Experimental investigation into the ecological source of persistent dissolved organic matter in aquatic systems

In the proposed research, we will use simplified experimental approaches to examine how fungi process common plant substrates to form complex and stable forms of dissolved organic matter.

Specifically, we aim to demonstrate that fungi can produce a class of compounds named carboxyl rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM), which are extremely diverse and abundant in aquatic systems. Despite their apparent importance in aquatic systems, CRAMs have a completely unknown biological source or utility.

This fascinating gap in knowledge is long overdue for exploration.Three projects are described, examining 1) The potential for fungi mediated Diels Alder partner molecules as source of CRAM structures, 2) The potential for fungi mediated oxidation of terpenoids as a source of CRAM, and 3) Proteomics and enzymology to explore the enzymes and genes involved in the identified biochemical pathways to CRAM production.

Two postdocs will be employed to carry out the majority of the work, and the project will be organised and supervised by the applicant at the Department of Chemistry, BMC along with three local expert participating reseachers in experimental mycology, natural product synthesis and enzymology.The proposed work will harness cross-disciplinary science available in Uppsala and will provide important results for comprehending mechanisms underpinning the global carbon cycle.

The results can be used to strengthen our understanding of natural systems and their resilience to change.