Fungal Species: Termitomyces sp. T153

Isolation, (bio)synthetic studies and evaluation of antimicrobial properties of drimenol-type sesquiterpenes of Termitomyces fungi

Termite colonies farm a fungus called Termitomyces for food in an ancient partnership. Scientists discovered that the mushrooms produced by this fungus release distinctive chemical signals, particularly a compound called drimenol. By isolating and synthesizing these compounds, researchers found they have antimicrobial properties and may play a role in communicating between termites and their fungal crop or protecting mushrooms from infection.

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

Researchers discovered two new antimicrobial compounds called pyrrolomycins from a bacterium found in termite guts using genome analysis and advanced chemistry techniques. These compounds are modified versions of known antimicrobial molecules, featuring halogenated structures. Interestingly, the bacteria appears to protect itself from its own toxic compounds through chemical modifications, a strategy that researchers believe could inform the design of new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacteria.

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