Production of secondary metabolites in response to complex and changing environments (D06 (B03))

• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: from 2012 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 192445154

The plant pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis is able to produce and to metabolize the toxic compounds itaconic acid and trans-aconitate. We will study the environmental regulation and the biological function of trans-aconitate and itaconate metabolism during the saprophytic and pathogenic lifecycle of U. maydis. Furthermore, we will characterize the novel biosynthetic pathway for THN melanin production in U. maydis. To determine the function of this unusual fungal melenin we will analyze the regulation of its biosynthesis in response to diverse environmental stress factors.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 987: Microbial Diversity in Environmental Signal Response
• Applicant Institution: Philipps-Universität Marburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Michael Bölker