Proteomic and metabolomic analysis reveals that Amycolatopsis sp. BX17 synthesizes antifungal metabolites against Fusarium graminearum through the shikimate pathway

Soil-isolated Amycolatopsis sp. BX17 releases antifungal extracellular metabolites, capable of antagonizing the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum and protecting maize plants from fungus colonization. A metabolomic analysis was performed to identify the extracellular metabolites produced by this strain. Also, a shot-gun proteomic analysis of axenic BX17 strain cultures was conducted using tandem mass spectrometry, and identified 1821 proteins of which 1039 were classified according to their biological function by KEGG. Results showed that central carbon metabolism, genetic information processing, environmental information processing, and amino acid metabolism were the most enriched pathways. Furthermore, an essential set of proteins was found related to the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides. Overall, 20 compounds were found, and echinosporin identified in the global profile by MSE analysis. This evidence suggests that Amycolatopsis BX17 synthesize this antifungal molecule by converting of shikimate to chorismate. Our results advance our understanding of the mechanisms of bioactive compounds production in Amycolatopsis, and the metabolic machinery involved.