Targeting and stabilizing proteins in sugar storage vacuoles for metabolic engineering in sugarcane. We have isolated a novel gene for an enzyme that efficiently converts sucrose into a product of much higher value. We have shown that the enzyme functions in sugarcane, a first example of the potential for new biosynthetic capacities in this highly productive crop. Because 90% of stored sucrose is in specialized vacuoles, the enzyme needs to be directed into these vacuoles, and made stable and ac ....Targeting and stabilizing proteins in sugar storage vacuoles for metabolic engineering in sugarcane. We have isolated a novel gene for an enzyme that efficiently converts sucrose into a product of much higher value. We have shown that the enzyme functions in sugarcane, a first example of the potential for new biosynthetic capacities in this highly productive crop. Because 90% of stored sucrose is in specialized vacuoles, the enzyme needs to be directed into these vacuoles, and made stable and active there. This is feasible by building on recent discoveries about vacuolar targeting in plants. The outputs include scientific understanding to underpin metabolic engineering in plants, and a profitable high-technology export industry for Australia.Read moreRead less
Metabolic engineering of sugarcane: production of a biodegradable bioplastic as a test-case. The aim of this project is to produce a commercially valuable bioplastic called PHB in transgenic sugarcane. This bioplastic has similar properties to petrochemically produced polypropylene, but is fully biodegradable. PHB has been produced in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana at commercially viable levels. The expected outcome of high-level production of PHB in sugarcane would have significant ben ....Metabolic engineering of sugarcane: production of a biodegradable bioplastic as a test-case. The aim of this project is to produce a commercially valuable bioplastic called PHB in transgenic sugarcane. This bioplastic has similar properties to petrochemically produced polypropylene, but is fully biodegradable. PHB has been produced in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana at commercially viable levels. The expected outcome of high-level production of PHB in sugarcane would have significant benefits to the Australian sugar industry, the rural economy, and the Australian environment.Read moreRead less
In vitro evolution of more thermostable dextranases for the Australian sugar industry. Dextrans are polysaccharides that adversely affect the productivity of sugarcane mills. The Australian sugar industry currently imports dextranases to deal with this problem but they are not heat stable so the mills have run at lower temperatures than optimal. We have isolated dextranases from thermophilic microorganisms and aim to improve their performance by generating superior heat-stable dextranases using ....In vitro evolution of more thermostable dextranases for the Australian sugar industry. Dextrans are polysaccharides that adversely affect the productivity of sugarcane mills. The Australian sugar industry currently imports dextranases to deal with this problem but they are not heat stable so the mills have run at lower temperatures than optimal. We have isolated dextranases from thermophilic microorganisms and aim to improve their performance by generating superior heat-stable dextranases using in vitro evolution, creating new activity levels by random mutation and recombination. The research will be significant in providing novel enzymes for domestic use, allowing import substitution and an outcome will be the development of a product with export potential.
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Understanding and avoiding transgene silencing in sugarcane. Sugarcane is one of the world's major crops for food (sugar) and fuel (ethanol, electricity co-generation). It is one of the most appealing target crops for metabolic engineering aimed at renewable biomaterials and biofuels. Australia has invested strongly to achieve scientific leadership in gene technologies in our major export crops including sugarcane. Field tests show that development of methods to avoid unstable expression or 'sil ....Understanding and avoiding transgene silencing in sugarcane. Sugarcane is one of the world's major crops for food (sugar) and fuel (ethanol, electricity co-generation). It is one of the most appealing target crops for metabolic engineering aimed at renewable biomaterials and biofuels. Australia has invested strongly to achieve scientific leadership in gene technologies in our major export crops including sugarcane. Field tests show that development of methods to avoid unstable expression or 'silencing' of introduced genes is now a critical requirement for practical application. The current project emerges from industry recognition of the need to understand and avoid transgene silencing. The methods developed using sugarcane are expected to have rapid applicability for wider benefits in agriculture.Read moreRead less
Optimising transgene expression and stability for enhanced sugar yield and high-value sugar production in sugarcane. 'SugarBooster' technology has the potential to underpin a value-added sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from sugarcane more feasible. Isomaltulose has established health benefits for consumers and it is also attractive as a renewable starting material for industry. But it must c ....Optimising transgene expression and stability for enhanced sugar yield and high-value sugar production in sugarcane. 'SugarBooster' technology has the potential to underpin a value-added sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from sugarcane more feasible. Isomaltulose has established health benefits for consumers and it is also attractive as a renewable starting material for industry. But it must currently be produced by expensive fermentation. Efficient production in plants will open an increasing world market. This collaborative project is vital to bring these breakthrough technologies to reliable commercial implementation, in time to capture the economic benefits of the protected IP for Australia.Read moreRead less