ORGN 2 |
| Taxonomically diverse marine bacteria have proven to be a rich resource for the discovery of structurally unique secondary metabolites with significant biomedical potential. However, investigations to unravel the ecological functions of these metabolites are rare. Given the tremendous abundance of microbes in the marine environment (107 viruses, 106 bacteria, 103 fungi, 103 microalgae/mL), there is intense competition for resources such as space and nutrients. Hence, it is probable that many metabolites serve to mediate microbe-microbe interactions. Advances in molecular techniques now provide new tools to help interpret the natural roles of microbial products. Recent investigations in our laboratory have identified specific microbial metabolites that deter surface colonization and interfere with cell-cell signaling pathways of competitors. The latter is especially intriguing since it involves non-toxic antagonistic interaction. Improved understanding of marine bacterial chemical ecology will provide insight into the micro-scale factors influencing the structure and biodiversity of marine communities. |
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Ernest Guenther Award in the Chemistry of Natural Products
8:00 AM-12:00 PM, Sunday, 26 March 2006 Georgia World Congress Center -- Georgia Ballroom 2, Oral
Division of Organic Chemistry |