Objectives

Our Objectives

TOLERATE relates to the workplan of Exploring extreme environments: novel adaptation strategies at molecular level for bio-based innovation (HORIZON-CL6-2022-CIRCBIO-02-02) and will improve plant drought-tolerance via soil bio-augmentation with rhizosphere soil bacteria engineered to produce drought-beneficial traits. We will express ancient genes from past geological times that have already experienced climate change and extreme heat and drought events. In parallel, we will also explore their biotechnological potential for bioproducts with novel or enhanced functionalities.

Objective 1

To identify and extract microbial taxa and genes (e.g., encoding enzymes for EPS and osmo-protectant synthesis, extremozymes and heat-shock proteins) from aDNA metagenome chrono-sequences.

Objective 2

To introduce selected ancient genes into suitable hosts in order to produce microorganisms for bioaugmentation.

Objective 3

To evaluate whether and which bioinoculants can establish and persist in the bulk soil and rhizosphere of different plant families in soils with characteristics found in EU marginal lands and improve plant tolerance to drought.

Objective 4

To scale up production of biomolecules with engineered bacteria for downstream process.

Objective 5

To determine the safety level(s) of these biomolecules before their potential utilization towards specific industrial applications.

Objective 6

To identify obstacles and opportunities in the development, authorization and use of engineered rhizosphere bacteria based on current and upcoming legal and policy scenarios.

Objective 7

To disseminate the results of the project and ensure that its impact is maximized by utilizing internal and external dissemination practices through project website, media and social media.

Objective 8

To efficiently disseminate and exploit project results.