Microorganisms are a major source of new therapeutics. However, the discovery and sustainable production of these compounds are often hampered owing to limited access to biosynthetic genes or products. Recent studies provide new approaches for targeting biosynthesis genes in the metagenome of complex microbial assemblages and for inducing the expression of otherwise silent biosynthesis genes.
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Hertweck, C. Hidden biosynthetic treasures brought to light. Nat Chem Biol 5, 450–452 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio0709-450
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio0709-450
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