But scientists didn't know how the bacterium makes four separate macrolides. Uncovering the methods to this process now unlocks the key to developing macrolides in the lab. The investigators discovered that rather than producing these macrolides in a linear manner, S. venezuelae has a line of production that diverges in at least two distinct directions, allowing multiple classes of macrolides to form. At the end is a macrolide antibiotic. One of the four macrolides from S. venezuelae is used to develop an antibiotic called pikromycin, which is structurally related to the antibiotic azithromycin, commonly used for respiratory infections.
Soil bacteria are also responsible for the medications erythromycin, streptomycin and tetracycline.
Further research into the process may lead to new treatments for infections, cancers, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity, Sherman said.