MIGENOF113 · MINING THE GENOME OF P. FLUORESCENS F113 TO IMPROVE AGRICULTURAL AND BIOREMEDIATION APPLICATIONS. In silico genomics and functional genomics approaches to exploit Pseudomonas in biotechnology

Microorganisms from the fluorescent pseudomonads group are valuable in agriculture for plant-growth promotion and biocontrol of fungal pathogens and have environmental applications in soil decontamination or bioremediation. Previously, a European-funded project successfully improved decontamination capabilities of Pseudomonas fluorescens F113. More recently, sequencing of F113 genome has revealed regions encoding putative insecticidal proteins which could expand its biotechnological uses. The overall aim of this project is to gain a deeper understanding of the properties of P. fluorescens F113 and enhance its biotechnological potential. Functional genomics and bioinformatics approaches combined with traditional molecular microbiology techniques will be used to achieve the following objectives: • To understand F113 genomic characteristics through a bioinformatics genomic analysis and to identify genes to improve and expand its biotechnological applications. • To study the properties conferring ecological fitness by the analysis of the virulence factors that F113 possesses against invertebrate predators, in particular insects. • To study gene expression and regulation in order to devise in the future engineering of a strain better adapted to the environment and better suited for agricultural and environmental uses. This project fits within the thematic area of “Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology” and will impart significant economic and social impact by developing key knowledge and tools towards sustainable agricultural practices and a cleaner environment. This proposal also fulfils the objectives of mobilization of technology, knowledge and researchers across the EU and will establish new collaborations between British and Spanish Universities.