Home • Thelebolus globosus UNIPAMPA015 v1.0
Photo of Thelebolus globosus UNIPAMPA015 v1.0
Thelebolus globosus mycelial culture [Photo credit: Fabiola Lucini]
Photo of Thelebolus globosus UNIPAMPA015 v1.0
The Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) [Photo credit: Fabiola Lucini]

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 Thelebolus globosus 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.

Thelebolus globosus, the Antarctica fungus

The genus Thelebolus (Ascomycota, Leotiomycetes, Thelebolales) is cosmopolitan. Several species have been isolated from the Arctic and Antarctic regions. They have been found in Antarctic lakes and they are known to combine psychrophily with growth on dung and guano, suggesting that strains in lake biomats have originated from bird vectors. Thelebolus isolates have been sampled in the nests of the Antarctic Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus), which uses plants as nesting material. The isolate UNIPAMPA015 of Thelebolus globosus has been isolated from healthy leaves of the Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica), one of two flowering plants native to Antarctica and the southernmost flowering plant. Thelebolus globosus is considered to be cold-tolerant and is adapted to the Antarctic climate.

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI (Dr.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