Coprophilous fungi in the search for new antimicrobials and other beneficial natural products

Abstract

Covering: up to 2025 Microbial interactions involve complex processes shaped by their ecological contexts. Herbivore animal dung denotes an interesting ecological niche for the study of interorganism communication and competition mediated by small molecules. Coprophilous organisms, which inhabit or are associated with animal dung, have developed resourceful defense mechanisms to survive in this competitive environment. Fungi, in particular, are renowned for their ability to produce biologically active secondary metabolites, a chemical arsenal that fosters successful colonization of the dung substrate. With recent advancements in OMICs technologies and our extensive knowledge of coprophilous fungi diversity, we can now delve into the biosynthetic machinery of these organisms and explore the opportunities they offer for discovering new antimicrobials and other beneficial natural products. This review explores the potential of coprophilous fungi in the context of the intricate microbial dynamics of this substrate, particularly the biosynthetic and chemical diversity that make this environment especially promising for natural product discovery. Notably, taxa spanning multiple families within the Sordariomycetes, Dothideomycetes, and Eurotiomycetes have been reported to thrive in dung, highlighting their potential as a reservoir of unique metabolic capabilities. Indeed, 198 secondary metabolites, derived from polyketide, amino acid derived, terpene, and hybrid pathways, have been reported from these fungi, underscoring the remarkable scope of their biosynthetic potential.