Molecular and systems biology methods for establishing Fomes fomentarius as a cell factory for the production of fungal composites
A01
Research Area:
Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Affiliation:
Technische Universität Berlin | Institute of Biotechnology
Department:
Dept. Applied and Molecular Microbiology
Principal Investigators:
Vera Meyer | Anna Birke
Sub-project A01 is run by Prof. Vera Meyer and junior scientist Dr. Anna Birke (Applied and Molecular Microbiology, TUB). The genome information of F. fomentarius will be exploited to predict its genetic landscape for growth on diverse lignocellulosic substrates. Methods for targeted genome modification will be developed and gene correlation networks derived from transcriptomic data.
The aim is to genetically fine-tune hyphal growth of F. fomentarius at the nano- and microscale by improving its ability to feed on lignocellulose and by altering hyphal growth and the composition of its cell wall. Such a genetic approach will enable re-design of adhesion capacities of F. fomentarius hyphae to substrate particles and will open avenues to improve compression, flexural strength, tensile strength, insulation capacity, and water-repellence of the fungal-plant composites at the macroscale.
The sub-project will be carried out in close collaboration with A02 and A03 and will deliver composites to be analysed by A04, B01, B02, B03, and C01.