Hyper production of proteins in filamentous fungi by increasing the number of secreting hyphae (07453)

Project nummer: 07453

Omschrijving van het onderzoek

Filamentous fungi form mycelia consisting of branching hyphae. These organisms have the natural capacity to secrete high amounts of proteins into their medium. This makes filamentous fungi like Aspergillus niger excellent production systems for proteins of medical and industrial interest. These proteins are used in the production or as an active component of a wide variety of products (e.g. foods, feeds, drinks, paper, clothing, detergents, pharmaceuticals) and their production represents a world market exceeding 1 billion US dollars annually.
We have recently shown that only a minor part of the hyphae of Aspergillus niger secrete the industrial enzyme glucoamylase, even when the hyphae experience identical environmental conditions. This phenomenon, called secretion differentiation, implies that total protein production in an industrial fermentation relies on a few hyphae only. The aim of this project is to improve protein production in Aspergillus niger by increasing the number of hyphae that contribute to secretion. This will be done by identifying and modifying the mechanism underlying secretion differentiation. Novel approaches will be used including microlaser dissection and transcriptomics at the hyphal level.

Gebruikers

Two companies and an institute are involved in this project.

Projectleider

Prof.dr. H.A.B. Wösten
Universiteit Utrecht
Departement Biologie
Microbiologie
Postbus 80056
3508 TB Utrecht

Status van het project

Startdatum:	01-11-2006
Einddatum:	30-09-2011

Print | Over deze site |

Sitemap | Voorbehoud | Gewijzigd 9-12-2008