Characterization of novel transcription factors from Trichoderma reesei involved in the regulation of cellulase gene expression

• Grant number: 23/03730-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Roberto do Nascimento Silva
• Grantee: Marcelo Candido
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/11655-4 - Functional studies of gene regulatory networks in Trichoderma reesei during the cellulases formation, AP.TEM

Abstract

The fungus T. reesei is a prominent industrial producer of cellulases, enzymes that hydrolyze crystalline cellulose into glucose. The expression of cellulase genes is coordinately regulated according to the available carbon source, but the molecular mechanisms that regulate this expression are still poorly understood. So far, 12 transcription factors and proteins involved in transcriptional complexes have been identified as participants in the regulatory process of cellulase expression in T. reesei. This research project aims to identify and characterize new transcription factors regulating cellulase production in Trichoderma reesei. This study aims to identify new regulatory proteins involved in this process using promoter trapping technique and validation by bioinformatics.