EFFECT OF METHYLATION INHIBITORS ON FERMENTATIONS OF S. LINCOLNENSIS

PRODUCTION OF N-DEMETHYLLINCOMYCIN

Abstract

The effects of several methylation inhibitors on fermentations of Streptomyces lincolnensis depend on the composition of the fermentation media, the levels of the metabolic inhibitors added, and the timing of the addition. Of all the compounds screened, it appears that sulfonamides and sulfanilamide in particular inhibit N-methylation, rather selectively, resulting in production of N-demethyllincomycin, in addition to the normally produced lincomycin and 4'-depropyl-4'-ethyllincomycin.