DSM publishes DNA sequence of Aspergillus niger genome in “Nature Biotechnology"

Heerlen, NL, 29-Jan-2007 - DSM is publishing a paper in the February 2007 issue of the renowned scientific journal “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 (bread, cheese, fruit juices, beer) 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 research grew into one of the most important industrial genomics projects in Europe, and earned DSM a position among Europe’s leading biotechnology companies. 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.

The genome sequencing forms part of a major genomics project. Dr Herman Pel, Principal Scientist Genomics and Bioinformatics at DSM who coordinated the execution of the sequencing project: “The unraveling of the DNA sequence not only accelerates the development of new products, but also enables us to study the highly complex physiological behavior of Aspergillus niger with the help of the most advanced biological analysis techniques such as DNA micro-array analysis, proteomics and bio-informatics and use the insights gained to improve production processes.” Dr Hein Stam, Principal Scientist Applied Genomics and Fermentation who coordinated the publication of the genome: “Further research on Aspergillus niger could help identify other possible uses of this micro-organism (such as in the sustainable use of raw materials). With the functions of some 7500 genes still unknown, scientific researchers have plenty of challenges to deal with in the future.”

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 such as PeptoPro® (ingredient for muscular recovery after physical exertion), Brewers ClarexTM (enzyme for preventing chill-haze in beers) and PreventASeTM (enzyme for preventing the formation of the toxic compound acrylamide during baking or frying of certain foodstuffs).

In addition, the project has resulted in a valuable scientific network. DSM’s partners include Gene Alliance (a consortium of German companies involved in the sequence analysis); Biomax (annotation, bio-informatics; Germany); Affymetrix (DNA chips; USA); and the Micro Array Department (MAD) of the University of Amsterdam (analysis of the DNA arrays). Some of the research projects based on the genome were carried out as part of the research programs of consortia such as the Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentation in Delft (Netherlands) and a number of sub-projects were carried out in collaboration with various universities, knowledge institutes and companies.

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