The expanding universe of alkaloid biosynthesis

Characterization of many of the major gene families responsible for the gen eration of central intermediates and for their decoration, together with th e development of large genomics and proteomics databases, has revolutionize d our capability to identify exotic and interesting natural-product pathway s. Over the next few years, these tools will facilitate dramatic advances i n our knowledge of the biosynthesis of alkaloids, which will far surpass th at which we have learned in the past 50 years. These tools will also be exp loited for the rapid characterization of regulatory genes, which control th e development of specialized cell factories for alkaloid biosynthesis.