Bacillus secondary metabolites

Bacillus sp. is known to harbor large gene clusters coding for non-ribosomal synthetases committed to the synthesis of secondary metabolites such as lipopeptides and polyketides. These clusters represent a significant fraction of the whole genome and confer an advantage against competing microorganisms. I am particularly interested in the production of such metabolites by Bacillus strains. My work is focused in their potential as a biocontrol agents and the ecological and physiological role that these molecules play in the environment.