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. In
addition, comparative genome analysis with saprotrophic,
mycorrhizal and pathogenic fungi will provide new insights into the
specific and conserved adaptations associated with each fungal
lifestyle.
Phleogena faginea OMC
1709
Phleogena faginea is a wood-inhabiting member of the
Pucciniomycotina, a fungal subdivision that includes mostly
parasites of plants and other fungi. P. faginea forms
small, black-grey, stalked fruiting bodies on wood of angiosperms,
reminding myxomycetes in shape and size. Spores are born internally
in the head of the fruiting body, meaning that Phleogena
is a gasteromycete. The species is wide-spread in temperate and
boreal zones of the northern and southern hemispheres (Oberwinkler
& Bandoni 1982).
Phylogenetically, Phleogena belongs to the class
Atractiellomycetes. After the tree root associated Atractiella rhizophila, P.
faginea is the second member of its class to have its genome
sequenced and first in the family Phleogenaceae (Aime et al. 2014).
The genome will aid in building a robust phylogeny of the
Pucciniomycotina. In addition, P. faginea is of interest
because it appears to be a wood-inhabiting saprotroph, possibly
able to degrade main components of wood such as cellulose. Wood
decomposing activity has not been studied in the Pucciniomycotina,
and this genome is potentially of considerable interest in
understanding evolution and diversity of fungal wood decomposition
ability.
The genome strain is polysporic, cultured from a fruiting body
collected from a standing Alnus incana snag in Soomaa National Park
in Estonia.
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unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI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:
- Aime MC, Toome M, McLaughlin DJ (2014) Pucciniomycotina. In:McLaughlin DJ, Spatafora JW (eds) Systematics and Evolution, vol 7A. The Mycota. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg, pp 271-294
- Oberwinkler F, Bandoni RJ (1982) A taxonomic survey of the gasteroid, auricularioid Heterobasidiomycetes. Canadian Journal of Botany 60:1726-1750