Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2026

Metabolic Pathway Confirmation and Discovery Through 13C-labeling of Proteinogenic Amino Acids
Published on: January 26, 2012
Useful functions of microbial metabolites
1Xenova Limited, Slough, Berks, UK.
Abstract:
The mood-enhancing effects of fungi and their medicinal properties have been recognized for centuries. Ergot was initially used by midwives to speed childbirth in the Middle Ages. More recently their pharmacological action on dopamine receptors has been exploited to treat post-partum bleeding, migraine, Parkinson's disease and senile dementia. Further indications of the potential value of microbial metabolites are exemplified by the discovery and development of cyclosporin, to treat organ rejection, and mevinolin, a cholesterol-lowering drug. Such discoveries are not unexpected because we have known for some time that fungi regulate morphogenesis, differentiation and sexuality via hormonal molecules, ranging from peptides through to steroidal molecules similar in structure to human sex hormones. A combination of the power of molecular biology to design screens based on isolated disease mechanisms with the chemical inventiveness of microorganisms is providing numerous new pharmacophores for drug development.
More Related Videos
12:47Workflow Based on the Combination of Isotopic Tracer Experiments to Investigate Microbial Metabolism of Multiple Nutrient Sources
Published on: January 22, 2018
10:03Isolation, Propagation, and Identification of Bacterial Species with Hydrocarbon Metabolizing Properties from Aquatic Habitats
Published on: December 7, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms
Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry
Microbial Nutrition
Microbial Fermentation
Amino Acid Catabolism