This project focuses on characterizing a strain of Lachnoclostridium phytofermentans that evolved over 500 days in a continuous culture system exposed to increasing concentrations of butanol. Through this process, a strain was selected that not only retained essential phenotypes for bacterial survival, such as efficient degradation of plant biomass, but also developed an enhanced resistance to butanol.
Genomic sequencing of this evolved strain revealed multiple SNPs and significant chromosomal rearrangements. These genetic alterations may potentially affect the expression of numerous genes involved in metabolic functions and stress resistance.
The primary objective of this project is to identify and understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for the acquisition of butanol resistance in this evolved strain. Special attention will be given to the analysis of specific regulatory circuits in L. phytofermentans that confer tolerance not only to butanol but also to other primary alcohols.
The outcomes of this study will provide deeper insights into the adaptive capabilities of L. phytofermentans under stressful environmental conditions and may offer valuable perspectives for improving biotechnological processes that involve biomass fermentation in the presence of toxic solvents like butanol.
