[5] The structure of PZN was solved later that year by two independent research groups, primarily through high-resolution mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy.

A series of enzymes then chemically alter the peptide to install its post-translational modifications, including several azole heterocycles and an N-terminal amine dimethylation.

[citation needed] Specifically, during the biosynthesis of PZN in B. velezensis, a ribosomally-synthesized precursor peptide undergoes extensive post-translational modification, including cyclodehydrations and dehydrogenations, catalyzed by a trimeric enzyme complex.

[9] Following leader peptide removal, the newly formed N-terminus undergoes methylation to yield an Nα,Nα-dimethylarginine.

sepedonicus, Corynebacterium urealyticum , and Brevibacterium linens have been identified with similar gene clusters that have the potential to produce PZN-like molecules.