SP
Steven Peterson
I'm working on
9 months ago
The technology platform from Trana identifies uniquely modified tRNA necessary for pathogen survival. We isolate small molecules that bind the tRNA ASL loop and thereby selectively disrupt critical protein synthesis leaving the soil/plant microbiome in tact.
I'm looking for
9 months ago
We would like to explore newly synthesized chemistries that are proven inhibitors for optimization or collaborate on the discovery of novel classes of pesticides that target only the pathogen causing issues with crop growth in a "green" fashion conserving beneficial microbes.
About
In the past, we have worked with Bayer Crop Science to identify a selective antimycotic for 4 crop fungi. Among these was Septoria tritici (Zymoseptoria tritici), blotch disease where we identified a shared tRNA among the four. We have also done the genomics on a unique and critically modified tRNA found in banana leaf wilt disease, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) TR4. And now that the genome has been sequenced, Soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi), if interested, we could discover novel compounds that would halt the destruction of that necessary source of protein. As background, in the realm of human diseases, to date we have identified novel compounds effective against MDR strains of HIV, S. aureus and Mycobacterium sp.
SP
Steven Peterson
Work experience
Top industry applications
Agricultural biotechnologyMedical diagnosticsPest and disease managementPharmaceuticals and drug deliverySoil health and fertility
Expertise
Agricultural ScienceAntimicrobialsDiagnosticsInfectious DiseasesMicrobiomeMycology
Last updated Dec 2025
Halo home
Partner smarter. Move faster.
Get new partnering requests
delivered to your inbox.