Endophytic Actinobacteria are a microbial group that is still poorly investigated. Their association with plants constitutes a unique trait conferring specific biological and chemical features to endophytic Actinobacteria. This contribution discusses aspects of endophytic actinobacterial biology and chemistry comprehensively, including the biosynthesis and total synthesis of secondary metabolites produced in culture. It also presents perspectives for the future of microbial bioactive natural products discovery, with emphasis on the secondary metabolism of endophytic Actinobacteria.
Keywords: Alkaloid total synthesis; Biosynthesis; Endophytic actinobacteria; Polyketide total synthesis.