MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'aspergillus'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:37:53 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208025&cid=t_119153_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Facclaim-for-new-aspergillus-book.html "an overview of the forefront of Aspergillus genomics - from bioinformatics and systems biology to gene regulation, secondary metabolism, and novel industrial applications ... (the book starts) with a superb holistic overview of the genus by its doyenne Joan Bennett ... a most stimulating volume ... The editors and publishers can be proud of having put together a volume that is produced to the highest scientific standards."from David L. Hawksworth in Mycological Research 113: 1444-1445Further reading: Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsFull range of books on microbiology at Microbiology Books (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208025 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:04:00 +0100 3208025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208282&cid=t_119153_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F01%2Faspergillosis%2F Pathophysiology 1) infection with Aspergillus fumigatus (most common and serious), A. flavus, or A. niger 2) normally colonizes skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract, but can also cause fatal systemic illness (usually in immunosuppressed patients) 3) sinus infection occurs in three forms – fungus ball in a chronically infected sinus cavity (usually maxillary), invasive fibrous granulomatous inflammation, and allergic sinusitis (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208282 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:51:40 +0100 3208282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208026&cid=t_119153_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Findustrial-applications-of-aspergillus.html "This feast of hugely topical science culminates with an overview of novel industrial applications of Aspergillus oryzaee genomics (Abe et. al., Chapter 10), inciting much enthusiasm for potential applications or exploitations of similar methodologies in other Aspergillus species. Not only does this conclude the suite of species examined with our recognised industrial work horse for heterologous enzyme production, it also presents the opportunity to consider the application of Aspergillus species to biodegradation of plastics and how cell sensing and signalling mechanisms are integral to maximising success in all of the applications under consideration; cue a trans-genus comparison of signal reception and transduction and its relevance to drug screening."from Dr Elaine Bignell (Imperial Co... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208026 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:18:00 +0100 3208026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208027&cid=t_119153_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Faspergillus-book-review.html "...(a) feast of hugely topical science ... This book presents a modern-day dictionary of all things Aspergillus. It is highly readable and has been considerately crafted in terms of structure. From the very first chapter a sense of excitement about the new opportunities afforded by this fascinating genus is derived, which extends far beyond the interests of any single researcher but succeeds in capturing the relevance of genus-based findings for all who work with aspergilli. The essence of functional genomics and systems biology therefore permeates the volume, and ultimately the readers psyche. Not only does it provide a concise and highly current overview of Aspergillus genomics, it also manages to archive decades of relevant and highly insightful biology in a portable format. The book i... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208027 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:15:00 +0100 3208027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3175456&cid=t_119153_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Fbook-review-aspergillus.html Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsPublisher: Caister Academic PressEditors: Masayuki Machida and Katsuya GomiPublication date: 2010ISBN: 978-1-904455-53-0"This volume is essential reading for anyone interested in Aspergillus and related fungi." read more ...from SciTech Book NewsFurther reading: Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsFull range of books on microbiology at Microbiology Books (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3175456 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:24:00 +0100 3175456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851198&cid=t_119153_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F10%2Faspergillus-and-disease.html Aerosolized Aspergillus spores are found nearly everywhere so we are routinely and almost constantly exposed to them. Such exposure is a normal part of the human condition and generally poses no adverse health effects. Nevertheless, Aspergillus can and does cause animal disease in three major ways: through the production of mycotoxins; through induction of allergenic responses; and through localized or systemic infections. With the latter two categories, the immune status of the host is pivotal. Allergies and asthma are thought to be caused by an active host immune response against the presence of fungal spores or hyphae. In contrast, with invasive aspergillosis, the immune system has collapsed and little or no defence can be mounted. Suggested reading: Microbial Toxins: Current Research a... