Dr. Prade's Lab

My scientific interest emphasizes biological views of how and why simple eukaryotes decide to convert one functional molecule into another. Currently, we are involved in a metaproteogenomic effort to determine biomass degrading enzymes which function at extreme high temperatures (95 0C). These enzymes are useful to further engineer crop plants (corn) the biomass source for biofuel production.

Graphic for energy metabolism process

I am a biologist with a traditional education in biochemical genetics applied to microorganisms. Accordingly, I learned how to simplify elaborate biological phenomena, and focus on elementary gene-protein subsets. My scientific interest emphasizes biological views of how and why simple eukaryotes decide to convert one functional molecule into another. For example plant cell walls are polymers that contain simple sugars that fungi can access and utilize as a source of food, however they have to recognize these complex and recalcitrant polymers and convert them into simple sugars – glucose.

Extramural funding has focused my research on the development of large-scale bioinformatics and molecular genetics tools of sensory mechanisms in Aspergillus nidulans. We have made contributions to two model processes; the stress response and the question of carbon source regulation, specifically the genetics of recognition of complex carbon sources. Currently, we are involved in a metaproteogenomic effort to determine biomass degrading enzymes which function at extreme high temperatures (95 0C).

These enzymes are useful to further engineer crop plants (corn) the biomass source for biofuel production. Moreover, we also develop protein expression/secretion systems that enable large-scale protein production employing a gene silencing strategy.

4 photos of fungi

Courses Taught

Cell & Molecular Biology (MICR 3033-001 and MICR 3033-503 Online)
Medical Mycology (MICR 3143)
Eukaryotic Genetics: From Genes to Genomes (MICR 4263 MICR 5263)