Overview

The fungal genomics project uses functional genomics approaches to identify fungal enzymes for industrial and environmental applications. It is a large-scale, gene discovery program on evolutionarily diverse fungal species chosen for their ability to grow at environmental extremes and their known ability in biodegradation, bioremediation and biocatalysis.

Fungal enzymes are already being used widely in industry. They are versatile and can be used in challenging environments. Besides, they are readily available and they can be produced at low cost. Enzymes can be put to many different uses, such as breaking down wood by removing liquid-based materials in wood, breaking down cellulose fibres and resins in trees, or removing fat and protein in clothes. Some people call such enzymes "degradative" because they can be used to break down organic materials, including dirt in laundry. For the pulp and paper industry, some of these uses are important. In terms of dry weight in trees, about 50% is fibre, and the rest has to be disposed of, in order to produce fine paper. Enzymes can replace or supplement the job of chemicals used in bleaching agents.

The research spans two sectors of strategic importance to Canada; namely forestry and environment. To realize its intrinsically related objectives, this project brings together experts from several disciplines: gene manipulation, enzyme biochemistry, comparative genomics and informatics from Concordia University; biobleaching and biopulping from the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada; bioremediation from INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier.

The project expects to identify over 70,000 new genes from 15 fungal species. These genes will be identified by comparing their sequences with known genes of interest, as well as by studying which genes are expressed when the fungi are challenged with different chemical substances. The project will develop high throughput methods to characterize the function of the enzymes produced by these genes. The effectiveness of these gene products in industrial processes and in environmental remediation will also be tested.

Partners

The fungal genomics project involves investigators from the Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics at Concordia University, the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada, and the Institut national de la recherche scientifique - Institute Armand-Frappier in Laval and Pointe Claire.

Together with Genome Quebec and  other partners, Genome Canada invests and manages large-scale research projects in key selected areas such as agriculture, environment, fisheries, forestry, health and new technology development. Genome Canada and Genomie Quebec support research projects aimed at studying and analyzing the ethical, environmental, economic, legal and social issues related to genomics research (GE3LS).

Funding

The work with the fungus Aspergillus niger is funded by Strategic Projects grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

The fungal genomics project is funded by Genome Quebec and Genome Canada, with in-kind contributions from each of the participating institutions.