The development of novel AOX inhibitors for the cacao pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sussex
Department Name: Sch of Life Sciences
Abstract
Brazil
People |
ORCID iD |
| Anthony Moore (Principal Investigator) |
| Description | This grant was for a travel award to enable Professor Moore to visit UNICAMP, Campinas Brazil to discuss the opportunities for a collaboration with Prof. Pieriera on testing our current anti-fungals on the fungus Witches broom which attacks the cocoa plant. We also discussed the long term possibility that should the anti-fungals prove successful what commercialisation routes would be available in Brazil. I met a graduate student whilst at UNICAMP and we discussed the possibility for this student spending 6 months in my laboratory to purify the fungal protein and check inhibitor sensitivity. |
| Exploitation Route | We arranged for Mario Barsottini to come to Brighton for 6 months the outcome of which proved highly successful in the development of novel techniques to rapidly assay the effect of these inhibitors on Moniliophthora perniciosa |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink |
| Description | Expression and purification of M. perniciosa AOX |
| Organisation | State University of Campinas |
| Country | Brazil |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We have provided both the expertise, intellectual input and trained the staff. We have taught them how to successfully express rAOX |
| Collaborator Contribution | They have provided the intellectual expertise on understanding the nature of the M. perinciosa pathogen. |
| Impact | Outcomes include the successful identification of inhibitors which can inhibit the growth of M. perniciosa and the submission of a grant to cover joint travel expenses between Brazil and Uk covered by BBSRC-FAPESP memorandum of Agreement. |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Company Name | AlternOx Scientific |
| Description | AlternOx Scientific develops treatments for drug-resistant fungal species. |
| Year Established | 2020 |
| Impact | None yet - only established in Feb 2020. |
| Website | https://www.alternox.com/ |