title: A turning point for natural product discovery--ESF-EMBO research conference: synthetic biology of antibiotic production.
abstract: Synthetic Biology is in a critical phase of its development: it has finally reached the point where it can move from proof-of-principle studies to real-world applications. Secondary metabolite biosynthesis, especially the discovery and production of antibiotics, is a particularly relevant target area for such applications of synthetic biology. The first international conference to explore this subject was held in Spain in October 2011. In four sessions on General Synthetic Biology, Filamentous Fungal Systems, Actinomyces Systems, and Tools and Host Structures, scientists presented the most recent technological and scientific advances, and a final-day Forward Look Plenary Discussion identified future trends in the field.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbial Physiology,Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborg 7, Groningen, The Netherlands. e.takano@rug.nl
authors.forename: Eriko
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Takano
authors.forename: Roel A L
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Bovenberg
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Breitling
mesh_terms: D000190:Actinomyces / Q000378:metabolism; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D001688:Biological Products / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003226:Congresses as Topic; D005658:Fungi / Q000378:metabolism; D007218:Industrial Microbiology; D058615:Synthetic Biology / Q000639:trends*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001688:Biological Products