Biosynthesis of Natural Products: From Microbial Genes to Molecules and Back
This 5 day course provides a comprehensive introduction to the biosynthesis of natural products, focusing on the small organic molecules produced by microorganisms, algae, and plants. Over the week, participants will learn about the unique enzymes and gene clusters responsible for the creation of these compounds. The course also emphasizes the use of bioinformatics tools to connect genes with chemical structures, providing professionals with the skills to apply these techniques in both research and industry settings.
This course was previously called: Biosynthesis of Natural Products
Content
The course program:
Day 1:
Introduction to the course
Biosynthesis of polyketides
Exercises
Day 2:
Polyketide Synthases
Biosynthesis of shikimic acid derived compounds
Biosynthesis of non-ribosomal peptides
Non-Ribosomal Peptide Synthetases
Day 3:
Biosynthesis of terpenoids
Introduction to bioinformatics
Introduction to AntiSMASH
AntiSMASH Exercises
Day 4:
Group work on biosynthetic pathway & genome data
Day 5:
Finalization of group presentations
Group work presentations
Course evaluation
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Understand and distinguish the different pathways involved in the biosynthesis of key natural products, including polyketides, peptides, terpenoids, and polyphenols.
Identify the role of enzymes in shaping the structure of these natural products through processes like ring formation, oxidation, and reduction.
Analyze and predict the composition of gene clusters in bacteria and fungi that drive the production of specific natural products.
Utilize bioinformatics tools (e.g., antiSMASH, MIBIG) to link gene clusters with the natural products they encode.
Apply tools like BLAST and InterProScan to identify enzymes involved in modifying natural product structures.
Develop models to predict the types of natural products a microorganism can produce based on its genetic information.
Construct gene cluster models by analyzing the structure of natural products and backtracking to their genetic origins.
Who should attend?
This course is ideal for professionals in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and chemical sectors who are involved in or interested in the biosynthesis and application of natural products. It is particularly beneficial for:
R&D Scientists and Biotechnologists: Professionals engaged in discovering and engineering new natural products or enhancing the production of existing ones for therapeutic, agricultural, or industrial applications.
Synthetic Biologists: Individuals focused on designing and constructing novel biosynthetic pathways in microorganisms for the production of high-value compounds.
Pharmaceutical Scientists: Those involved in drug discovery and development who seek to harness natural products as lead compounds or for the development of new antibiotics and other therapeutics.
Bioinformaticians: Specialists working on the analysis and annotation of genomic data, especially those involved in predicting biosynthetic gene clusters and their associated products.
Chemical Engineers and Bioprocess Engineers: Engineers tasked with optimizing and scaling up the production of natural products in industrial settings.
Natural Product Chemists: Researchers and professionals specializing in the chemical characterization and structural elucidation of complex natural products.
Regulatory Affairs and Quality Control Professionals: Individuals responsible for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance of products derived from natural sources.
Agricultural Scientists: Those interested in the application of natural products for crop protection, growth enhancement, or as alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals
Important information
Here you will find important information for short course participants regarding cancellation policies, location and waitlist policies.
The lectures, laboratory exercises and group work will all be conducted physically at DTU Lyngby Campus.
Admission requirements
Participants should have a basic understanding of biochemistry and molecular biology. No prior experience with bioinformatics tools is required, but familiarity with general biological concepts will be beneficial..
Fee, registration and location
NB!
DTU PhD students must register for this course through the Study Planner
PhDs from other universities must register as a guest student through: https://www.dtu.dk/english/education/phd/intro/guest-phd/guest_courses/registration_form
The application deadline is two weeks prior to course start.
DTU campus Lyngby
Discounts
Employees in start-up companies, educational institutions and the public sector a 50% course fee reduction.
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