules in cells, the Gq proteins," explains collaborator Cornelia Hermes. "That makes FR extremely effective: To date, no other compound is known to inhibit Gq proteins with similar potency."
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The team also aimed to understand what makes FR such a good inhibitor. The molecule consists of two parts, the actual core and a side chain that is attached to it like an arm. Both are produced separately and then linked together. "The side chain is essential for the function of FR," Crüsemann explains. "When it is absent or even slightly modified, the inhibitory effect on Gq proteins decreases significantly."