Properties of Streptomyces albus J1074 mutant deficient in tRNALeuUAA gene bldA.

Streptomyces albus J1074 is one of the most popular and convenient hosts for heterologous expression of gene clusters directing the biosynthesis of various natural metabolic products, such as antibiotics. This fuels interest in elucidation of genetic mechanisms that may limit secondary metabolism in J1074. Here, we report the generation and initial study of J1074 mutant, deficient in gene bldA for tRNALeuUAA, the only tRNA capable of decoding rare leucyl TTA codon in Streptomyces. The bldA deletion in J1074 resulted in a highly conditional Bld phenotype, with depleted formation of aerial hyphae on certain solid media. In addition, bldA mutant of J1074 was unable to produce endogenous antibacterial compounds and two heterologous antibiotics, moenomycin and aranciamycin, whose biosynthesis is directed by TTA-containing genes. We have employed a new TTA codon-specific β-galactosidase reporter system to provide genetic evidence that J1074 bldA mutant is impaired in translation of TTA. In addition, we have discussed the possible reasons for differences in the phenotypes of bldA mutants described here and in previous studies, providing knowledge to study bldA-based regulation of antibiotic biosynthesis.