Method for Natural Product Discovery by Activation of Silent Biosynthetic Gene ClustersDr. Huimin Zhao from the University of IL has developed a unique method to search for new natural products that may be promising candidates for next generation antimicrobial and antifungal agents. Through the use of a library of transcription factor decoys he is able to activate formerly silent biosynthetic gene clusters in a high throughput manner allowing for isolation of many formerly unseen natural products.  

Activation of Actinorhodin BGC