Widespread attention is being given to the search for marine-derived fungi that are prolific in their production of unusual secondary metabolites. Our laboratory is using a variety of approaches to obtain, identify, curate, and culture strains, especially those from unusual taxonomic groups. Overall, in comparison to the wealth of knowledge known for marine natural products, research on this topic can be considered nascent. At the end of 2006, there were approximately 500 biosynthetic products described in the literature from marine-derived fungi versus 17,918 from marine organisms in general.

This presentation will include an overview of the chemical and biological developments relevant to marine-derived fungal natural products. A summary of both successful and unsuccessful strategies used to obtain new findings will be covered. Highlights will include recent outcomes from our program emphasizing unusual fungal strains. The chemical signatures of natural products of current interest to our lab will be discussed. Case examples will be used to illustrate strategies being employed to fully exploit the chemical potential of our cultures grown mostly in saltwater. The prospects for future discoveries and new directions will also be outlined.