Engineering transcription factors to optimize recombinant protein production in filamentous fungi

• Grant number: 23/07394-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: André Ricardo de Lima Damasio
• Grantee: Everton Paschoal Antoniel
• Supervisor: Uffe Hasbro Mortensen
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Denmark
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/15962-6 - Genetic manipulation of transcription factors involved in the secretion of recombinant enzymes in Aspergillus nidulans, BP.DR

Abstract

Filamentous fungi exhibit immense potential as a source of industrially important enzymes, particularly hydrolytic enzymes, which play a crucial role in the production of biofuels and other bioproducts. Despite their exceptional capacity for protein secretion, there is still room for improvement in recombinant protein production. Therefore, it is vital to identify new genetic targets that can augment enzyme secretion to meet the growing consumer demand and increase productivity. In this regard, our systems biology analysis has identified five transcription factors that potentially regulate the genes involved in recombinant protein production. Among these factors, three have demonstrated significant potential to positively impact recombinant protein production, with one already undergoing genetic manipulation, resulting in a 2.8-fold increase in recombinant protein production in A. nidulans. The objective of this project is to investigate whether overexpression of this transcription factor can have a similar effect on other commonly used Aspergillus species in industrial applications. In addition, we will explore the influence of the other two transcription factors on recombinant protein secretion, aiming to generate superior mutant strains for the production of biotechnologically relevant recombinant enzymes. Through these investigations, our goal is to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms governing protein secretion in different Aspergillus species and identify novel transcription factors involved in the secretion of recombinant enzymes. (AU)