Biosynthesis And Molecular Genetics Of Fungal Secondary Metabolites

​Fungi produce many chemically diverse secondary metabolites whose biological roles largely remain elusive. Within the increasing number of sequenced fungal genomes several important genes involved in secondary metabolite formation have been identified. Most of these genes are clustered and their coordinated transcription is controlled in a complex way by both narrow pathway-specific regulators as well as broad global transcription factors responsive to environmental cues. In recent years it was discovered many of the newly identified gene clusters are silent under laboratory conditions suggesting that the biosynthetic potential of fungi is far from being exploited. Besides identifying novel bioactive metabolites from still unexplored sources, the activation of these gene clusters by several approaches may result in the discovery of new substances with antibiotic and pharmaceutical benefits. This book covers recent advances in the field of fungal secondary metabolisms ranging from methodologies to biological aspects and will include the latest knowledge on fungal molecular biology, genomics, and metabolomics. With the related volume by Professor Juan-Francisco Martin, where the most relevant and well-studied fungal secondary metabolites are compiled, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art of research on fungal secondary metabolites.

This volume describes the more relevant secondary metabolites of different fungi with current information on their biosynthesis and molecular genetics. Bolstered with color illustrations and photographs, the book describes the possible application of molecular genetics to directed strain improvement in great detail. The needs for future developments in this field are also discussed at length Written by authorities in the field, Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics of Fungal Secondary Metabolites provides a cutting-edge perspective on fungal secondary metabolism and underlying genetics and is a valuable resource for scientists, researchers, and educators in the field of fungal biology.

Laboratory Protocols in Fungal Biology presents the latest techniques in fungal biology. This book analyzes information derived through real experiments, and focuses on cutting edge techniques in the field. The book comprises 57 chapters contributed from internationally recognised scientists and researchers. Experts in the field have provided up-to-date protocols covering a range of frequently used methods in fungal biology. Almost all important methods available in the area of fungal biology viz. taxonomic keys in fungi; histopathological and microscopy techniques; proteomics methods; genomics methods; industrial applications and related techniques; and bioinformatics tools in fungi are covered and complied in one book. Chapters include introductions to their respective topics, list of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting. Each chapter is self-contained and written in a style that enables the reader to progress from elementary concepts to advanced research techniques. Laboratory Protocols in Fungal Biology is a valuable tool for both beginner research workers and experienced professionals. Coming Soon in the Fungal Biology series: Goyal, Manoharachary / Future Challenges in Crop Protection Against Fungal Pathogens Martín, García-Estrada, Zeilinger / Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics of Fungal Secondary Metabolites Zeilinger, Martín, García-Estrada / Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics of Fungal Secondary Metabolites, Volume 2 van den Berg, Maruthachalam / Genetic Transformation Systems in Fungi Schmoll, Dattenbock / Gene Expression Systems in Fungi Dahms / Advanced Microscopy in Mycology

This Methods in Molecular Biology volume provides key methodologies for accessing and exploiting natural product information provided by the genomes of filamentous fungi. Includes materials and reagents lists, step-by-step protocols and troubleshooting tips."

The filamentous fungi are perhaps unique in the diversity of their metabolic activities. This includes biosynthetic as well as degradative activities, many is to provide an of which are of industrial interest. The objective of this text up-to-date and broad review which emphasizes the genetic and molecular biological contribution in the field of fungal biotechnology. This text begins with an overview of the tools and methodologies involved which, to a large extent, have been developed in the model filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans and subsequently have been extended to commercially important fungi. This is followed by a chapter which provides a compilation of genes isolated from commercial fungi and their present status with respect to structure, function and regulation. Chapters 3 and 4 highlight the degradative powers of filamentous fungi. First, a discussion of what is known regarding the molecular genetics of fungi and the genes and enzymes involved in the beverage and food industries. This has an oriental flavour, reflecting the tremendous importance of fungi in traditional Chinese and Japanese food production. An account of lignocellulose degradation by filamentous fungi follows, illustrating the potential of fungi to utilize this substance as a renewable energy source. The ability of fungi to produce high-value foreign proteins is reviewed in chapters 5 and 6. Chymosin production, in particular, represents a good example of high-level yields being obtained, such as to warrant commercial production.

The first source to unite secondary fungal metabolism and morphogenesis in one volume, Secondary Metabolism and Differentiation in Fungi treats biological systems as parts of a whole rather than as a series of individual elements, highlighting research in genetics, molecular biology, and ecology. Featuring the expertise of 19 international authorities, each chapter is a rich source of experimentation ideas. The book facilitates the application of novel techniques to existing problems in molecular mycology and explores potentials for major new research. This indispensable guide to a key scientific field benefits biologists, chemists, and other scientists.

Fungal natural products are friends and foes of humans such as deleterious mycotoxins, cytotoxic, carcinogenic compounds or beneficial compounds such as antibiotics, fungicides, insecticides, antiviral and antitumor metabolites. Understanding fungal diversity and estimation of fungal species on our planet poses a great challenge to researchers. This complexity is further multiplied by secondary metabolite diversity of fungi, which requires interdisciplinary studies. It is extremely important to understand the fungal secondary metabolism to stop human, animal and plant diseases caused by fungi and harvest their valuable metabolites. Furthermore, many secondary metabolite gene clusters are silenced under laboratory conditions. It is vital to develop effective methods to activate those clusters in order to discover novel potent metabolites. This e-book is a compilation of original review articles contributed by leading fungal secondary metabolite researchers with a wide range of expertise. Important aspects of fungal secondary metabolism, including regulation, genome mining, evolution, synthetic biology and novel methods have been discussed. This book will be a great source to those people, who are interested in understanding overall structure, diversity and regulation of production of these tiny but precious chemicals.