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Fungal Salvation

06 May 2017

Fungal Salvation

Antibiotics have cured countless infections and saved millions of lives since their first use seventy-odd years ago. But, inevitably – because evolution always finds a way – the tide is turning. The bacteria that antibiotics target are developing resistance and the number of deaths caused by infections that would once have been treatable is on the rise. Amidst the gloomy forecast, however, there is a small sunbeam of hope. Antibiotics are derived from organic compounds naturally created by microbes, such as the assorted penicillium fungi pictured. Recently, researchers analysing the genomes of penicillium species discovered thousands of genes with putative biosynthetic ability – meaning fungi have far greater potential for producing new antibiotics than was previously appreciated. By tapping into this potential, coercing the fungi to churn out new compounds, scientists may be able to restock the antibiotic armoury and continue the battle against deadly infections for at least a little longer.

Written by Ruth Williams

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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