The antifungal agent vD844 identified in cultures of a bacterium isolated from trap ants: identification, heterologous expression and exploration of its gene cluster

The tiny Allomerus ants utilise antibiotic producing bacteria to maintain the fungal monoculture that they grow to camouflage and reinforce the galleries that they build for the capture of insect prey. Until now, filipin complex was the only identified antifungal used in the trap ant system. Here we chemically identify the presence of the unusual and potent antifungal vD844. We identify the biosynthetic gene cluster responsible for its assembly and demonstrate its heterologous expression. With the full set of genes encoding vD844 in hand, we reveal further insight into the biosynthesis of this unusual compound.