Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a fungal pathogen that causes white stem rot in Helianthus (sunflowers). In bad weather conditions entire crops can be lost. However, some plants usually manage to survive by producing antitoxins. Agricultural engineer Claudio Cerboncini working at the CEMBIO at the University of Bonn in collaboration with the Caesar Research Centre found dicaffeoyl quinic acid (DCQA) amongst the antitoxins produced by the plants. This substance is already known as an important prototype for a new group of anti AIDS drugs. The substance inhibits viral integrase – an enzyme essential for the AIDS virus to reproduce. Ordinarily, DCQA costs as much as €1000 per mg. The research work promises to obtain DCQA by culturing cells of sunflowers (and maybe other species) together with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The most important breakthrough will follow the eventual discovery of the gene responsible for DCQA synthesis and its prodiction by genetically modified bacteria. This will enable its production on a large scale at a fraction of the cost. The researchers have patented their cultural method and are looking for industrial partners. “AlphaGalileo” Dr. Ralf Theisen, IMBIO, University of Bonn, E-mail: r.rheisen@uni-bonn.de
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