Functional genomics of new agent producers

Ulrich Nübel’s group investigates the biosynthetic potential of myxobacteria and other groups of bacteria by means of genome analysis. State-of the art sequencing methods and comprehensive calculation capacities are available for this purpose at the Leibniz Institute DSMZ. The group has already completed numerous genome sequences and bioinformatical analyses confirm that the investigated bacteria hold enormous potential for the synthesis of novel secondary metabolites. Statistical association analyses and investigations on genome-wide gene expression are being used to further clarify the functions of unknown biosynthetic gene clusters with the focus being on the discovery of new antibiotics. The DZIF network offers scientists the opportunity to successfully screen for agent candidates and develop them further.