Functional characterization of the calcium-dependent signaling pathway in the regulation of cellulases expression by the fungus Trichoderma reesei

Abstract

The lignocellulosic biomass from plant-derived waste can be converted into second-generation biofuels in a process that requires the deconstruction of this material into smaller and simpler molecules. The fungus Trichoderma reesei produces enzymes, such as cellulases, that are involved in the hydrolysis of the lignocellulosic biomass; however, due to the high costs of production, optimization is still necessary for the viability of the process. This project aims to contribute to the understanding of the calcium-related molecular mechanisms that are involved in the regulation of the expression of T. reesei cellulases trough functional characterization of 5 calcium transporters, involved in the calcium-dependent signaling pathway, which were previously identified by the group during T. reesei cultivation in the presence of cellulose, soforose and sugarcane bagasse. The characterization will be performed by constructing mutant strains for each gene and then determining the effects elicited. The results obtained from this study will allow the elaboration of a model relating the role of the calcium-dependent signaling pathway in the regulation of cellulose expression by T. reesei, enabling the identification of new targets for the optimization of the lignocellulosic biomass degradation process. (AU)