Abstract
It is hoped that recent studies of prokaryote–eukaryote symbiosis will contribute to medical research. Newly determined evolutionary relationships in fungi indicate that a number of non-lichen-forming fungi, including human pathogens, have lichen-forming ancestors. Comparisons between these and non-lichen formers of separate lineage could shed some light on fungal diseases. Also of interest is the close association between one strain of bacteria and a sea-sponge living in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Bioactive compounds derived from sea sponges or associated bacteria are being investigated as potential new drugs. A better understanding of the symbiotic association is considered an important first step in studying these compounds. Researchers from the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and Australian Institute of Marine Science say that the presence of the bacteria might indicate the state of health of the Rhopaloeides odorabile sponge: some unhealthy specimens of this sponge did not harbour the bacterial strain. AV http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/press/01/pr0152.htm http://www.eurekalert.org/bysubject.php?kw=104
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