Production of quinolone derivatives in Escherichia coli

Alkyl-4-quinolones (AQs) are natural compounds synthesized by bacteria. Members of this group are known quorum-sensing molecules. Other biological functions, such as anti-bacterial, anti-algal, antifungal, and anti-malaria activities have also been reported. The synthetic pathways of AQs have been validated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Five genes ( pqsA–E ) are involved in the synthesis of 2-heptyl-4(1H)-quinolone (HHQ). To synthesize HHQ in a microbial system, pqsA–E genes were introduced into Escherichia coli and HHQ and 2-methyl-4(1H)-quinolone (MHQ) were synthesized. After the copy number, construct promoters, and substrate supplements were optimized, 141.3 mg/L MHQ and 242.8 mg/L HHQ were synthesized.