# Uncovering Small Molecules that Mediate Plant-Fungi Interactions

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of California-Los Angeles (CA) · $1,000,000

## Abstract

The interactions between plants and fungi, both beneficial and deleterious, significantly affect agricultural output, food safety, and bioeconomy. Beneficial fungal-plant interactions can lead to increases in plant robustness and crop yield, while deleterious interactions can lead to devastating plant diseases and tremendous economic loss. Many aspects of these interactions are mediated by small organic molecules known as secondary metabolites produced by the fungi. These molecules can direct impact plant health, effect the symbiotic plant-fungi relationships and control the soil microorganism composition. Despite the importance of these metabolites in mediating plant-fungi interactions, only a limited number of compounds are known. Therefore, a complete understanding of the chemical identities and functions of these molecules is critical to our ability to control the fungal-plant interactions, and to benefit agriculture and plant-based bioeconomy. To do so, the researchers will apply synthetic biology approaches to genetically and chemically catalog the secondary metabolites that can be biosynthesized by different plant-associated fungi. They will then test the biological activities of these compounds directly on model plants grown in the laboratory to assess their functions. If beneficial or deleterious effects on plant are observed, they will perform plant genetic studies to understand the target of the compounds. Successful completion of this project will unveil the multi

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2545921
- **Awardee organization:** University of California-Los Angeles (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** RN64EPNH8JC6
- **PI:** Yi Tang
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $1,000,000
- **Funds obligated:** $1,000,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2545921

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2545921, Uncovering Small Molecules that Mediate Plant-Fungi Interactions. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2545921. Licensed CC0.

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