A new study shows how a type of disease-causing E. coli can quickly adapt when it loses one of its main ways of attaching to the intestine. The bacteria either change shape or make small changes to a protein that strengthens their grip on human cells. The findings help explain why these strains can still cause illness and identify a possible target for future treatments that could stop infection by preventing bacteria from attaching in the first place.

Fungi produce a vast and complex array of chemical compounds known as secondary metabolites. While not essential for their basic growth, these molecules play critical roles in how fungi interact with their environment, defend against competitors, and communicate. The genetic blueprints for these compounds are neatly organized into biosynthetic gene clusters. Thanks to breakthroughs in genomics, metabolomics, and synthetic biology, we are now able to explore these pathways like never before, even awakening "silent" gene clusters to uncover novel molecules. This Article Collection aims to bring together the latest research and cutting-edge perspectives in this dynamic field.

Understanding fungal secondary metabolism is vital for both science and society. Many of our most important medicines, including the antibiotic penicillin, the immunosuppressant cyclosporin, and cholesterol-lowering statins, originated from fungi. As we face growing challenges like antibiotic resistance, the fungal kingdom represents a massive, untapped resource for discovering new drugs. On the other hand, some fungal metabolites are harmful mycotoxins that can contaminate food supplies, posing a significant threat to global health and food security. By studying how these compounds are made, we can unlock new therapeutic solutions and develop better strategies to protect our food.

This Article Collection will explore the multifaceted world of fungal secondary metabolism and biosynthesis. We invite contributions on a range of subtopics, including but not limited to: (1) The discovery, structure, and function of novel secondary metabolites; (2) The use of genomics and bioinformatics to identify and analyze biosynthetic gene clusters; (3) The genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate these pathways; (4) The application of synthetic biology and heterologous expression to produce new compounds; and (5) The ecological roles and evolutionary origins of fungal secondary metabolites. We welcome Original Research articles, Reviews, Methods, and Perspectives to provide a comprehensive overview of the field.

5 Keywords:

Fungal secondary metabolites

Biosynthesis

Synthetic biology

Genomic mining

Metabolic regulation

Scientists use light-driven chemistry to synthesize a valuable pharmaceutical building block and generate trifluoromethyl radicals directly from inexpensive, low-toxicity fluoroform.

Researchers have developed an innovative imaging technique to visualize the transition of single cells into multicellular organisms in new detail.