A microbiological platform for the production of complex small molecules with important biological activities

The natural environment has been a rich source of powerful new medicines based on complex chemical compunds produced by many different organisms such as microbes, plants and marine sponges. This project will exploit an unusual microbial enzyme we have discovered and use its properties to develop a natural system for readily and cost effectively producing compunds such as immunosuppressants, antibiotics and anti-cancer agents as well as chemicals that would be needed to develop biodegradable plastics and biofuels, while conserving scarce naturally occurring resources.