Nancy P. Keller

Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

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The long-term goal of my research program is to reduce aflatoxin and sterigmatocystin contamination of food and feed crops. Aflatoxin (AF) and sterigmatocystin (ST) are toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites produced by the same biochemical pathway in several Aspergillus spp.

My program focuses on identifying the molecular genetic processes controlling expression of ST/AF biosynthesis and host metabolites which effect fungal growth and ST/AF biosynthesis. Results from these areas of research are directed towards designing rational ST/AF control strategies and should contribute to control of other fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Filamentous fungi are renown for the production of a diverse array of secondary metabolites (SMs) where the genetic material required for synthesis of a SM is typically arrayed in a biosynthetic gene cluster.  These natural products are valued for their bioactive properties stemming from their functions in fungal biology, key among those being protection from abiotic and biotic stress and establishment of a secure niche. Possibly because of their role in nature, few fungal SMs are produced under standard laboratory conditions.    Here we illustrate methodologies to unlock production of cryptic bioactive fungal SMs.