A mycelial culture of Arthrinium esporlense [Photo credit: Fabiola Lucini]

The Antarctic Hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctica) [Photo credits: Filipe de Carvalho Victoria]

In the “1KFG: Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya” project (CSP1974), we aim to sequence additional sampling of genomic diversity within keystone lineages of plant-interacting fungi and saprophytic fungi that are of special ecological importance for understanding terrestrial ecosystems.

The sequencing of Arthrinium esporlense is part of a study aiming at sequencing the genomes of numerous phylogenetically diverse endophytic fungi for further comparative genome analysis. Unravelling the genomic signatures reflecting the adaptation of these microbes to the host cell environment represent a promising way to better understand how the endophytic lifestyle evolved in phylogenetically unrelated fungal species. Comparative genome analysis between different plant hosts, and between saprotrophic, mycorrhizal, and pathogenic fungi will provide new insights into the specific adaptations but also the conserved signatures associated with these different lifestyles.

Arthrinium esporlense, a fungus from Antarctica

Arthrinium species have a worldwide distribution and have been reported from different habitats on variety of hosts, these species can be pathogens, saprobes, as well as endophytes. Many species of Arthrinium were found in temperate, cold or alpine regions, mainly growing on Cyperaceae, Juncaceae and Poaceae hosts. The isolate UNIPAMPA010 of Arthrinium esporlense is an ascomycete (Sordariomycetes, Xylariales), has been isolated from healthy leaves of the Antarctic Hairgrass (Deschampsia antarctica), one of two flowering plants native to Antarctica and the southernmost flowering plant. This genus can also be found in Antarctic lakes.

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI (Dr. Francis Martin) and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master paper(s).