Franz Zehetbauer

Franz Zehetbauer is a researcher at the Institute of Microbial Genetics within the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His work bridges fungal genetics and synthetic biology, focusing on gene cluster regulation and secondary metabolite production.

• Role: Researcher in fungal genetics and synthetic biology
• Location: Konrad Lorenz-Straße 24, 3430 Tulln an der Donau
• Email: franz.zehetbauer@boku.ac.at

Research Focus: Dr. Zehetbauer investigates how fungal biosynthetic gene clusters are regulated, with a particular emphasis on interspecies signaling (e.g., Streptomyces-Aspergillus interactions) and environmental modulators (e.g., phenolic compounds in Fusarium). His projects employ CRISPR/Cas9 and Golden Gate cloning to engineer fungal systems for biotechnological applications.

Publication Trends: His recent work centers on Aspergillus nidulans gene regulation, Streptomyces-induced fungal metabolic shifts, and synthetic biology tools for Pichia pastoris. Key themes include transcriptional memory, secondary metabolite signaling, and yeast engineering.

Advising: Supervised a master's thesis on pesticide-mycotoxin interaction screening in fungi.

Collaborations: Works extensively with Prof. Joseph Strauss on FWF-funded projects and industry partnerships (e.g., FFoQSI: ToxTesting). Engaged in international conferences in Canada, Germany, and Turkey.