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New imaging mass spectrometry methods for natural products research
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) serves as a pivotal imaging mass technology, enabling high-resolution spatial representation of chemical substances. When applied to microbial samples, MALDI IMS provides a novel avenue for examining metabolic communication between microorganisms, potentially leading to the discovery of new therapeutic agents for human diseases and biological control agents for agricultural ones. Nevertheless, the use of MALDI IMS is not without its challenges. Notably, it struggles with analyzing small molecular natural products (less than m/z 600) due to matrix signal interference. Other hurdles include issues of sensitivity and reproducibility. A recent development, surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization (SALDI), shows promise for detecting small molecules, although its application in IMS analysis is still in the early stages. In this project, we aim to pioneer different SALDI substrates, such as SiO2 and TiO2, for small molecule IMS in diverse biological samples. Our primary objective is to apply this newly developed technique to studying metabolic exchanges within microbial interactions. |
New biocontrol agents for agricultural diseases control
This project aims to devise alternative biocontrol agents that can effectively manage agricultural pests and pathogenic microbes. Our pest control project is specifically oriented toward understanding the pathogenesis of the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana. Entomopathogenic fungi, found globally, manifest in two distinct types: obligate pathogens, which have restricted host ranges, and facultative pathogens, which have wide host ranges. Both types possess varied biocontrol potential against insects and plant pathogenic microbes. B. bassiana was among the pioneering organisms employed for pest insect biocontrol. However, the role of natural products in mediating the interactions between B. bassiana and its hosts (insects and plants) is not fully understood. We are currently collaborating with Dr. Alongkorn Amnuaykanjanasin from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand, to investigate the function of natural products in the pathogenesis of B. bassiana.
This project aims to devise alternative biocontrol agents that can effectively manage agricultural pests and pathogenic microbes. Our pest control project is specifically oriented toward understanding the pathogenesis of the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana. Entomopathogenic fungi, found globally, manifest in two distinct types: obligate pathogens, which have restricted host ranges, and facultative pathogens, which have wide host ranges. Both types possess varied biocontrol potential against insects and plant pathogenic microbes. B. bassiana was among the pioneering organisms employed for pest insect biocontrol. However, the role of natural products in mediating the interactions between B. bassiana and its hosts (insects and plants) is not fully understood. We are currently collaborating with Dr. Alongkorn Amnuaykanjanasin from the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand, to investigate the function of natural products in the pathogenesis of B. bassiana.
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In our project concerning microbial pathogens, we aim to uncover the potential of the microbiome as biocontrol agents. Microbes inhabit virtually all niches on Earth. They can reside within the internal tissues of host plants as endophytes or within insects as part of the gut microbiome, forming a myriad of relationships ranging from symbiotic and mutualistic to commensalistic and trophobiotic. At present, our work is centered on developing biocontrol agents for banana Fusarium wilt. We begin by examining the microbiomes of different banana cultivars to identify the "hub species" specific to each cultivar. We then use in situ metabolomics and RNA-sequencing to map the metabolic exchanges between the microbial hub species, Fusarium, and banana. After gathering data and generating hypotheses from these results, we proceed to isolate or synthesize the pivotal metabolites and assess their actual biological roles in the interaction. This knowledge could prove beneficial in creating strategies to control banana Fusarium wilt.
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Engineering biosynthetic enzymes for natural products synthesis
Conjugated polyynes are volatile secondary metabolites known for their diverse biological functions, primarily identified in plants, marine organisms, and fungi. However, their presence in bacteria is comparatively rare. Our research has revealed conjugated polyynes extracted from Massilia sp. YMA4, inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and certain drug-resistant Candida clinical isolates. This occurs through the interruption of ergosterol biosynthesis, a vital component of the fungal cell membrane. Concurrently, we have developed a synthetic biology platform to create various conjugated polyyne structures to assess their biological functions. The expected results from this project will highlight the potential of the integrated omics approach and lay the groundwork for therapeutic lead discovery from natural products. Participants involved in this interdisciplinary project will receive comprehensive training and acquire knowledge in fields like natural product chemistry, bioinformatics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and synthetic biology.
Conjugated polyynes are volatile secondary metabolites known for their diverse biological functions, primarily identified in plants, marine organisms, and fungi. However, their presence in bacteria is comparatively rare. Our research has revealed conjugated polyynes extracted from Massilia sp. YMA4, inhibit the growth of Candida albicans and certain drug-resistant Candida clinical isolates. This occurs through the interruption of ergosterol biosynthesis, a vital component of the fungal cell membrane. Concurrently, we have developed a synthetic biology platform to create various conjugated polyyne structures to assess their biological functions. The expected results from this project will highlight the potential of the integrated omics approach and lay the groundwork for therapeutic lead discovery from natural products. Participants involved in this interdisciplinary project will receive comprehensive training and acquire knowledge in fields like natural product chemistry, bioinformatics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and synthetic biology.
