DSM publishes DNA sequence of Aspergillus niger genome

31-Jan-2007

DSM is publishing a paper in the February 2007 issue of "Nature Biotechnology" announcing the release of the DNA sequence of the fungus Aspergillus niger. The article - which has 69 co-authors - is the result of a research project carried out by DSM in which twenty-nine international research groups participated.

Rob van Leen, Chief Innovation Officer at DSM, commented: "DSM realizes that the Aspergillus niger genome is of great interest to many other parties, both in industry and the academic world. DSM is releasing the DNA sequence to enable further research in this field. We are very pleased about this publication, which fits perfectly in our open-innovation policy. The Aspergillus niger research project is a foundation for our efforts in the area of 'white' or industrial biotechnology - and that area is an important part of the innovation boost in DSM's strategy Vision 2010 - Building on Strengths."

Aspergillus niger is a micro-organism that DSM uses for the production of enzymes and other compounds, such as citric acid. These are mainly used in foodstuffs to improve taste, shelf life, texture, nutritional value, etc. At the beginning of this century, DSM started work on the determination of the complete DNA sequence of Aspergillus niger and the identification of the functions of the different genes. The project has resulted in a high-quality genome sequence of 33.9 million base pairs with more than 14,000 unique genes. The (possible) functions of around 6500 of these genes could be established.

According to the company, the Aspergillus niger genome project has resulted in numerous patent filings by DSM and has laid the basis for a number of new DSM products. In addition, the project has resulted in a valuable scientific network.

https://www.analytica-world.com/en/news/61390/dsm-publishes-dna-sequence-of-aspergillus-niger-genome.html