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851198 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:39:00 +0100 2851198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851202&cid=t_119153_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F10%2Fphysiology-and-ecology-of-aspergillus.html Aspergillus spores are common components of aerosols where they drift on air currents, dispersing themselves both short and long distances depending on environmental conditions. When the spores come in contact with a solid or liquid surface, they are deposited and if conditions of moisture are right, they germinate. The ability to disperse globally in air currents and to grow almost anywhere when appropriate food and water are available means that 'ubiquitous' is among the most common adjectives used to describe these moulds. One of the defining characteristics of the entire fungal kingdom is its distinctive nutritional strategy. These organisms secrete acids and enzymes into the surrounding environment, breaking down polymeric molecules down into simpler ones that are then absorbed back i... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851202 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:31:00 +0100 2851202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851203&cid=t_119153_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F10%2Fintroduction-to-aspergillus.html Aspergillus is one of the oldest named genera of fungi. By 1926, Aspergillus had become one of the best-known and most studied mould groups. Their prevalence in the natural environment, their ease of cultivation on laboratory media and the economic importance of several of its species ensured that many mycologists and industrial microbiologists were attracted to their study. Aspergilli grow abundantly as saprophytes on decaying vegetation and have been found in large numbers in mouldy hay, organic compost piles, leaf litter and the like. Most species are adapted for the degradation of complex plant polymers, but they can also dine on substrates as diverse as dung, human tissues, and antique parchment. There is even a report of an unidentified Aspergillus species being capable of the solubi... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851203 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0100 2851203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851204&cid=t_119153_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F10%2Foverview-of-genus-aspergillus.html Aspergillus is the name used for a genus of moulds that reproduce only by asexual means. The mor­phology of the conidiophore, the structure that bears asexual spores, is the most important taxo­nomic character used in Aspergillus taxonomy. Aspergillus species are common and widespread. They are among the most successful groups of moulds with important roles in natural ecosys­tems and the human economy. Among scientists working on Aspergillus, there is a continuing fascination with their bio­technological potential. In addition to producing numerous useful extracellular enzymes and or­ganic acids, these moulds also produce secondary metabolites of importance in biotechnology. Some Aspergillus species function as plant and/or animal pathogens. Aspergillosis is the name given to all anim... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851204 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:27:00 +0100 2851204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846054&cid=t_119153_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F09%2Faspergillus-book-available.html Masayuki Machida and Katsuya Gomi from National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Tohoku University (respectively) present a new book Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and Genomics.The publishered announced today that this book is available for immediate dispatch. Full details at horizonpress.com/aspergillusFurther reading: Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsFull range of books on microbiology at Microbiology Books (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846054 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:04:00 +0100 2846054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376509&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2FkGasGmv40ew%2F In a letter to the editor to the journal Nature, regarding the recently discovered/induced sexual stage in Aspergillus fumigatus, David Hawksworth argues that using the separate names for sexual (teleomorph) and asexual (anamorph) stages is confusing and unnecessary in this context.  The name Neosartorya fumigata is given to the sexual stage which was produced from two individuals which were both A. fumigatus. The letter writer makes the point that referring to a new name for the sexual stage when we already know what its anamorph is seems superfluous and overly confusing. He gives the analogy of Aspergillus nidulans where its teleomorph Emericella nidulans is “largely ignored”. The double names for something which is the same species (i.e. has the same genomic sequence) ... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376509 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:03:25 +0100 2376509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2354127&cid=t_119153_155_f&fid=36522&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpathtalk%2F%7E3%2F8-TIIznZ1ew%2F515 Discussion Aspergillosis is a ubiquitous fungal organism which can sometimes be found in the sputum of healthy people. Depending on a variety of factors (like host immune status, for example) the organism can cause any of three main clinical syndromes: allergic pulmonary aspergillosis, invasive aspergillosis, and mycetoma (as seen in this case). The morphology in this case is consistent with Aspergillus species, but further categorization is probably best left to culture. Mycetoma usually occurs in an immunocompetent host via colonization of a pre-existing cavitary lung lesion, particularly those related to tuberculosis. Fungal organisms proliferate to fill the cavity, forming a mass. There is sometimes a significant host inflammatory response, and necrotic fungal organisms and debris ma... pathtalk.