Anti-Zika candidates from a marine fungus with a remarkable biosynthetic repertoire

The study of natural products provides exciting opportu-nities for the discovery of novel biologically active molecules and biosynthetic pathways. Recently, Yuan and colleagues described 30 cyclic depsipeptides that are biosynthesized by proteins encoded by three distinct gene clusters in the marine fungus, Beauveria felina. Genetic and biochemical studies confirmed the involvement of nonribosomal peptide synthe-tases in the production of multiple compounds, some of which inhibit Zika virus replication.

Automated summary

The study of natural products presents opportunities for discovering novel biologically active molecules and biosynthetic pathways. For example, research on cyclic depsipeptides biosynthesized by marine fungi can lead to insights into their synthesis and antiviral properties, such as inhibiting Zika virus replication.