Christopher Whitford
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chriiswh.bsky.social
Christopher Whitford
@chriiswh.bsky.social
Engineering streptomycetes at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability

NNF Postdoctoral Fellow
Scholar: https://tinyurl.com/yw82k2cr
Check out this new amazing preprint by David, @tuesparholt.bsky.social , @thombooth.bsky.social, and @tilmweber.bsky.social!
Bacterial telomeres are common, just not so much in RefSeq 'complete' genomes. But they can be added by the new tool David Faurdal wrote. I am thrilled to see this out as a preprint here: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... @tilmweber.bsky.social @thombooth.bsky.social
October 20, 2025 at 8:14 AM
New paper alert!!

Led by Lucas, we automated all the design steps for genome engineering experiments in streptomycetes. If you are using our Streptomyces CRISPR toolbox, you can now design hundreds of experiments in a matter of minutes.

@tilmweber.bsky.social @kblin.bsky.social
....
StreptoCAD: An Open-Source Software Toolbox Automating Genome Engineering Workflows in Streptomycetes
Streptomycetes hold immense potential for discovering novel bioactive molecules for applications in medicine or sustainable agriculture. However, high-throughput exploration is hampered by the current Streptomyces genetic engineering methods that involve the manual design of complex experimental molecular biological engineering strategies for each targeted gene. Here, we introduce StreptoCAD, an open-source software toolbox that automates and streamlines the design of genome engineering strategies in Streptomyces, supporting various CRISPR-based and gene overexpression methods. Once initiated, StreptoCAD designs all necessary DNA primers and CRISPR guide sequences, simulates plasmid assemblies (cloning) and the resulting modification of the genomic target(s), and further summarizes the information needed for laboratory implementation and documentation. StreptoCAD currently offers six design workflows, including the construction of overexpression libraries, base-editing, including multiplexed CRISPR-BEST plasmid generation, and genome engineering using CRISPR-Cas9, CRISPR-Cas3, and CRISPRi systems. In addition to automating the design process, StreptoCAD further secures compliance with the FAIR principles, ensuring reproducibility and ease of data management via standardized output files. To experimentally demonstrate the design process and output of StreptoCAD, we designed and constructed a series of gene overexpression strains, and performed CRISPRi knockdowns in Streptomyces Gö40/10, underscoring the tool’s efficiency and user-friendliness.. This tool simplifies complex genetic engineering tasks and promotes collaboration through standardized workflows and design parameters. StreptoCAD is set to transform genome engineering in Streptomyces, making sophisticated genetic manipulations accessible for all and accelerating natural product discovery.
pubs.acs.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Interested in engineering streptomycetes? Struggling with existing genome engineering tools? Then check out our newest paper on CASCADE-Cas3 based genome engineering in streptomycetes!

Some highlights below:
CASCADE-Cas3 enables highly efficient genome engineering in Streptomyces species
Abstract. Type I clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) systems are widespread in bacteria and archaea. Compared to more widely
academic.oup.com
March 27, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Interested in conducting your research in a great and innovative environment? Interested in doing so in a politically stable country (as opposed to e.g. the US of A)? Denmark is actively recruiting researchers from abroad. Can only recommend!

research.state-of-denmark.com?utm_campaign...
Shape the future of your research in Denmark
Whether you're looking to join world-leading research groups or collaborate with industry pioneers, Denmark has the perfect role waiting for you.
research.state-of-denmark.com
February 24, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Reposted by Christopher Whitford
It’s been a tough few weeks. My 10yo daughter was diagnosed with a very rare, aggressive cancer called interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS). I’m reaching out to identify clinicians/patients who have encountered pediatric IDCS or other (non-LCH) dendritic or histiocytic sarcomas cases.
February 8, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Reposted by Christopher Whitford
If you’re at a European institution and are looking to poach American scientists, this would be a very good week to do it
January 28, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Reposted by Christopher Whitford
📢 Check out this new tool from @thombooth.bsky.social, @wemakemolecules.bsky.social and @tilmweber.bsky.social!

Build phylogenies of BGCs to primates! 🙊

All you need are Gbk files of your chosen sequences. It's super fast and in my regular rotation of bioinformatic tools

#phylo #secmet #micro
getphylo: rapid and automatic generation of multi-locus phylogenetic trees - BMC Bioinformatics
Background The increasing amount of genomic data calls for tools that can create genome-scale phylogenies quickly and efficiently. Existing tools rely on large reference databases or require lengthy d...
bmcbioinformatics.biomedcentral.com
January 22, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Reposted by Christopher Whitford
In July, we tripled the number of high-quality Streptomyces genomes in the NCBI. Today, we have published an updated pangenomic analysis of their biosynthetic potential! Very greatful to Omkar for including me in this project!!

🧪🦠 #microbiology

genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....
Pangenome mining of the Streptomyces genus redefines species’ biosynthetic potential - Genome Biology
Background Streptomyces is a highly diverse genus known for the production of secondary or specialized metabolites with a wide range of applications in the medical and agricultural industries. Several...
genomebiology.biomedcentral.com
January 14, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Reposted by Christopher Whitford
Are you working with #streptomycetes? Then you may be interested in trying our new #StreptoCAD platform: StreptoCAD is an open-source software
toolbox automating genome engineering
workflows in streptomycetes. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
StreptoCAD: An open-source software toolbox automating genome engineering workflows in streptomycetes
Streptomycetes hold immense potential for discovering novel bioactive molecules for applications in medicine or sustainable agriculture. However, high-throughput exploration is hampered by the current...
www.biorxiv.org
January 7, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Reposted by Christopher Whitford
StreptoCAD: An open-source software toolbox automating genome engineering workflows in streptomycetes https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.19.629370v1
December 20, 2024 at 1:05 PM