Dr Alan Wheals
Profile
Current Research
We are using both genetics and genomics to investigate a number of fundamental aspects of the genetics and cell biology of yeasts.
(i) We are involved in developing rapid methods for the detection and identification of yeasts using PCR methods. Our targets are to provide robust methods which can be (a) used to identify the 100 most common yeasts found in fermentations, infections and spoilage; and (b) used to identify key species within a few hours or less using multiplexing PCR.
(ii) We are investigating variation in gene structure in the genomes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its relatives. We have discovered extensive polymorphisms due to the occurrence of tandemly repeated motifs within structural genes. We are investigating the causes of these polymorphisms and their potential selective and evolutionary roles.
(iii) We have been isolating, sequencing and over-expressing the gene for the pectinolytic enzyme endopolygalacturonase from the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus. We have created novel host-vector systems and have created strains for commercial use. Structure-function relationships are being explored with site-directed mutagenesis.
Goals
To use yeasts as model systems for the understanding of both applied and fundamental aspects of cellular biology.
Publications
Pengelly, R. J. and Wheals, A. E., 2013. Rapid identification of Saccharomyces eubayanus and its hybrids. FEMS Yeast Research, 13 (2), pp. 156-161.
Muir, A., Harrison, E. and Wheals, A., 2011. A multiplex set of species-specific primers for rapid identification of members of the genus Saccharomyces. FEMS Yeast Research, 11 (7), pp. 552-563.
Harrison, E., Muir, A., Stratford, M. and Wheals, A., 2011. Species-specific PCR primers for the rapid identification of yeasts of the genus Zygosaccharomyces. FEMS Yeast Research, 11 (4), pp. 356-365.
Muir, A., Forrest, G., Clarkson, J. and Wheals, A., 2011. Detection of Candida albicans DNA from blood samples using a novel electrochemical assay. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 60 (4), pp. 467-471.
Muir, A., Jenkins, A. T. A., Forrest, G., Clarkson, J. and Wheals, A., 2009. Rapid electrochemical identification of pathogenic Candida species. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 58 (9), pp. 1182-1189.
