Biosynthesis and functions of two phytotoxins in Septoria nodorum blotch. This project aims to investigate how a fungal plant pathogen makes and uses small bioactive molecules to facilitate infection. It will characterise the function of the genes and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of a light-activated phytotoxic molecule and a potential anti-plant defence molecule found in the pathogenic wheat fungus Parastagonospora nodorum, and investigate their contribution to disease development. Expe ....Biosynthesis and functions of two phytotoxins in Septoria nodorum blotch. This project aims to investigate how a fungal plant pathogen makes and uses small bioactive molecules to facilitate infection. It will characterise the function of the genes and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of a light-activated phytotoxic molecule and a potential anti-plant defence molecule found in the pathogenic wheat fungus Parastagonospora nodorum, and investigate their contribution to disease development. Expected outcomes include better understanding of plant-microbe interactions, disease management strategies, technologies for identifying biosynthetic pathways in other fungi, and enzyme technology for synthesising molecules. This could lead to new herbicides, biopesticides and drugs.Read moreRead less
The hidden secondary metabolite biosynthetic potential of fungi. This proposal aims to develop synthetic biology tools to allow rapid access to the hidden metabolites encoded in fungal genomes and discover how they interact with plant and animal hosts. Genome sequencing reveals that fungi harbour vast hidden potential for biosynthesis of bioactive small molecules. The lack of tools to efficiently access this hidden potential has hindered the ability to develop this uncharted chemical diversity f ....The hidden secondary metabolite biosynthetic potential of fungi. This proposal aims to develop synthetic biology tools to allow rapid access to the hidden metabolites encoded in fungal genomes and discover how they interact with plant and animal hosts. Genome sequencing reveals that fungi harbour vast hidden potential for biosynthesis of bioactive small molecules. The lack of tools to efficiently access this hidden potential has hindered the ability to develop this uncharted chemical diversity for pharmaceutics and agriculture, and understand their biological roles in pathogens. Expected outcomes include sources of bioactive molecules and better management of fungal diseases in crops and humans.Read moreRead less
Heterologous expression of cyanobacterial compounds of analytical and therapeutic value. The project team has previously discovered the genetic basis for toxin production in cyanobacteria and algae. This project aims to define the biochemical pathways of the unique biosynthetic enzymes involved in alkaloid and cyclic peptide toxin production in these microorganisms. Via the development of large-gene cloning strategies, the toxins will be produced in a stable, sustainable and secure fermentation ....Heterologous expression of cyanobacterial compounds of analytical and therapeutic value. The project team has previously discovered the genetic basis for toxin production in cyanobacteria and algae. This project aims to define the biochemical pathways of the unique biosynthetic enzymes involved in alkaloid and cyclic peptide toxin production in these microorganisms. Via the development of large-gene cloning strategies, the toxins will be produced in a stable, sustainable and secure fermentation system. These compounds will be critical for standardising toxin detection methods in water supplies globally and for assessing their bioactivities in humans and other animals. Research students and the industry partner will also be trained to apply these novel biotechnologies for the production of other drug-like molecules.Read moreRead less