Identification, Heterologous Production and Bioactivity of Lentinulin A and Dendrothelin A, Two Natural Variants of Backbone N-methylated Peptide Macrocycle Omphalotin A

This research discovered and produced two new peptide molecules from mushrooms that could help protect plants from harmful parasitic worms. The scientists developed a way to make these complex molecules in yeast cells, which is more efficient than extracting them from mushrooms. This work has important implications for agriculture and drug development. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to new environmentally-friendly pesticides to protect crops from nematode parasites – Demonstrates a sustainable way to produce complex molecules using yeast instead of chemical synthesis – Opens possibilities for developing new peptide-based medicines with improved properties – Helps understand how mushrooms naturally defend themselves against pests – Could reduce reliance on harmful chemical pesticides in agriculture