AGRI302135 Molecular genetics of filamentous fungi - advanced course

Type
Lecture and exercise
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Strauss, Joseph , Strauss-Goller, Sabine , Svoboda, Thomas
Organisation
Microbial Genetics
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Englisch, Deutsch
Content

Elective Course for Masters in biotechnology and free elective course for other BOKU Master studies, especially in the fields of agricultural sciences, food sciences, forestry sciences and BOKU Doctoral Studies

Content:
The laboratory course „Molecular genetics and genomics of hyphal fungi – advanced course“ features education on [1] fungal genome editing experiments for antibiotic strain improvement and [2] construction by transformation and use of a fungal bioreporter for the detection of environmental endocrine disruptors with hormonal activity.

Detailed description:
[1.] Analysis of CRISPR-Cas9 genome edited strains for antibiotics production. Strains generated in the BASIC Course will be analyzed for the introduced CRISPR mutations by sequencing the targeted loci. Additionally, the strains will be tested for antibiotics production (penicillin) using a bioassay system.

[2] Monitoring of estrogenic substances in food, feed, cosmetics and environmental samples will be performed using a fungal bioreporter strain. Samples can be provided by the students so that they can analyze in the lab course their own samples.
Previous knowledge expected

Education in microbiological and molecular biological techniques Solid knowledge of molecular genetics and participation of the basic course VU „Molecular genetics and genomics of hyphal fungi – basic course“ in the winter semester
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Students gain insights into the theoretical background and experimental methods of molecular genetic analyses and fungal strain improvements. A deeper insight into novel CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology will be featured and practical experience will be gained. Environmental pollution with hormones and endocrine disruptors will be deeply discussed and a fungal bioreporter will be employed practically in the lab to detect these substances.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.