Research Tools
Exploring Natural Products from Actinobacteria Symbionts Associated with Animals and Plants
WARF: P07080US
Inventors: Cameron Currie
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a collection of more than 150 unique strains of actinomycetes.
Overview
Actinomycetes, which are Gram-positive filamentous bacteria, produce the majority of known antibiotics. Fungus-growing Attine ants engage in a mutualistic association with actinomycetes to defend their fungus garden. Other animals and plants also have symbiotic associations with actinomycetes.
The Invention
A UW-Madison researcher has collected more than 150 unique strains of actinomycetes obtained from ants, bees, lichens, bark beetles and other macroorganisms. DNA sequencing has confirmed that these strains are novel, and thus have not been previously screened. Bioassays revealed the in vitro production of antifungal and antibacterial compounds by many of these strains.
Applications
- May enable the development of new antibacterial and antifungal compounds
Key Benefits
- Provides a novel, potent and diverse collection of actinomycetes for new antibiotics or other natural products
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
For current licensing status, please contact Emily Bauer at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9842