The logic of biologically active small molecules: amazing ability of microorganisms. Issue 7 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ubukata, Makoto
• Is Part Of: Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry. Volume 82:Issue 7(2018)
• Page Start: 1063
• Page End: 1072
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Liposidomycin -- tautomycin -- tautomycetin -- zincmethylphyrin -- uncultured Actinobacteria; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; 660.6
• DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1451740
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0916-8451

Abstract

Abstract: In this review article, I will outline my way of thinking about biologically active small molecules. The structure of liposidomycin B from Streptomyces species resulted in my initial sense that a structure tells its function. A biologically active small molecule may save directly or indirectly a number of people. Even if the molecule has not been used as a therapeutic agent, it can be used as a useful chemical probe for dissecting a living cell into different biochemical pieces. Such biologically active small molecules derived from microorganisms have been primarily found in cultivable microorganisms that make up only 1% of total microbes in nature. Discovery of novel growth factors, zincmethylphyrin, zinc coproporphyrin, and coproporphyrin enabled laboratory cultivation of previously uncultured Leucobacter sp. These findings might expand the possibility for further discovery of novel therapeutic agents or chemical probes. Abstract: : Microorganisms, plants, and other organisms have uniformity as living things. Among them, microorganisms have genetic diversity of secondary metabolite biosynthesis and its epigenetic diversity.