Exploration of Actinobacteria for Multifaceted Applications: Lessons to Learn from the Genome, Proteome and Metabolome of Pristine Microbial Majority

Actinobacteria are a diverse group of bacteria known for their prolific production of bioactive secondary metabolites. These metabolites have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their wide-ranging potential for biomedical applications. This review aims to provide an overview of actinobacterial metabolites and their significance in various aspects of biomedical research and applications. Actinobacterial metabolites are known for their diverse chemical structures and biological activities. They encompass a wide array of compounds, including antibiotics, anticancer agents, immunomodulators, and enzyme inhibitors. These metabolites have been instrumental in the development of numerous pharmaceuticals that have transformed the field of medicine. In the context of antibacterial research, actinobacterial metabolites have played a pivotal role in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens. Their potent antimicrobial properties have led to the discovery of antibiotics such as streptomycin, vancomycin, and rifamycin, which have been crucial in treating bacterial infections. This review highlights the diverse biomedical applications of actinobacterial metabolites, emphasizing their role in combating infectious diseases, cancer, drug discovery, and immunotherapy. The exploration of actinobacterial biodiversity and their metabolite diversity holds great promise for addressing current and emerging biomedical challenges. Furthermore, advancements in genomics, synthetic biology, and bioprocessing techniques are expected to enhance the production and utilization of actinobacterial metabolites for future biomedical innovations. Moreover, actinobacterial metabolites have shown potential in immunomodulation, opening avenues for the development of immunotherapies and vaccines. Compounds like teicoplanin and tacrolimus have been employed to modulate the immune system and treat autoimmune diseases and organ transplantation.