Growing fuel and medicine: Advancing biofuels and plant-produced therapeutics

"The awesome power of yeast"

Reeta Prusty Rao, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, WPI

"The awesome power of yeast (genetics)"—an adaptation of a quote by Prof. David Botstein, currently professor of integrative genomics at Princeton University. Prof. Botstein was referring to the elegant genetics possible in Bakers (or brewers) yeast in the 1980s, which made it an object of envy of scientists not working with yeast. Saccharomyces cerevisiae continues to push the limits of genomics and molecular genetic research because it is a simple, safe, fast, and facile eukaryotic organism. My laboratory uses S. cerevisiae to understand the fundamental mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis. For example: how fungi perceive secondary metabolites as cues and integrate these in a way that is beneficial to them. A clear understanding of this signaling pathway might allow us to disrupt microbial communication thereby interrupting the infection process. In addition we use genomic approaches to identify novel virulence factor as targets for antifungal drug development. Potential drug targets are subjected to high throughput screens to identify small molecules that inhibit their function. We also use the powerful genetic and genomic tools available in S. cerevisiae to understand the mode of action of ill-understood drugs at the molecular level. Such information can be used to increase efficacy or decrease side effects of drugs. Finally we are genetically modifying yeast to increase ethanol production from cellulosic feedstock.

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI was one of the nation's first engineering and technology universities. WPI's 18 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, management, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to the BA, BS, MS, ME, MBA and PhD. WPI's world-class faculty work with students in a number of cutting-edge research areas, leading to breakthroughs and innovations in such fields as biotechnology, fuel cells, and information security, materials processing, and nanotechnology. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university's innovative Global Perspective Program. There are more than 20 WPI project centers throughout North America and Central America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe.