Unlocking the Secrets of the CTG-clade of fungi: From Fighting Infections to Sustainable Food and Energy Production
The fungal CTG clade, a group of ascomycetous yeasts with emerging clinical importance and high biotechnological potential. We leverage both genetics and genomics to drive innovation projects that serve both our curiosity and industry goals.
Genome plasticity and host-adaptation in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans
Candida albicans is yeast that lives on the human body without causing any harm, but it can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. To survive in the different parts of our body, C. albicans adapts its genetic makeup in response to different environments, such as high temperatures or anti-fungal drugs. We're studying how C. albicans can change its genetic structure to thrive in hostile environments. By understanding how this happens, we hope to find new ways to treat fungal infections and prevent them from spreading.
Exploiting the potential of the CTG-clade of fungi
In addition to our work on C. albicans, we're also exploring how species of the CTG-clade can be exploited to create sustainable and meat-free food products. The animal-based food industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so we're exploring ways to use this group of fungi to produce food that's better for the environment.
Finally, we're investigating Scheffersomyces stipitis, a CTG-clade yeast which has the potential to produce biofuels from plant waste. We're studying the genetic makeup of S. stipitis to see if we can identify ways to improve its ability to produce biofuels .
By studying the genetics of these different organisms, we hope to unlock new possibilities for sustainable food and energy production.
The fungal CTG clade, a group of ascomycetous yeasts with emerging clinical importance and high biotechnological potential. We leverage both genetics and genomics to drive innovation projects that serve both our curiosity and industry goals.
Genome plasticity and host-adaptation in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans
Candida albicans is yeast that lives on the human body without causing any harm, but it can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. To survive in the different parts of our body, C. albicans adapts its genetic makeup in response to different environments, such as high temperatures or anti-fungal drugs. We're studying how C. albicans can change its genetic structure to thrive in hostile environments. By understanding how this happens, we hope to find new ways to treat fungal infections and prevent them from spreading.
Exploiting the potential of the CTG-clade of fungi
In addition to our work on C. albicans, we're also exploring how species of the CTG-clade can be exploited to create sustainable and meat-free food products. The animal-based food industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so we're exploring ways to use this group of fungi to produce food that's better for the environment.
Finally, we're investigating Scheffersomyces stipitis, a CTG-clade yeast which has the potential to produce biofuels from plant waste. We're studying the genetic makeup of S. stipitis to see if we can identify ways to improve its ability to produce biofuels .
By studying the genetics of these different organisms, we hope to unlock new possibilities for sustainable food and energy production.
