Event

Chemical Society Seminar: Dr. Bradley Moore - Biosynthesis in Toxic Marine Microalgae

Monday, November 20, 2017 13:00to14:30
Maass Chemistry Building Rm 321, 801 rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B8, CA

Recent advances in genomics and metabolomics have ushered in a new era in natural products research linking genes to molecules. Synthetic biology programs now offer streamlined approaches to the discovery, production, and design of gene-encoded small molecules. While most research progress has been achieved with bacteria and fungi due to their compact genomes and clustered genes for biosynthesis, recent success has extended to medicinally important land plants, thereby showcasing the fascinating biosynthetic potential of complex organisms. Marine microalgae and macroalgae, on the other hand, represent an untapped biosynthetic resource despite their global importance and environmental significance. This presentation will highlight recent progress in the genomics-guided interrogation of harmful algal bloom Pseudo-nitzschia diatoms that produce the devastating neurotoxin domoic acid. The discovery and application of new biosynthetic enzymes from diatoms will be discussed.

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