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Published on: September 14, 2013
Leveraging anaerobic fungi for biotechnology
Casey A Hooker1, Kok Zhi Lee2, Kevin V Solomon3
1Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 225 South University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2093, United States; Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering (LORRE), Purdue University, 500 Central Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2022, United States.
Abstract:
Early-branching anaerobic fungi are critical for hydrolyzing untreated lignocellulose in the digestive tracts of large herbivorous animals. While these fungi were discovered more than 40 years ago, they remain understudied and underexploited. Recent advances in -omics technologies, however, have enabled studies that reveal significant biosynthetic potential within anaerobic fungal genomes for diverse biotechnological applications. Applications range from enhanced second-generation bioenergy platforms to improved animal health. However, developing gut fungi for these applications will require significant advances in genome engineering technologies for these organisms. Here, we review the biotechnological abilities of anaerobic fungi and highlight challenges that must be addressed to develop them for a range of biotechnological applications.
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