Objective:
Obtain fundamental knowledge about the enzymes responsible for trichothecene biosynthesis in Fusarium sporotrichoides and F. graminearum. Use this knowledge to create modified or new agents capable of inactivating or degrading the mycotoxins responsible for the damage caused by Fusarium head blight.

Approach:
Clone, express, and purify the biosynthetic enzymes in the trichothecene biosynthetic pathway. Determine the structure of the trichothecene 3-O-acetylase from F. sporotrichoides and F. graminearum. Perform structural analysis for each of the enzymes. Apply directed evolution to the most suitable structural templates and screen for protection against T-2 toxin and DON in Saccharomyces cerevisae.