Discovery

RiPPs (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides) and phosphonates are diverse classes of natural products with vast structural and functional diversity. Uncovering new RiPP and phosphonate gene clusters typically involves bioinformatic and computational analyses followed by experimental validation. By leveraging a wealth of sequencing data, we are able to identify putative RiPP gene clusters within microbial genomes that provide a starting point for exploration. Further investigations entail expression studies and structural characterization of the gene products to elucidate their biosynthetic pathways and uncover new chemistries. Each newfound RiPP gene cluster offers opportunities not only in terms of drug discovery, but lays the foundation towards exploring mechanisms, mode of action, and bioengineering.