Penicillin bug genome unravelled

Dutch researchers of DSM Anti-Infectives have decoded the DNA sequence of the fungus which produces penicillin.  For years antibiotics have been found by looking at what the fungi produce, but recently researchers have been trying to modify treatments that are already in use.  The discovery of the genome sequence could quite possibly lead to the development of new antibiotics.

By having a better understanding for the genome we can use that knowledge in manipulating the genes.  This provides information on what genes encode for, how to manufacture, and new compounds to be identified and tested.  This decoding has had many unexpected results.  Unexpected genes and gene families have been discovered in the biosynthesis of penicillins which the researchers did not think were involved.

Around one billion people are taking antibiotics every year made up of penicillin, and immunities to the antibiotics are becoming more frequent.  Experts warn the overuse of antibiotics and are in need of new drugs that our bodies are not resistant against.  Decoding of the fungus which produces penicillin will not only help against the combating resistance, but also may help improve the manufacturing of antibiotics.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7638379.stm