Genomic Masterclass Part II: Showcasing the Use of Genomics in Discovering Biocontrol for the FAW

Summary

In this engaging presentation, B, a research technician from Cesaro, Australia, explores how genomic tools can aid in identifying biocontrol agents, focusing on fungi and bacteria. Using antiSMASH software, B demonstrates how genomic analysis reveals potential bioactive compounds, such as insecticidal toxins, in microbial genomes. The talk covers traditional biocontrol methods and the promising discovery of new BT toxins for pest control. B's research highlights the power of genomics in both discovering effective biocontrol solutions and preventing harmful side effects in non-target species.

Takeaways

• 😀 B is a research technician from Canra, Australia, originally from Thailand, and shared insights into genomic tools for identifying biocontrol agents.
• 😀 The talk covered the traditional methods of identifying biocontrol candidates and how genomic approaches can enhance the understanding of these agents.
• 😀 Genomic tools like antiSMASH are used to identify potential bioactive compounds in fungi and bacteria by analyzing their gene clusters.
• 😀 AntiSMASH helps in identifying secondary metabolite gene clusters in genomes, even when many clusters are unknown or under-researched.
• 😀 The importance of verifying genomic data and annotations through comparison with existing databases was emphasized, as inaccurate annotations can affect results.
• 😀 In the context of fungi, antiSMASH identified a dextrus cluster with insecticide properties in one of B's fungal isolates, showing its potential as a biocontrol agent.
• 😀 B discovered an interesting cluster in the metum isolate, known to have potential pharmaceutical uses for cancer treatment, highlighting the diverse applications of genomic research.
• 😀 The presence of potentially harmful metabolites, like those toxic to mammals, in certain biocontrol candidates was noted, stressing the need for further research to mitigate risks.
• 😀 BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) toxins were identified in the genomes of certain isolates, with one BT strain (BT2) showing promising characteristics of a new toxin for controlling pests.
• 😀 The next steps for B's research include expressing proteins in E. coli to test their insecticidal properties against pests, with further exploration of the unknown metabolites in the genome.
• 😀 The research also highlights the potential for localized and region-specific solutions for biological control using genomics, with further research to confirm and explore the findings.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the speaker's presentation?

The speaker's presentation focuses on using genomic tools to identify potential biocontrol candidates and bioactive compounds, specifically through a software called AntiSMASH.

What was the speaker's background before the presentation?

The speaker, B, is a research technician at Cesaro in Canberra, Australia, originally from Thailand.

How does genomic analysis help in identifying biocontrol candidates?

Genomic analysis helps by identifying specific gene clusters that might indicate the presence of bioactive compounds, like toxins, which can be used as biocontrol agents against pests.

What software did the speaker mention for identifying bioactive compounds in fungi?

The speaker mentioned AntiSMASH, a software that allows users to identify biosynthetic gene clusters in genomes, which can indicate potential bioactive compounds.

How can AntiSMASH be used by those without access to high-performance computers?

AntiSMASH can be used via its website, where users can upload genomic data and analyze it without needing a high-performance computer.

What were some of the interesting findings in the speaker's research on fungi?

One of the interesting findings was a cluster called 'dextrusin A' in a particular isolate, which is known to have insecticide properties. Another cluster, 'Swanson', was linked to potential pharmaceutical applications for cancer treatment.

What potential risks were identified during the genomic analysis of fungi?

The analysis revealed that some fungi produced metabolites toxic to mammals, such as goats, horses, and cattle, which could pose a risk if used as biocontrol agents.

How did the speaker identify Bt toxins in the bacterial genome?

The speaker identified Bt toxins by extracting sequences annotated as Cry proteins from the genome, followed by confirming the toxin identity through phylogenetic analysis and BLAST searches against GenBank.

What was the most exciting discovery in the research on Bt toxins?

The most exciting discovery was a potential new Bt toxin in one isolate that showed a structure similar to Cry toxins but did not match any known toxins, suggesting it could be a novel toxin with potential for biocontrol.

What is the next step in the speaker's research on the new Bt toxin?

The next step is to express the potential new Bt toxin in E. coli and test its effectiveness against pest species like the fall armyworm to confirm its biocontrol potential.