[Seminar] An integrative approach towards the exploitation of the genetic repertoire of Pseudomonas

Seminar

Title: An integrative approach towards the exploitation of the genetic repertoire of Pseudomonas

Speaker: Pedro Santos

Affiliation: CBMA, U. Minho

Host: MolBioS PhD Program - Claudine Chaouiya and Isabel Rocha

Abstract: 
Bacteria belonging to the Pseudomonas genus are known for their minimal nutritional requirements,  metabolic versatility, degradative potential, and ability to colonize wide range of niches. These characteristics have directed research towards the exploitation of the biotechnological and biomedical potential of several Pseudomonas spp.
In this context, we have focused our attention to a remarkable Pseudomonas soil isolate (named M1) which is able to mineralize/biotransform a variety of monoterpenes, namely myrcene and limonene. Monoterpenes are used in a plethora of industrial processes, for the production of fine chemicals. However, the physico-chemical properties of monoterpenes (e.g. high hydrophobicity) difficult their optimal chemical transformation into fine-chemicals, by conventional techniques.
Therefore, Pseudomonas sp. M1 holds great potential as a cellular chassis and source of novel biomolecules for various terpene-based biotechnological applications. However, the full exploitation of M1 strain enzymatic repertoire required detailed information about its biomolecular catalogue.
The seminar will focus on the highlights of an integrative research approach envisaging to set the knowledge-base for the development of M1-based cell factories à la carte, towards the biotransformation of myrcene and related plant-derived volatiles. This holistic strategy combined genome-wide methodologies (genomics, RNA-seq, proteomics, 16S-amplicon metagenomics) with molecular biology, bacterial physiology and bioinformatics. Both scientific and technical details of the employed methodologies will be discussed during the seminar.