The resistance of many pathogens to antibiotics requires the search for new therapeutically active substances. An effective way to search for substances similar to known antibiotics is genomic analysis aimed at the presence of genes necessary for the synthesis of antibiotics. Institute of Soil Biology BC has created an extensive collection of actinomycetes, which is a potential source of previously unknown active substances. Most cultures belong to the family Streptomycetaceae (Streptomyces and Kitasatospora), however some other families are also represented (Pseudonocardiaceae: the genera Letznea, Amycolatopsis, Saccharothrix, and Nocardiaceae: the genus Nocardia). Streptomyces are known to produce many bioactive metabolites, which can be used in medicine as antifungal, antiviral, anticoagulant, immunomodification, antitumor drugs or as enzyme inhibitors. Furthermore, also in agriculture as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides or growth-promoting agent for plants and animals.
