Fungi produce a vast diversity of chemicals. Some, known as secondary metabolites or natural products, are not essential for basic cell functions like growth and reproduction, but play important roles for interacting with other organisms or adapting to specific environments.

These metabolites act as antibiotics, signaling molecules, stress protectors, or pigments. Understanding the diversity of such metabolites, the cues that trigger their production, and their roles in nature not only provides insights into fungal ecology, it also unlocks their biotechnological potential, enabling the discovery of new pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Our studies on fungal diversity often involve investigating the chemical compounds produced by fungi. We seek to understand their biological roles in natural habitats and discovering new chemical structures. The examples below highlight fungal secondary metabolites we've found, including some new to science.

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