What do Freshwater Fungal genomes tell us?

Departments

Bioresources for Bioeconomy and Health Research

Abstract

What do freshwater fungal genomes tell us? Freshwater Fungi (also called aquatic hyphomycetes, Ingoldian fungi) are critically important in maintaining energy fluxes between trophic levels in well-aerated freshwater ecosystems (e.g. streams and rivers) worldwide. They also possess the necessary mechanisms to endure lower temperatures caused by habitat and weather variations. This includes the production of cold- active enzymes and antifreeze proteins. Litter-associated fungal parameters, such as fungal biomass, production plant litter decomposition rates have been addressed in many field and laboratory studies. Human impacts have been also studied (e.g. the effects of nutrient enrichment and fungicide pollution). These studies are accompanied by biodiversity inventories and analyses of community structure of aquatic hyphomycetes using morphological and molecular approaches. However, the functional consequences of shifts in fungal community structure often remain unpredictable or inconsistent. To better understand the physiological activities of freshwater fungi in their natural environment, different methods are being applied, and genome sequencing is one in the spotlight. We conducted exploratory genomic analysis of aquatic key species in comparison to genomes of species from terrestrial habitats to investigate the specific adaptations of freshwater fungi to their environment. Specifically, we compared the abundance of CAZy enzymes and cold/thermo-adapted enzymes in Helotiales (Leotiomycetes) and Nectriaceae (Sordariomycetes). We found genomic divergences in adaptation of freshwater fungi to the environment depending on the taxonomic group studied. These divergences can be used to predict more competitive fungi in environmental studies, and help to select indicator species for conservation goals.

Cite this activity

Vasconcelos Rissi D. and Baschien C. What do Freshwater Fungal genomes tell us? IUMS 2024, Florenz, Italien. 23.-25.10.2024. (short)

Details

Date Range 23.-25.10.2024
Lecture Length short
Conference No
Location Florenz, Italien
Invited lecture

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