Targeting kinesin transcription with small molecules to control fungal crop diseases
A novel antifungal approach that targets kinesin-5 and kinesin-14 motor gene transcription to disrupt chromosome segregation in fungal pathogens. Proof-of-concept demonstrated in Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast disease. Seeking partners for chemical library screening and drug discovery.
Overview
This research presents a novel strategy for controlling fungal crop diseases by targeting the transcription of kinesin-5 and kinesin-14 motor genes. These motors generate opposing forces essential for accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis. Disrupting the balance of their expression leads to genome instability and fungal cell death, offering a powerful new antifungal mechanism. The approach has been validated in Magnaporthe oryzae, the pathogen responsible for blast diseases in rice and other major crops, where genetic proof-of-concept has already been demonstrated.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Novel target class: Kinesin-5 and kinesin-14 motor gene transcription, representing an untapped antifungal pathway distinct from existing fungicide modes of action
- Conditional overexpression system: A proprietary promoter strategy that activates gene manipulation only during plant penetration, allowing the fungus to grow normally while triggering lethal phenotypes during infection
- Dual-gene disruption: Both kinesin-5 overexpression (causing chromosome mis-segregation) and kinesin-14 overexpression (causing spindle collapse) independently abolish pathogen virulence
- High-throughput screening platform: A planned fluorescent reporter strain carrying kinesin-5 promoter:GFP and kinesin-14 promoter:RFP constructs for identifying small molecules that disrupt balanced motor expression
- Tet-OFF validation system: Transgenic strains enabling doxycycline-controlled gene deactivation to confirm cell death outcomes
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at early-to-mid stage development (TRL 3–4). Genetic proof-of-concept has been established, with published preliminary data showing complete loss of pathogenicity in M. oryzae transformants overexpressing either kinesin-5 or kinesin-14. The next phase involves creating Tet-OFF transgenic strains for further validation and developing a chemical screening assay using the dual fluorescent reporter system. The research team is actively seeking partnerships to provide chemical libraries, screening instrumentation, and funding for personnel and supplies to advance toward small molecule identification and potential fungicide development.
About University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university serving a large student body across multiple campuses, known for applied scholarship and community partnership. Industry partners access core facilities and pilot‑scale capabilities—including the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center—for prototyping, scale‑up, and product validation. A downtown Innovation District and a statewide Cooperative Extension network link campus expertise to companies across Georgia, while proximity to Atlanta’s corporate and logistics hubs lowers barriers to engagement. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP services, licensing, startup support, and incubator space to accelerate commercialization.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Looking for
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.