Research Keyword: polyketide synthase

Aspergillus terreus sectorization: a morphological phenomenon shedding light on amphotericin B resistance mechanism

When Aspergillus terreus fungi are grown in laboratory conditions for extended periods, they sometimes undergo changes that make them look different and behave differently. Scientists found that these changed strains become more susceptible to amphotericin B, a common antifungal drug. By studying the genes and proteins in both the original and changed strains, researchers discovered that special proteins called P-type ATPases appear to be responsible for the fungus’s natural resistance to this drug, offering new targets for developing better antifungal treatments.

Read More »

Discovery of the antifungal compound ilicicolin K through genetic activation of the ilicicolin biosynthetic pathway in Trichoderma reesei

Scientists used genetic engineering to activate a dormant gene cluster in the fungus Trichoderma reesei, enabling it to produce the antifungal compound ilicicolin H in high quantities. During this process, they discovered a new related compound called ilicicolin K that shows even stronger antifungal properties. These compounds could potentially overcome limitations of current antifungal treatments, especially against drug-resistant fungi like Candida auris.

Read More »

Transformation of Alternaria dauci demonstrates the involvement of two polyketide synthase genes in aldaulactone production and fungal pathogenicity

A fungus that causes leaf spots on carrots produces a toxic chemical that helps it infect plants. Scientists identified two genes responsible for making this toxin and used genetic engineering to create mutant fungi unable to produce it. When these mutant fungi tried to infect carrot plants, they were much less damaging than the normal fungus, proving the toxin is crucial for the fungus to cause disease.

Read More »

Comparative proteomics reveals the mechanism of cyclosporine production and mycelial growth in Tolypocladium inflatum affected by different carbon sources

Researchers studied how different sugars (fructose and sucrose) affect a fungus’s ability to produce cyclosporine A, an important drug used after organ transplants to prevent rejection. Using advanced protein analysis techniques, they found that fructose makes the fungus better at producing the drug, while sucrose makes it grow more mycelium (fungal threads). By identifying the specific proteins involved in each process, scientists can now develop better methods to produce more of this valuable medicine.

Read More »

Genome-Mining Based Discovery of Pyrrolomycin K and L from the Termite-Associated Micromonospora sp. RB23

Scientists discovered two new antimicrobial compounds called pyrrolomycins from bacteria living in termites using genome sequencing and chemical analysis. These compounds contain chlorine atoms and are related to known antibiotics. The research shows how the bacteria protects itself from its own antimicrobial compounds through chemical modifications, offering insights into developing new antibiotics.

Read More »

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

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.

Read More »

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Modulates Shiraia Hypocrellin A Biosynthesis Through ROS/NO Signaling in Response to Bamboo Polysaccharide Elicitation

Researchers discovered that a specific enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) controls the production of hypocrellin A, a powerful therapeutic compound found in Shiraia fungi. When bamboo polysaccharides are added to fungal cultures, they trigger G6PDH activity, which then increases the production of signaling molecules that boost hypocrellin A biosynthesis. This finding could lead to better ways to produce this promising cancer-fighting photosensitizer at industrial scales using simple, cost-effective methods.

Read More »
Scroll to Top