Projects / Programmes
Glivni citokromi P450, vključeni v detoksifikacijo rastlinskih obramnih spojin, kot tarče novih protiglivnih učinkovin (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.06.04 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Biotechnology |
Microbe biotechnology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.06 |
Natural Sciences |
Biological sciences |
Researchers (14)
Organisations (4)
Significance for science
In nature, a dynamic equilibrium is maintained between the virulence of a fungal pathogen and the resistance of its (plant) host. Fungi attack plants with an array of virulence factors, yet at the same time they must detoxify defense compounds released by their hosts. In endogenous biosynthetic pathways of these natural products cytochromes P450 play key role, but they are also of vital importance in their degradation. Fungal genome sequencing projects have revealed high numbers of cytochromes P450 in species with filamentous growth form, but great majority of these cytochromes P450 are orphan genes in the sense that they do not fall into any of the known CYP families. As such, their function in the organism remains a mystery. Thus, the relatively slow progress of assigning function to specific cytochromes P450s poses a challenge. Original approach in developing new antifungal compounds is based on inhibitory action on fungal defense cytochromes P450 executed by small organic molecules, analogues of plant defense compounds, or directly by natural defense compounds which are heterologous to a specific fungus – host relationship.
Significance for the country
This research agrees with the national research and development programme. The field of life sciences is a priority field with great economic promises and the highest added value, as already designated in the Slovenian National and Developmental Resolution programme. Investment in genomic and biotechnology research for health is the priority of the public appeal, and the completed project fulfils it entirely. One of the central goals of this resolution is also strengthening of business companies – the bearers of high technology. The project partner Lek Pharmaceuticals is a company investing a large proportion of profits into research and development which is reflected in products with a high added value. Additional investments into the filed of drug discovery ensure much needed job openings, mostly for highly educated workers coming from universities and institutes following their education in the junior researcher programme. In the completed project we have reestablished and strengthened the cooperation with Slovenian as well as distinguished international research groups.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
