Engineering Better Mushrooms: Transgenic Manipulation of Filamentous F
ID# 2010-3670
Technology Summary
Through advancement in transgenic manipulation, genetic engineering techniques can be used to manipulate filamentous fungi for 1) ease of cultivation or production; 2) improved culinary, medicinal, or nutritional value; and 3) production of recombinant proteins for harvest. The proposed technology enables the transgenic modification of a mushroom-forming fungus to confer a transgenic genotype and/or phenotype by independently controlling each. In transgenic breeding of mushrooms, it is possible to manipulate the fruiting body of a fungus, conferring an altered phenotype but having a wild-type genotype. The fruiting body is devoid of the cognate transgene, making it suitable for the marketplace.
Application & Market Utility
Genetic transformation holds enormous potential for crop improvement, but GMOs are not currently preferred in the market¬place. This invention maintains the genotype of the budding fruit, while changing the phenotype to increase yield, resistance, and shelf life. A bisporus can be used for express recombinant proteins for biopharmaceuticals and industrial enzymes. The traditional approach to genetic modification fails to achieve high-level expression of the protein. This invention maintains the genotype of the budding fruit for higher levels of protein production.
Next Steps
Seeking research collaboration and licensing opportunities.