biosynthetic gene cluster

Harnessing the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of fungal secondary metabolites

mycolabadmin

Scientists have learned to use common baker’s yeast (S. cerevisiae) as a biological factory to produce valuable medicines and compounds that naturally come from fungi and mushrooms. By transferring the genetic instructions for making these compounds into yeast cells and improving them with genetic engineering, researchers can now produce therapeutically important substances like cancer-fighting drugs and antibiotics in large quantities. This approach is more practical and cost-effective than trying to extract these rare compounds directly from their native fungal sources or using other production methods.

Rediscovery of viomellein as an antibacterial compound and identification of its biosynthetic gene cluster in dermatophytes

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that skin-infecting fungi called dermatophytes produce a red pigment called viomellein that kills bacteria. By studying the genes responsible for making viomellein, scientists found that this compound may help dermatophytes establish infections by eliminating competing bacteria on the skin. This discovery could explain how these fungi successfully colonize human skin and may lead to new treatment strategies for stubborn fungal infections.

Molecular characterization of gliotoxin synthesis in a biofilm model of Aspergillus fumigatus

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied how a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus produces a toxin called gliotoxin when it forms biofilms, which are organized communities of fungal cells found in human infections. They compared two clinical strains from infected patients and found they produced gliotoxin at different times and in different amounts, despite forming similar biofilm structures. By analyzing which genes were turned on and off, they discovered that one strain rapidly produced toxin early while the other strain produced it more slowly, suggesting different strategies for survival. Understanding these differences could help develop better treatments for serious lung infections caused by this fungus.

Production of the light-activated elsinochrome phytotoxin in the soybean pathogen Coniothyrium glycines hints at virulence factor

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that a fungus infecting soybean plants produces red toxins that become dangerous when exposed to light. These toxins generate reactive oxygen species that damage plant cells, causing leaf spots and disease. The study found that disease is worse under light conditions but can still occur in darkness, suggesting multiple attack mechanisms. Understanding this toxin production may help develop better disease management strategies for soybean crops, particularly in Africa where the disease is common.

Tracing the Origin and Evolution of the Fungal Mycophenolic Acid Biosynthesis Pathway

mycolabadmin

Scientists studied how different mold species produce mycophenolic acid (MPA), a drug used to prevent transplant rejection in millions of patients worldwide. By examining the genomes of nearly 500 fungal species, they discovered which molds can make MPA and how they evolved this ability. The research found that MPA-producing fungi all have special resistance mechanisms to protect themselves from the toxic compound they produce, and these protection strategies differ between species.

The palmitoyl-CoA ligase Fum16 is part of a Fusarium verticillioides fumonisin subcluster involved in self-protection

mycolabadmin

Fusarium verticillioides is a fungus that produces fumonisin B1, a poisonous compound that can contaminate corn and harm human and animal health. Remarkably, the fungus has evolved special protective mechanisms to survive its own poison. This study discovered that five genes in the fungus work together to shield it from fumonisin’s toxic effects by either breaking down the toxin or boosting the production of protective molecules called ceramides in cell membranes.

Identification of a Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for the Production of the Blue-Green Pigment Xylindein by the Fungus Chlorociboria aeruginascens

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered the genetic instructions that allow certain fungi to produce xylindein, a beautiful blue-green pigment found in stained wood. By analyzing fungal genomes and studying gene activity, they identified nine genes working together to create this valuable compound, which has uses in textiles and electronics. While attempts to produce xylindein in laboratory yeasts were unsuccessful, their work successfully produced a related pigment and opens new pathways for understanding xylindein production.

The palmitoyl-CoA ligase Fum16 is part of a Fusarium verticillioides fumonisin subcluster involved in self-protection

mycolabadmin

This research reveals how corn fungi protect themselves from their own toxic products by employing specialized defense enzymes. Scientists discovered that five genes work together in a protective cluster, with some enzymes strengthening the fungal cell’s natural defenses while others actively break down the toxin. This discovery helps explain how dangerous fungi survive and could lead to better strategies for preventing mycotoxin contamination in crops and developing disease-resistant plants.

Tracing the Origin and Evolution of the Fungal Mycophenolic Acid Biosynthesis Pathway

mycolabadmin

Mycophenolic acid is an important drug that helps transplant patients by preventing their immune systems from rejecting new organs. Scientists studied the genes that fungi use to make this drug and found it in several fungal species. They discovered that this ability to produce the drug evolved a long time ago in fungi but was lost in most species over time, remaining only in a few special fungi.

Rediscovery of viomellein as an antibacterial compound and identification of its biosynthetic gene cluster in dermatophytes

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that dermatophytes, fungi that cause common skin infections like athlete’s foot, produce a red pigment called viomellein that kills bacteria. By studying the genes responsible for making this compound, scientists found that most dermatophytes produce it, which may help explain how these fungi establish infections on skin despite the presence of protective bacteria. This discovery opens new possibilities for understanding skin infections and potentially developing new treatments.

Research Keyword: biosynthetic gene cluster