Eukaryotic polyketides in surrogate hosts

Objective

Eucharistic organisms contain genes encoding the biosynthesis of complex compounds often with useful biological properties. Traditional methods for exploiting these compounds have included harvest and extraction of organisms, or fermentation. These methods are ineffective for many organisms. EUKETIDES will innovate by obtaining genes directly from a variety of uncultivable eucalypts using new genetic tools. A range of polypeptide syntheses genes will be isolated and used for production of new biologically active molecules by expression in well-characterised bacteria and yeast. These new biosynthetic genes will be combined with known modifying genes for the directed biosynthesis of small libraries of new compounds, resulting in new technology to produce new drugs. Overall we will exploit new advances in genetics, chemistry and fermentation technology to capitalise on leading EU science for the production of high-value new compounds.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-3. - Key action The "Cell factory"

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND

Address

12,Grensasvegur 12
0108 Reykjavik
Iceland

Participants (7)

ALFRED WEGENER INSTITUTE FOR POLAR AND MARINE RESEARCH

Germany

Address

Am Handelshaven 12
27570 Bremerhaven

GALILAEUS OY

Finland

Address

Kairiskulmantie 10
Kaarina

HANS KNOELL INSTITUTE FOR NATURAL PRODUCTS RESEARCH

Germany

Address

Beutenbergstrasse 11
Jena

TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK

Denmark

Address

Anker Engelundsvej 1, Building 101
2800 Lyngby

UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

United Kingdom

Address

Senate House, Tyndall Avenue
BS8 1TH Bristol, Clifton

UNIVERSITY OF SALZBURG

Austria

Address

Kapitelgasse 5-7
5020 Salzburg

UNIVERSITY OF TURKU

Finland

Address

Kiinamyllynkatu 13
20014 Turku