Home • Leptosphaeria microscopica UNIPAMPA013 v1.0
A mycelial culture of Leptosphaeria microscopica (Photo credits: Fabiola Lucini, Filipe de Carvalho Victoria).
A mycelial culture of Leptosphaeria microscopica (Photo credits: Fabiola Lucini, Filipe de Carvalho Victoria).
Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) (Photo credits: Fabiola Lucini, Filipe de Carvalho Victoria).
Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) (Photo credits: Fabiola Lucini, 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 Leptosphaeria microscopica 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 specific adaptations and conserved signatures associated with these different lifestyles.

Leptosphaeria microscopica, a fungus from Antarctica
The genus Leptosphaeria (Ascomycota) is cosmopolitan group. Leptosphaeria is a member of the Dothideomycetes, a class of fungi that includes many important plant pathogens. This genus is known to cause leaf blotch diseases on wheat. Leptosphaeria microscopica have been isolated from Antarctica, isolated from the Antarctic hair grass Deschampsia antarctica (Poaceae) and Colobanthus quitensis (Caryophyllaceae) described as an endophyte. In addition to flowering plants, Leptosphaeria microscopica has been described in association with different species of mosses and marine macroalgae in Antarctica. The isolate UNIPAMPA013 of Leptosphaeria microscopica has been isolated from healthy leaves of the Antarctic hair grass, one of two flowering plants native to Antarctica and the southernmost flowering plant.

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI (Dr.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).