Filamentous fungi have long been known for their ability to produce an enormous range of unusual chemical compounds known as secondary metabolites, many of which have potentially useful antibiotic or pharmacological properties. Recent focus on fungal genomics coupled with advances in detection and molecular manipulation techniques has galvanized a revitalization of this field. Fungal Secondary Metabolism: Methods and Protocols is aimed at providing the key methodologies currently in use and necessary for accessing and exploiting the natural product information provided by the genomes of this large and varied kingdom. Written by active researchers in the field, the chapters deal with all the steps necessary, from optimization of fungal culture conditions for metabolite production, through rapid genome sequencing and bioinformatics, and genetic manipulations for functional analysis, to detection and testing of metabolites. In addition, chapters on basic science address approaches to the genetic regulation, protein biochemistry, and cellular localization of the biosynthetic pathways. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology? series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Practical and hands-on,
Fungal Secondary Metabolism: Methods and Protocols encourages new investigators to enter the field and expands upon the expertise and range of skills of those already researching fungal natural products.
From the book reviews:
"The book 'Fungal Secondary Metabolism: Methods and protocols' present methodologies currently used for accessing and discovering the information on natural products in the genome of filamentous fungi. ? Should be available in all college, research laboratories and university libraries since this information will be very useful for researchers who study fungal secondary metabolites. In addition, this information will be helpful for any researcher working on the fungal genomics." (K. W. Thilini Chethana and Kevin D. Hyde, Fungal Diversity, December, 2014)
"This is very much a how-to-do book, prepared by two particularly distinguished mycologists, and designed for those wishing to investigate the chemical possibilities of filamentous fungi. ? Steps to be commended are detailed and practical procedures illustrated, accompanied by discussions of the strength and weaknesses of different packages. ? The editors and publishers must be congratulated in the extent to which they have managed to marshal their contributors into such a common and lucid style." (IMA Fungus, Vol. 3 (2), 2012)
