Microbial Natural Products

Our Research

Myxobacteria are capable of producing a plenitude of natural products with high structural and functional diversity. Accordingly, we find myxobacterial substances acting against all kinds of organisms, ranging from bacteria and fungi to mammalian cells or even viruses. We apply activity- and structure-guided approaches to identify bioactive compounds, but also use modern genome mining tools to shed light on the hidden biosynthetic potential of underexplored myxobacteria. Following their identification, we structurally characterize novel compounds and solve the molecular mechanisms underlying their biosynthesis and mode of action. This provides vital information for the biotechnological and chemical improvement of these substances. Our goal is to generate and develop hit and lead compounds, which are eventually transferred to the clinic. We have successfully established an in-house strain collection containing more than 10.000 unique myxobacterial strains, isolated from places all over the world. This collection is continuously expanded and represents the basis of our pursuit for exciting novel chemistry.