[Progress in antimicrobial substances of endophytes]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Endophytes, microbes living within plant tissues, are increasingly recognized as prolific sources of bioactive natural products.
• The discovery of novel metabolites from endophytes is crucial for identifying new therapeutic agents.
• Antimicrobial resistance necessitates the search for alternative treatments, making endophyte-derived compounds highly relevant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the significant achievements and latest developments in the field of endophytes.
• To explore the diversity of endophytic microorganisms and their associated metabolites.
• To highlight the antimicrobial activities and potential applications of endophyte-derived compounds, with a focus on research in China.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on endophytes and their metabolites.
• Analysis of reported studies on the isolation, characterization, and bioactivity of compounds from endophytes.
• Compilation of data on endophyte diversity and their geographical distribution, especially in China.

Main Results:

• Endophytes represent a rich reservoir of structurally diverse and biologically active secondary metabolites.
• Numerous compounds with significant antimicrobial properties have been isolated from various endophytic species.
• These compounds show promise in combating multi-drug resistant pathogens, addressing a critical global health challenge.

Conclusions:

• Endophytes are a unique and underexplored resource for discovering novel natural products with antimicrobial activity.
• Continued research into endophyte diversity and metabolite profiling is essential for drug discovery.
• The development and application of endophyte-derived antimicrobials, particularly in China, hold significant therapeutic and economic potential.