Friday 6 May 2016

ARC Linkage Success! - Elucidating the genetic basis of newly evolved metabolic functions in yeast

We are very happy to report a successful ARC Linkage Projects 2016 grant application:

LP160100610: Elucidating the genetic basis of newly evolved metabolic functions in yeast

Dr Richard Edwards; Professor Marc Wilkins; Associate Professor Mark Tanaka; Dr Paul Attfield; Dr Phillip Bell

This project intends to research how complex metabolic pathways originate and evolve. This project will use cutting edge genome sequencing and molecular techniques to elucidate the heritable genetic basis of Baker’s yeast, which has been the selectively evolved to use xylose as a sole carbon source: something vital for second generation biofuel production that wild yeast cannot do. This project will combine detailed molecular characterisation of highly adapted yeast strains with a novel “molecular palaeontology” approach to trace the evolutionary process and identify functionally significant loci under selection. Detailed characterisation of this trait will accelerate the development of future yeast strains and test fundamental evolutionary theories.

This will continue the work we have been doing on PacBio sequencing and yeast genomics in collaboration with our industrial partners, Microbiogen Pty Ltd.

There will be job and studentship opportunities associated with this grant, so watch this space! (Or get in touch!)

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