Recombineering platform for engineering anti-fusarium plant beneficial bacteria
A novel recombineering technique in Bacillus subtilis for producing anti-fusarium bioagents. Enables introduction of large biosynthetic gene clusters from environmental Bacillus isolates to combat fusarium fungal pathogens that cause major agricultural crop losses. Platform supports screening for novel antifungal activities and has potential for extension to Gram-negative rhizobacteria.
Overview
Fusarium fungal pathogens cause significant losses in agricultural crop yields worldwide. This project delivers a biological control solution by engineering plant beneficial bacteria with enhanced anti-fusarium activity. The team has isolated environmental Bacillus species exhibiting strong antifungal properties and developed a novel recombineering technique to transfer large biosynthetic gene clusters into a well-characterized Bacillus subtilis host strain. The resulting recombinant strains can be deployed directly as field-ready bioagents, offering a promising alternative to conventional chemical fungicides and labor-intensive screening of native isolates.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Novel recombineering technique enabling introduction of approximately 30-kb DNA fragments encoding complete anti-fusarium biosynthetic pathways into a characterized B. subtilis strain
- Two recombinant B. subtilis strains expressing known and novel anti-fusarium activities derived from environmental Bacillus isolates
- Platform capability for screening novel antifungal activities using random environmental DNA from soil samples
- Potential extension of the recombineering approach to Gram-negative rhizobacterial species for broader rhizosphere applications
Benefits for partners:
- Reduced cost and labor compared to traditional isolation and screening of environmental antifungal strains
- Scalable production of standardized bioagents suitable for agricultural deployment
- Versatile chassis for discovering and expressing novel antifungal gene clusters
Technology readiness level
The recombinant B. subtilis strains have been constructed and characterized for anti-fusarium activity in laboratory settings. Near-term validation includes promoter and transcription engineering to increase antifungal yield, in planta efficacy testing, and expanded screening of environmental DNA for novel antifungal activities. Collaboration with Dr. Godoy's group is underway to adapt the platform to a Gram-negative rhizobacterial host. The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development, progressing toward field-ready bioagent formulations.
About Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a private, comprehensive R1 research university based in Boston with a global campus network. Its century-old cooperative education model integrates full-time, paid placements with academic study, enabling companies to access vetted talent and long-term pipelines worldwide. Industry collaboration is supported by a suburban innovation campus offering test beds, secure labs, and fee-for-use core facilities, alongside co-located partner spaces. The university attracts competitive federal research funding from agencies such as the NSF and NIH. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation for corporate partnerships.
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