Cytochrome P450 107U1 is required for sporulation and antibiotic production in Streptomyces coelicolor

► Deletion of the P450 gene of Streptomyces coelicolor blocked sporulation and antibiotic synthesis. ► Purified recombinant P450 107U was used in a metabolomic screen, and glycocholic acid was identified as a substrate. ► P450 107U1 catalyzed the oxidation of the 7α-hydroxy group of glycocholic acid to a ketone.