Comparative genome analysis of Aspergillus aculeatus strains with different cellulase activities

A. aculeatus BCC199, has been demonstrated as a promising cellulolytic enzyme producer, in terms of the amount and activity of cellulases, as compared to other fungi in the BIOTEC culture collection, especially when being grown on plant biomass substrates. The enzyme from A. aculeatus BCC199 has been successfully applied to biomass saccharification process. The media optimization and solid-state fermentation process at a large scale have been established for A. aculeatus BCC199. To expand the enzyme usage and improve economic value, its cellulase activity needs to be further increased, preferably in a predictable manner. Random mutagenesis and genetic engineering can further improve cellulolytic activity in A. aculeatus BCC199 to the maximum of 2-folds (patents pending). However, this random process required a considerable amount of time and resources. Then, a more precise and predictable fungal engineering platform would be a ground-breaking step in developing this and other related strains for commercial usage and to be adaptable to different growth conditions, such as variable natural substrates that might be obtained from different locations will be established in this project. A new analytical approach, comparative trans-omic data (genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data), is being used to systematically elucidate the model "high-cellulase producer", A. aculeatus HUT2365, in comparison to our "mid-range", A. aculeatus BCC199, and "low-cellulase producer", BCC56535. This comprehensive omic analysis will be used to differentiate and identify plausible influence in high cellulase production, and after that, rationalize a model for prediction of cellulase production.