
Image Credit: Sandrine Cros-Arteil
This genome was sequenced as part of the JGI CSP 1KFG - Deep
Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya, whose goal is to fill
in gaps in the Fungal Tree of Life by sequencing at least two
reference genomes from the more than 500 recognized families of
Fungi. This project additionally aims to inform research on
plant-microbe interactions, microbial emission and capture of
greenhouse gasses, and environmental metagenomic sequencing.
The sequenced Gelasinospora tetrasperma isolate CBS
560.94 has been isolated from coniferous duff in mixed forest. It
belongs to Lasiosphaeriaceae II sensu (Kruys, Huhndorf et al.
2015). Gelasinospora species can be isolated from soil,
dung or seeds (Cain 1950). Morphological observations and sequence
data suggest that the genus Gelasinospora is not distinct
from the genus Neurospora, and the two genera can be
considered synonyms (García, Stchigel et al. 2004).
Sordariales is a taxonomically rich group containing ca. 35 genera
(Huhndorf, Miller et al. 2004, Kruys, Huhndorf et al. 2015),
spanning more than 75 million years of association with plant
biomass (Saupe, Clavé et al. 2000). Sordariales can be
sampled on a range of substrates such as dung, wood, leaves,
litter, burned vegetation, biological soil crusts and soil; most
are saprobes, but some live in close association with plants as
endophytes and few have been described as pathogens. Sordariales
also exhibit striking differences in temperature requirements,
ranging from mesophilic to thermophilic. Unraveling the genomic
features responsible for their ability to efficiently forage their
substrate will represent foundational information for understanding
the role of saprophilous, lignicolous, herbicolous and coprophilous
fungi in nutrient and energy flows within ecosystems. In addition,
these resources will facilitate the rational design of improved
thermophilic and/or biomass degrading fungal host strains, and help
field studies aiming to predict responses of fungal communities to
environmental changes, such as global warming.
Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from
unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI
and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate
other publications with the CSP master paper(s).
References:
- Cain, R. F. (1950). "Studies of coprophilous ascomycetes: I. Gelasinospora." Canadian Journal of Research 28(5): 566-576.
- García, D., A. M. Stchigel, J. Cano, J. Guarro and D. L. Hawksworth (2004). "A synopsis and re-circumscription of Neurospora (syn. Gelasinospora) based on ultrastructural and 28S rDNA sequence data." Mycological research 108(10): 1119-1142.
- Huhndorf, S. M., A. N. Miller and F. A. Fernández (2004). "Molecular systematics of the Sordariales: the order and the family Lasiosphaeriaceae redefined." Mycologia 96(2): 368-387.
- Kruys, Å., S. M. Huhndorf and A. N. Miller (2015). "Coprophilous contributions to the phylogeny of Lasiosphaeriaceae and allied taxa within Sordariales (Ascomycota, Fungi)." Fungal Diversity 70(1): 101-113.
- Saupe, S. J., C. Clavé, M. Sabourin and J. Bégueret (2000). "Characterization of hch, the Podospora anserina homolog of the het-c heterokaryon incompatibility gene of Neurospora crassa." Current genetics 38(1): 39-47.