Finding promise in white rot

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In summary, the white rot fungus has a large genome with many enzymes that could be used for biotechnology or the environment.
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Fungus sequence shows potential for biotechnological and environmental applications | By Cathy Holding



The complete genome sequence of a white rot fungus, reported in the May 2 Nature Biotechnology, reveals an impressive array of enzymes with potential for biotechnological exploitation, according to Diego Martinez and colleagues at the United States Department of Energy (DoE) Joint Genome Institute.

Martinez's team sequenced the 30-MB genome of Phanerochaete chrysosporium strain RP78 by a whole-genome shotgun approach. The genome contains 11,777 protein-coding genes, including secreted oxidases, peroxidases, and hydrolytic enzymes that cooperate in wood decay.

The white rot fungi are the only microbes known to efficiently degrade all the components of wood, including lignin, the most significant aromatic polymer on Earth, according to Dan Cullen, research scientist with the US Department of Agriculture Forest Products Lab and coauthor of the paper. “They're found everywhere, in dead and down trees. Only a handful of organisms are able to degrade lignin, its very recalcitrant to decay, and these fungi are able to do that… so they're believed to be important—pivotal, in fact—to the carbon cycle,” said Cullen.

P.chrysosporium is also used extensively in industry, for instance, for the bleaching of pulp from paper and textiles and the degradation of an array of organo-pollutants, Cullen said. “The DoE's decision to sequence it was based in part on those biotech angles, but they're also very interested in the biomass utilization and some related issues,” he said.

http://www.biomedcentral.com/news/20040505/01
 
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I think I should start sequencing some of the stuff that grows in my house :wink: living 1,5 m below sealevel, the walls are quite humid..
 
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I was actually thinking that some people migth have to sequence stuff from their fridge :biggrin:
 
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White rot fungus also has potential applications in the environmental field for cleaning up soil contaminated with explosives-related chemicals (e.g., TNT). It's a bit more complicated using it on soil "in situ" as compared to use in some industry's batch reactor, but it's certainly an interested application.
 

1. What is white rot and how does it differ from other types of rot?

White rot is a type of fungal decay that primarily affects wood and other plant materials. Unlike other types of rot, such as brown rot or soft rot, white rot breaks down both the cellulose and lignin components of wood, resulting in a white or light-colored appearance. This type of rot is often associated with wet or humid environments.

2. How does white rot impact the environment and ecosystems?

White rot plays an important role in nutrient cycling and decomposition in natural ecosystems. It helps break down dead plant material, releasing nutrients back into the soil for other organisms to use. However, excessive white rot can also lead to the destruction of valuable resources, such as wooden structures and trees, and can disrupt balance in ecosystems.

3. What are the potential benefits of studying white rot?

Studying white rot can lead to a better understanding of how fungi break down plant material and the enzymes they use in the process. This knowledge can be applied in various industries, such as bioremediation, biotechnology, and bioenergy, to develop more efficient and sustainable methods for breaking down organic materials.

4. How can white rot be managed or controlled?

There are several methods for managing or controlling white rot, including cultural practices, chemical treatments, and biological control. Cultural practices involve reducing moisture and improving air circulation to prevent favorable conditions for white rot to thrive. Chemical treatments, such as fungicides, can be used to control white rot in certain situations. Biological control involves introducing beneficial fungi or bacteria to compete with and suppress white rot.

5. What are the current challenges in researching white rot?

One of the main challenges in researching white rot is its complexity and diversity. There are many different types of white rot fungi, each with their own unique characteristics and abilities to break down different types of plant material. This makes it difficult to develop a one-size-fits-all solution for managing white rot. Additionally, the interactions between white rot fungi and other organisms in the environment are still not fully understood and require further research.

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