Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have isolated novel anticancer peptides from the toxic fungus Aspergillus flavus, transforming a historically harmful microbe into a promising drug source. The team identified complex ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), named asperigimycins, with potent cytotoxicity against leukemia cells. Employing gene knockout and metabolomic profiling, the study revealed genetic clusters controlling RiPP biosynthesis, setting a new precedent for mining pathogenic fungi for bioactive compounds. This innovative work opens avenues for developing fungal-derived therapeutics with sophisticated biosynthetic pathways.