A natural prodrug activation mechanism in nonribosomal peptide synthesis

We have identified a new mechanism for the cleavage and activation of nonribosomally made peptides and peptidepolyketide hybrids that are apparently operational in several different bacteria. This process includes the cleavage of a precursor molecule by a membrane-bound and d-asparagine-specific peptidase, as shown here in the biosynthesis of the antibiotic xenocoumacin from Xenorhabdus nematophila.