Itaconic acid and its derivatives: from mitochondrial functions to intercellular communication (A05)

• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms ; Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 458090666

Secondary metabolites are key players in microbial interactions, but their production and secretion pose a significant economic and logistical challenge. An evolutionary arms race invariably ensues, leading to complex intra- and inter-cellular metabolic networks. We will explore such networks in the interaction between the fungus Ustilago maydis and the bacterium Pseudomonas. The fungus secretes itaconic acid and derivatives via a metabolic network that strongly involves mitochondrial metabolism. The bacterium can degrade itaconic acid, but it is unclear how it is affected by the derivatives. We will explore these interactions through quantitative modulation of fluxes between (sub)cellular compartments using molecular switches and metabolic models to contextualise the networks with biosensor data and omics analysis.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1535: Microbial networking – from organelles to cross-kingdom communities
• Applicant Institution: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Lars Blank, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Nick Wierckx