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Busgen Institute, Department of Molecular Wood Biotechnology and Technical Mycology
Institution
Section overview
Description
The main research subject of the Division of Molecular Wood Biotechnology is the biotechnological application of wood-decomposing fungi and their enzymes. Fruiting bodies of many basidiomycetes are edible. However, only a few species have so far successfully been established in commercial mushroom production. We apply molecular genetics and biochemical methods to study the process of fruiting body development in the ink cap (Coprinopsis cinerea) Coprinus cinereus with the aim for later transfer of our findings to other species. Fruiting bodies of basidiomycetes contain many unusual, biologically active secondary metabolites. Extracts of fruiting bodies have been exploited for centuries in Eastern-European and Asian folk medicine to improve health and cure illnesses. In cooperation with other research groups, we are trying to isolate and identify therapeutic active substances for pharmaceutical purposes. Another main research area includes enzymes involved in wood decay, for example laccases and other redox-enzymes that are of potential use for the wood industry. Enzymes are characterized by modern analytical techniques and all kind of chemical-biochemical, genetic-molecular biological and microbiological methods. Natural features of enzymes are often not optimal for biotechnological applications. By genetic engineering we are changing their amino acid sequences to influence the enzyme characteristics. Genetic and molecular biological methods are employed to increase enzyme production rates.
Activities
- Research
Parent institution
Coordinated projects
Contact
Busgen Institute, Department of Molecular Wood Biotechnology and Technical Mycology
Büsgenweg 2
37077 Göttingen
Lower Saxony
Germany
Phone: +49-[0]551-393482 oder +49-(0)551-3984
Fax: +49-[0]551-3922705
