PhD Proposal: Junghun Lee

Junghun Lee, PhD Student

Advisor: 

Dr. Mark Marten

TITLE: Proteomics-Driven Engineering of Filamentous Fungi for

Siderophore Biosynthesis Applications

ABSTRACT: Filamentous fungi are important organisms in biotechnology, particularly as producers of valuable bioproducts. Among these, siderophores (i.e., secondary metabolites synthesized by many fungal species), play a crucial role in iron acquisition under iron-deficient conditions. Under iron-deficient conditions, siderophores efficiently chelate environmental iron, facilitating cellular iron homeostasis. In addition to iron, siderophores can bind a variety of other metals, including cobalt, nickel, lithium, and manganese. This broad metal-chelating capacity positions them as promising agents for sustainable metal recovery applications, such as lithium-ion battery recycling - a field projected to grow by over 27% annually until 2030. My overall goal in this research is to enhance fungal siderophore production by leveraging insights gained from systems biology analyses. To accomplish this goal, I will: (i) develop a high-throughput proteomics workflow, (ii) identify gene candidates that influence siderophore biosynthesis, and (iii) engineer fungal strains based on these findings.

Agenda

• 12:55 pm: Meeting room will open
• 1:00 pm: 45-min presentation will be open to the public with Q&A.
• Followed by a closed session with the committee and PhD Student.