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Download David Catcheside - Flinders Bioknowledge
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Flinders Bioknowledge Professor David Catcheside Professor of Biological Sciences, Head of School of Biological Sciences Faculty of Science and Engineering Room 340/341, Biological Sciences 8 8201 2335, 8201 2285 Email: [email protected] Research Interests Fungal genetics Directed evolution of proteins Biodiversity of Macrofungi in South Australia Qualifications PhD Current Research Projects The molecular events of genetic recombination and the mechanism of its control: We have identified and cloned genes that regulate the frequency of genetic recombination in specific regions of the chromosomes of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. We have also found extensive natural DNA sequence polymorphisms within and between gene loci. Together, these provide a set of tools for investigating the molecular mechanism of genetic recombination and its control within meiotic cells. Our current focus is on mapping recombination in octads at high resolution using molecular and genetic markers and characterisation of the effect of specific gene knockouts on recombination. Directed evolution of proteins: We have developed the cog recombination hotspot for gene shuffling in vivo. This allows the generation of novel proteins with a broad range of applications such as industrial enzymes and synthesis of novel drugs. We currently have collaborations with other laboratories to create novel proteins. Biodiversity of Macrofungi in South Australia – a collaboration with Pam Catcheside, Honorary Research Associate at the South Australian Plant Biodiversity Centre, seeks to document the biodiversity of this Cinderella group in South Australia. The larger fungi are crucial to ecosystems where they play a major role in recycling of wood and other organic matter and form symbiotic mycorrhizal associations essential for the wellbeing of an estimated 90-95% of all plants. Despite their ecological importance, the macrofungi in South Australia have received little attention in comparison with plants and animals, with only one major study, conducted by Professor JB Cleland in the early part of the last century, which established a collection that provides a valuable resource for taxonomists. We are extending the range of habitats surveyed, depositing our collections in the Plant Biodiversity Centre, and annual reports of our findings can be obtained from the South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage. Committees and Professional Affiliations Editorial board, Journal of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Contributing member of the Faculty of 1000 Member of Scientific Board Neugenesis Corporation ¾ Conducting multidisciplinary collaborative research on Australia‘s biodiversity & landscapes ¾ Providing innovative interpretation of biodiversity research for a wide variety of end-users
