Natural Product Biosynthesis in Lichen and Other Fungi

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The identification of novel biologically active natural products is key to the long-term development of new clinical treatments for infections and disease. The Sorensen Natural Products Laboratory at the University of Manitoba is examining the production of natural products by unique strains of lichen and fungi from Northern Manitoba. Have started to develop a detailed understanding of the biosynthesis of the antibacterial and antifungal lichen natural product usnic acid. We will use molecular biology techniques to identify the genes, and thereby the enzymes, that are involved in the biosynthesis of usnic acid. This proposal describes how we will use this knowledge to produce natural product analogues with improved biological activity.