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Tools to make Stachybotrys chartarum genetically amendable: Key to unlocking cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters
Katharina Steinert1, Anna K Atanasoff-Kardjalieff2, Elias Messner2
1Institute of Food Chemistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|April 18, 2024
Summary
Stachybotrys chartarum produces toxins causing respiratory issues. Researchers identified new genes and developed genetic tools to explore its untapped chemical potential for future discoveries.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus known for producing mycotoxins that cause respiratory problems (stachybotryotoxicosis).
- While many toxins are identified, a significant number of secondary metabolites (SMs) remain undiscovered.
- In silico analyses suggest a vast, unexplored chemical potential within Stachybotrys, with 37 identified polyketide synthase (PKS) genes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the unexplored secondary metabolite (SM) biosynthesis in Stachybotrys chartarum.
- To develop and apply genetic engineering tools for unraveling natural product biosynthesis in this fungus.
Main Methods:
- In silico analysis to identify polyketide synthase (PKS) genes.
- Phylogenetic analysis of known SMs produced by non-reducing polyketide synthases (NR-PKS).
- Development of a genetic transformation protocol for S. chartarum and its application to the ScPKS14 gene cluster, including deletion and overexpression studies.
Main Results:
- Identified 37 PKS genes in S. chartarum, indicating significant unexplored biosynthetic potential.
- Established a reliable genetic transformation protocol for S. chartarum.
- Successfully generated deletion and overexpression strains for single genes within the ScPKS14 cluster.
- No novel SMs were detected in this initial study, but the genetic toolbox is now available.
Conclusions:
- Stachybotrys chartarum harbors a rich reservoir of untapped secondary metabolites.
- A functional genetic engineering toolbox has been established for S. chartarum, enabling future research into its biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs).
- This advancement makes S. chartarum amenable to genetic manipulation for discovering novel compounds.
Keywords:
Fungal transformationMolecular toolboxPolyketide synthasesSecondary metabolitesStachybotrys chartarumMore Related Videos
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