Genetics of Eukaryotic Microorganisms
Funding of new graduate school: EvoReSt
Successful funding of our Research Training School “Evolutionary Genomics: Consequences of Biodiverse Reproductive Systems (EvoReSt)!
The goal of our RTG is to analyze the evolution of genomes in sexual and asexual organisms in animals, plants, and fungi. We will study the evolution of nuclear genomes (Focus A), the interaction of nuclear-organelle genomes, and horizontal gene transfer via viruses (Focus B). We will develop new methods and models for genome analysis (Focus C).
Further information on EvoReSt
Successful defense of Anina Y. Rudoloph - Congratulations!
October the 23rd, Anina Y. Rudolph defended her PhD project 'Communication of Colletotrichum graminicola in development and pathogenic maize interactions' successfully. From her overall project, one part is already published, two further manuscripts are on their way to publication.
Dear Anina, it was a honor to work with you for all these years! We wish you all the best for your next steps.
Research - Sordaria macrospora and Colletotrichum graminicola
Filamentous fungi are great model organisms to study fundamental processes in eukaryotes as well as plant pathogen interactions. Our group focuses on both aspects of fungal life, investigating autophagy and multicellular development in Sordaria macrospora and Colletotrichum graminicola interaction with its host zea mays.
Sordaria macrospora
Fruiting-body development in filamentous ascomycetes is a complex cellular differentiation process that requires special environmental conditions and is controlled by many developmentally regulated genes. We are interested in the genes regulating this development process. We use the homothallic (self-fertile) ascomycete Sordaria macrospora as a model organism. Since S. macrospora is able to complete the sexual cycle without a mating partner, recessive mutations affecting fruiting body development are directly visible. Numerous mutants which are blocked at various stages of fruiting-body development have been generated and molecular genetic procedures have been applied to isolate genes involved in fruiting-body. more...
Colletotrichum graminicola
Cellular communication processes within a fungal colony or in host-pathogen interactions are crucial to allow adequate development or host infection. We use the hemibiotrophic maize pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola to study both communication types with special emphasis on germling fusion, sexual development, chemotropic growth to host plant signals, and plant infection. Seeking for the identification of signals, receptors and downstream pathways, we apply genetic, biochemical, bioanalytical, and microscopy techniques. Based on these findings, we also evaluate communication factors for their probable use in biotechnological applications. more...