Improving the production of micafungin precursor FR901379 in Coleophoma empetri using heavy-ion irradiation and its mechanism analysis
Researchers used heavy-ion radiation to create improved strains of a fungus that produces a precursor to micafungin, an important antifungal drug. The improved strains produced over 3.5 times more of the desired compound than the original strain. By analyzing the genetic changes in these improved strains, the scientists identified which genes were most important for boosting production, helping guide future improvements in manufacturing this life-saving medicine.