Characterization in Micromonospora inyoensis of aminoglycoside acetyltransferase activity not previously encountered among actinomycetes.

Extracts of Micromonospora inyoensis contain aminoglycoside acetyltransferase activity not previously encountered among actinomycetes. Neomycin and its derivatives (excluding butirosin) are good substrates as is the novel aminoglycoside apramycin, whereas the gentamicins and kanamycins are utilized poorly if at all. Sisomicin, which is produced by M. inyoensis, is not acetylated. When neomycin was modified by extracts of M. inyoensis the product, most probably 3-N-acetylneomycin, was inactive against cell-free protein synthesis.