Alanine scan reveals modifiable residues in teixobactin

Abstract

An alanine scan of Lys₁₀-teixobactin reveals that a cationic residue at position 10 is not necessary for antibiotic activity and that position 3 tolerates substitution without loss of activity. An unexpected correlation between poor aqueous solubility and better antibiotic activity of the teixobactin analogues is observed.