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2354127 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:00:16 +0100 2354127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2297641&cid=t_119153_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F03%2Faspergillus.html The aspergilli are a fascinating group of fungi exhibiting immense ecological and metabolic diversity. These include notorious pathogens such as Aspergillus flavus, which produces aflatoxin, one of the most potent, naturally occurring, compounds known to man. Conversely, also included are other fungi, such as A. oryzae, involved in the industrial production of soy sauce and sake or A. niger used for the production of citric acid and enzymes such as glucose oxidase and lysozyme. Such is the interest in Aspergillus that, to date, the sequences of fifteen different Aspergillus genomes have been determined providing scientists with an exciting resource to improve the understanding of Aspergillus molecular genomics and act as a spring board for mining for new metabolites and novel genes of indu... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2297641 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:29:00 +0100 2297641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260108&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2FYGrts5CFiSk%2F Shepard Fairley has gotten alot of notice lately for his Obama art that has been replicated pretty much everywhere. I mocked up a homage to his earlier street art — here we’ll discuss the growing Aspergillus genome posse. But the work from mainly the JCVI, Broad Institute, JGI, NITE, and Sanger centre has generated an excellent collection of genome sequences for the Eurotiales clade (feel free to get a login for the wiki and add other that are missing).  The Aspergillus community now has a AGD - Aspergillus Genome Database project that includes a curator of genome annotation (they are hiring) and presumably literature in the SGD and CGD model of curation. I think a lot of other projects have a Posse too (or maybe just a loosely organized band) in terms of a community of peop... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260108 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:09:35 +0100 2260108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2021553&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F478755448%2F A manuscript at Nature AOP details the success of the Dyer lab and collaborators in encouraging Aspergillus fumigatus to complete the sexual cycle under observable (e.g. laboratory) conditions. The authors are the teleomorph (sexual or perfect) stage Neosartorya fumigata for a fungus that had been previously only had an observed anamorphic stage. A. fumigatus can reproduce asexually forming structures called conidiophores which produce asexual spores called conidiospores (or mitospores as they are produced via mitosis) define the anamorph or imperfect stage, but no sexual structures such as cleistothecia that produce the packaged sexual products as ascospores. See a presentation by David Geiser (archived at the Aspergillus website) for more detail on some of the morphological and phylogene... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2021553 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:22:19 +0100 2021553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844790&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F407728713%2F BBC news and GTO report the sequence of P. chrysogenum, will be published in October in Nat Biotechnology in a project based at the biotech company DSM. P. chrysogenum being the mold that fortuitously contaminated Dr Fleming's bacterial plates. The 13,500 reported genes in the press release is quite bit larger than relatives in the Aspergillus clade (~10,000 genes) so it will be intriguing to see what's going on here and if there will be interesting examples of horizontal transfer like what has been investigated in Aspergillus oryzae. I am unclear as to whether the selected strain is a wild isolate or represents an industrial strain, but look forward to reading the full account of the genome. Factoid - Most of the industrial fungal genome papers have seen publication in Nature Biotechnolog... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844790 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:17:35 +0100 1844790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1730712&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F373643096%2F A quick post of some recent comparative genomics papers on our desk that are worth a look. Khaldi N, Wolfe KH (2008) Elusive Origins of the Extra Genes in Aspergillus oryzae. PLoS ONE 3(8): e3036. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0003036. This was a cool but somewhat controversal finding presented at Fungal Genetics last year. Casselton, LA. Fungal sex genes - searching for the ancestors. doi: 10.1002/bies.20782. A review of recent findings about the Zygomycete MAT locus. Soanes DM, Alam I, Cornell M, Wong HM, Hedeler C, et al. (2008) Comparative Genome Analysis of Filamentous Fungi Reveals Gene Family Expansions Associated with Fungal Pathogenesis. PLoS ONE 3(6): e2300. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002300 Lee DW, Freitag M, Selker EU, Aramayo R (2008) A Cytosine Methyltransferase Homolo... