Method for Natural Product Discovery by Activation of Silent Biosynthetic Gene Clusters

Method for Natural Product Discovery by Activation of Silent Biosynthetic Gene ClustersDr. Huimin Zhao from the University of IL has developed a unique method to search for new natural products that may be promising candidates for next generation antimicrobial and antifungal agents. Through the use of a library of transcription factor decoys he is able to activate formerly silent biosynthetic gene clusters in a high throughput manner allowing for isolation of many formerly unseen natural products.  

Activation of Actinorhodin BGC