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Fungal Biocontrol, Genomics, and COVID-19 Response

Fungal Research Overview

  • Research focuses on Rhizoctonia solani, a widespread plant pathogenic fungus, infecting major crops like rice, wheat, and potatoes.
  • The work is funded by the Department of Defense, with an interest in biocontrol applications.

Rhizoctonia solani and its Microvirus

  • R. solani isolates are infected with a lethal double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) microvirus.
  • The primary goal is to use this virus to kill the pathogenic fungus.
  • The virus is approximately 28 to 30 nanometers in diameter and has a genome of about 2,300 base pairs (2.3 kilobases).
  • Only specific viral fragments synthesizing a lethal protein are effective in killing the fungus.

Fungal Genome and Proteins

  • The genome of R. solani has been completely sequenced, revealing approximately 12 chromosomes and 48 megabases.
  • It codes for about 23,000 proteins.
  • Studies investigate post-transcriptional cleavage of mRNA to produce different proteins and gene expression during infection.

Pestilence Triangle

  • Describes the interaction between pathogen, host, and environment.
  • Both host and pathogen constantly evolve through genetic changes (mutations) to infect or resist infection.
  • Intervention involves modifying the microenvironment through fungicides or other antidotes.

COVID-19 Testing at IUP

  • The speaker initiated COVID-19 testing at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in 2020 by offering lab's real-time PCR (RT-PCR) instrument.
  • ~100,000 tests were performed at IRMC through this initiative.
  • The effort highlighted disparities between rural and urban hospital capabilities.

IUP Medical School

  • Stimulated by the COVID-19 testing efforts and the observed need, IUP will establish a medical school.
  • The first cohort of students is expected in 2027, following a fundraising of approximately 43 million.

Protein Analysis and Mutants

  • Techniques like SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) analysis, two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis, and Mass Spectrometry are used to identify and characterize fungal and viral proteins.
  • The lab has developed R. solani mutants lacking the dsRNA virus.
  • Research is ongoing to understand hyphal integration and cytoplasmic exchange between fungal isolates, with the aim of transferring the lethal virus to pathogenic fungi for crop protection.