Discovery of Lipolasso Peptides Expands Understanding of Ribosomal Lipopeptide Biosynthesis

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Researchers at Lanzhou University in Lanzhou, People's Republic of China, have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of peptides and proteins. According to a recent study published in Organic Letters, the team has identified a novel family of lipolasso peptides that have been produced through a unique biosynthetic process. This process involves the combination of lasso peptide biosynthesis and acyl-CoA metabolism, resulting in a distinct type of lipopeptide that has been lipidated on the tyrosine hydroxy group of the precursor peptide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study has identified a novel family of lipolasso peptides that have been produced through a unique biosynthetic process.
  • This process involves the combination of lasso peptide biosynthesis and acyl-CoA metabolism, resulting in a distinct type of lipopeptide.
  • The researchers have identified a coA-transferase enzyme that is responsible for lipidating the tyrosine hydroxy group of the precursor peptide.
  • This discovery expands the paradigm of ribosomal lipopeptide biosynthesis and has significant implications for the development of new peptide-based therapies.
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in Organic Letters, one of the leading journals in the field of organic chemistry.
  • The research was conducted by a team of scientists led by Xin-Rong Li at Lanzhou University, in collaboration with other researchers at the university.
  • The study has been funded by the State Key Laboratory of Natural Product Chemistry at Lanzhou University.

Statistics:

  • The researchers have identified 4 types of lipidated ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) that are known to date.
  • The study has expanded the paradigm of ribosomal lipopeptide biosynthesis, highlighting the diversity and complexity of peptide biosynthesis.
  • The researchers found that the coA-transferase enzyme is responsible for lipidating the tyrosine hydroxy group of the precursor peptide.
  • The study has been published in Organic Letters, one of the leading journals in the field of organic chemistry.
  • The research was conducted by a team of 12 scientists, including Xin-Rong Li, Yuan-Yuan Li, Jin-Long Lu, Jiao-Jiao Cui, WeiKang Zhai, Jiang Xiong, Hongping Han, Kun Gao, Xinxiang Lei, Chuan-Rui Zhang, Shangwen Luo, and Shi-Hui Dong.

Sources:

  • Discovery and Biosynthesis of Lipolasso Peptides Reveal CoA-transferase for Tyrosine Lipidation of Ribosomal Peptides. Organic Letters, 2025.
  • Xin-Rong Li et al. "Discovery and Biosynthesis of Lipolasso Peptides Reveal CoA-transferase for Tyrosine Lipidation of Ribosomal Peptides." Organic Letters, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Researchers at Lanzhou University Discuss Findings in Peptides (Discovery and Biosynthesis of Lipolasso Peptides Reveal CoA-transferase for Tyrosine Lipidation of Ribosomal Peptides). Life Science Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 5516.