PCR-Based Determination of Secondary Metabolite Genes in Actinobacterial Cultures

Abstract

AbstractActinobacteria are commonly found in nature, and special attention is given to their role in development of different secondary bioactive metabolites. In particular, Streptomyces is a wide and useful resource of bioactive and complex secondary metabolites, many of which have broad spectrum applications. Actinobacteria are natural producers of bioactive substances and hence continue to be an important source of novel secondary metabolites for drug use. In order to amplify genes associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis, PCR-based methods have been used effectively, and it is therefore possible to predict if secondary metabolite pathways are present inside an organism. The main enzymes for secondary metabolite synthesis are polyketide synthases and nonribosomal peptide synthetases. Ansamycins, tetracyclines, polyenes, and glycopeptides are examples of antibiotic groups developed by this biosynthesis.Key wordsPCRActinobacteriaSecondary metabolitesGenes