New developments in non-post translationally modified microcins

Abstract Microcins are a family of low molecular weight antibiotic peptides produced by Enterobacteriaceae strains and active against related bacteria. According to some features we propose to classify these antibiotic substances into two distinct groups. The class I microcins contain Mcc B17, C7, J25 and D93 that are small molecules (molecular mass inferior to 5 kDa), largely post-translationally modified and with specific intracellular targets. The class II microcins, MccV, E492, H47, L and 24, share several common properties with class IIa Gram-positive bacteriocins: molecular mass ranging from 7 to 10 kDa, absence of modified amino acids, double-glycine type leader peptides, secretion mediated by an ABC transporter and antibacterial activity due to interaction with bacterial membrane. This review discusses common features of the class II microcins and provides new insights into these peptides.