Research collaboration on antifungal resistance mechanisms in phytopathogenic fungi

Overview

This research proposal seeks to investigate the resistance mechanisms of phytopathogenic fungi against neotetrafibricin (I-NTF), a promising antifungal compound derived from a Streptomyces soil isolate. I-NTF has demonstrated potent antifungal activity against pathogens such as Candida albicans and Fusarium oxysporum, making it a candidate for agricultural crop protection. However, understanding how fungal pathogens may develop resistance is critical for designing durable antifungal strategies. This project aims to induce I-NTF-resistant fungal strains and identify the genetic basis of resistance through genomic analysis, ultimately contributing to novel approaches for controlling plant pathogenic fungi.

Technical specifications

Research approach:

• Induce resistance in plant pathogenic fungal strains through controlled exposure to I-NTF
• Perform genomic analysis of resistant strains to identify resistance-associated genes
• Compare biological activities of I-NTF and its aglycone (sugar-removed) form to understand structure-function relationships
• Build on prior work showing the rhamnose sugar motif is critical for antifungal and antibacterial activity

Key scientific insights:

• I-NTF aglycone-producing strains were previously constructed via targeted deletion of a glycosyltransferase gene in the I-NTF biosynthetic gene cluster
• Antifungal activity of I-NTF varies across different phytopathogenic fungal strains, suggesting strain-specific susceptibility profiles

Technology readiness level

This proposal is at an early research stage. While the producing strain and compound have been characterized, the resistance induction and genomic validation procedures have not yet been tested. The project represents foundational research intended to generate new knowledge on fungal resistance mechanisms, with potential downstream applications in agricultural antifungal development. The research team at Inha University brings expertise in natural product discovery and microbial genomics to support this investigation.