Projects

1. Genetic dissection of a regulatory deubiquitination network

In this project we are characterising the components and regulatory consequences of a ubiquitination / deubiquitlintion network in the simple eukaryote, Aspergillus nidulans. We have identified mutations with clear phenotypes that affect individual components of the complexes responsible for the addition and the removal of ubiquitin moieties, and this provides a unique experimental handle that we will exploit to completely understand the network. Precise control of the production, modification, localisation and degradation of proteins is essential. It was thought that the addition of ubiquitin simply marked proteins for degradation, but there are far more widespread regulatory consequences, which we are investigating.

The potential impact of this work is widespread, because although it is known that ubiquitination has regulatory consequences in multicellular eukaryotes, individual networks have not been completely described in higher eukaryotes. Knowledge gained about fundamental processes in the A. nidulans model system is directly applicable to fungi used in biotechnology in the food, beverage, enzyme and pharmaceutical production industries, and to fungal pathogens. Since the fungal genes that form the basis of this project are conserved in higher eukaryotes including humans, the knowledge will be transferable to these systems.

Funding Source

This research is supported by an ARC Discovery Project 2005-2007 [DP0557699], entitled “Genetic dissection of a regulatory deubiquitlyation network”; Chief Investigator Dr JM Kelly.

2. Fungal Biomas Protein, a bioproduct derived from a treatment process of winery waste streams

The Australian wine industry produces a substantial quantity of wastewater containing high levels of organic materials that are both highly polluting and costly to treat. This research aims to develop a biotechnological treatment process integrated with fungal biomass protein (FBP) production from the winery waste streams. The outcomes of this project are i) the production of fungal biomass for use as a protein-rich animal feed; ii); the treatment of waste water to allow reuse for farm irrigation; and iii) reduced pollution of watercourses. The research will develop a novel technology that is environmentally friendly and adds value to the Australian winery industry via pollution reduction and FBP production.

Funding Source

This research is supported by an ARC Linkage Project 2006-2008 [LP0562153], entitled “Fungal Biomass Protein, a Bioproduct Derived from a Treatment Process of Winery Waste Streams”; Investigators Dr B. Jin; Dr JM Kelly; Dr CP Saint; Dr S. Villas-Boas.

This project is a collaboration between the University of South Australia, SA Water and the University of Adelaide.