Abstract
There is a constant need for discovering novel sources of compounds with antimicrobial properties, and recent studies support that symbiotic associations involving chemically mediated interactions may be a prominent source of novel compound discovery. Here I review a particularly promising natural system involving such interactions, the multipartite fungus-growing ant symbiosis. This includes a review of the ancient symbiosis involving intricate interactions between at least six symbionts, a review of the efforts that have been made in examining host-symbiont and symbiont-symbiont interactions, as well as the efforts made in identifying and characterizing chemical compounds mediating these interactions. Finally, I outline the prospects for future natural product discoveries from the system, touching on how advances in chemical analyses and whole-genome sequencing techniques will facilitate the process of natural product discovery of biomedical interest.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Drug News & Perspectives |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Pages (from-to) | 203-10 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| ISSN | 0214-0934 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |