This genome was sequenced as part of the 1000 Fungal Genomes Project - Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya. Within the framework of this project, we are sequencing keystone lineages of saprophytic, mycorrhizal, and endophytic fungi that are of special ecological importance. Dozens of sequenced species were harvested from Long Term Observatories to serve as the foundation for a reference database for metagenomics of fungi and for a comprehensive survey of the soil fungal metatranscriptome.
Lachnellula subtilissima is a common wood-associated fungus of twigs and branches of conifers of the Pinaceae family, especially the Pinus and Picea trees of the Northern Hemisphere. Although the fungus was occasionally reported to cause minor damage to natural tree stands or plantations (Weissenberg 1975), it is generally regarded as a common saprobe, with almost all observations as fruitbodies erumpent from cones or bark of dead twigs and small branches, and occasionally leaves. Interestingly, molecular analyses report this fungus to be abundant also in the topsoil of coniferous stands where occurrence of fruitbodies is not observed (Baldrian et al. 2012). Due to this, the fungus may serve as an interesting example of a saprotroph that can be successful on multiple substrates, possibly due to the composition of its enzymatic complement.
Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master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:
- Weissenberg K. 1975. Pathogens observed on lodgepole pine grown in Finland. European Journal of Forest Pathology 5(5): 309-317.
- Baldrian P, Kolařík M, Štursová M, Kopecký J, Valášková V, Větrovský T, Žifčáková L, Šnajdr J, Rídl J, Vlček Č, et al. 2012. Active and total microbial communities in forest soil are largely different and highly stratified during decomposition. ISME Journal 6(2): 248-258.