Biosynthetic Genes in Lichens may Produce Novel Therapeutics

Several biosynthetic genes that are involved in the production of usnic acid in lichen, a compound showing antiviral, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antibacterial, and anticancer activity, has been identified by an international study led by researchers from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Complutense, the University of Madrid, published in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution. Lichens are plant-like composite organisms resulting from the symbiosis of fungi and green algae or cyanobacteria. And not all the lichens are involved in the production of usnic acid. Hence researchers sequenced the genomes of 40 lichen species that produce and do not produce usnic acid.

Novel therapeutics using lichens:

"Identifying the genes involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds is essential for future studies that require their isolation and mass production; similarly, the genomic approach adopted in this study has helped us identify new biosynthetic genes (PKS) of as yet unknown compounds that may be of pharmacological interest", explained David Pizarro, the first author of the study and a researcher in the Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacognosy and Botany at the UCM.

Many unknown biosynthetic genes, similar to genes involved in the biosynthesis of antibiotics and toxins were identified. Lichens hold great ecological importance and are commonly used as bio-indicators of air pollution, other environmental changes and also form the basis of the food chain in specialized ecosystems.

They also prevent soil erosion by maintaining its moisture. This may help in setting up of vascular plants. With numerous advantages, the study thus emphasizes its role in the development of new molecules in the pharmaceutical industry.

Source-Medindia