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730712 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:35:07 +0100 1730712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1492123&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F303770716%2F We're excited that a Penicillium marneffei grant to Mat Fisher and collaborators has been funded by the Welcome Trust. It includes a collaboration with University College London, our lab, JCVI, and Univ of Melbourne. This project will explore functional and comparative genomics approaches to studying the fungus which primarily infects immune compromised individuals in south-east asia where it is found associated with bamboo rats.  Scientists at Imperial College London have received almost £350 000 from the Wellcome Trust, the UK's largest medical research charity, to study Penicillium marneffei, the only Penicillium fungus to cause serious disease in humans. The researchers aim to find out what makes this particular fungus pathogenic. Read the rest of the release. © Jason Staji... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1492123 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:10:13 +0100 1492123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1436934&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F288882594%2F The Trichoderma reesei genome paper was recently published in Nature Biotechnology from Diego Martinez at LANL with collaborators at JGI, LBNL, and others. This fungus was chosen for sequencing because it was found on canvas tents eating the cotton material suggesting it may be a good candidate for degrading cellulose plant material as part of cellulosic ethanol or other biofuels production.  The fungus also has starring roles in industrial processes like making stonewashed jeans due to its prodigious cellulase production. The most surprising findings from the paper include the fact that there are so few members of some of the enzyme families even though this fungus is able to generate enzymes with so much cellulase activity. The authors found that there is not a significantly larger numb... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1436934 Mon, 12 May 2008 19:27:46 +0100 1436934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1402985&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F278949461%2F A paper in Science from Jason Crawford and colleagues explores the function of polyketide synthetases (PKS) in the synthesis of the secondary metabolite and carcinogen aflatoxin. Previous work (nicely reviewed in the fungi by Nancy Keller and colleagues) has shown the the PKS genes have several domains. These domains include acyl carrier protein (ACP), transacylase (SAT), ketosynthase (KS), malonyl-CoA:ACP transacylase (MAT), “product template” PT, Aand thioesterase/Claisen cyclase (TE/CLC).  These domains make up PksA, but the specific role of each domain's in synthesis steps has not been fully worked out. Understanding this process and the specificity of the chemical structures that are created can help in redesign of these enzymes for synthesis of new molecules and drugs. The... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1402985 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:00:36 +0100 1402985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1353066&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F264762705%2F In followup to the Aspergillus RIP paper discussion, Jo Anne posted in the comments that her paper published in FGB about RIP in another asexual species of fungi also found that evidence for the meiosis-specific process of Repeat Induced Point-mutations (RIP).   So what is going on? Is meiosis occurring cryptically in nature without any evidence for this in the lab Certainly we have evidence for recombination among species (Coccidiodies, Aspergillus fumigatus, Batrachochytrium) that don't appear to have a defined sexual cycle (no teleomorphic stage).  Maybe there is some small amount of hybridization and meiosis among these species despite best efforts to induce it in the lab? It seems likely that RIP is dependent on aspects of the mating process, and another article from Arnaise et al ... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1353066 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 22:13:08 +0100 1353066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1340658&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F261696336%2F Bret has a mold farm of Aspergillus fumigatus in Flight of the Conchords. (Source: Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics) Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1340658 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 03:33:03 +0100 1340658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1322039&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F256639092%2F A paper in Current Genetics describes the discovery of Repeat Induced Polymorphism (RIP) in two Euriotiales fungi.  RIP has been extensively studied in Neurospora crassa and has been identified in other Sordariomycete fungi Magnaporthe, Fusiarium. This is not the first Aspergillus species to have RIP described as it was demonstrated in the biotech workhorse Aspergillus oryzae.  However, I think this study is the first to describe RIP in a putatively asexual fungus.  The evidence for RIP is only found in transposon sequences in the Aspergillus and Penicillium.  A really interesting aspect of this discovery is RIP is thought to only occur during sexual stage, but a sexual state has never been observed for these fungi.   (more...) © Jason Stajich for Fungal Genomes and Com... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1322039 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:44:15 +0100 1322039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1296097&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F249938009%2F Researchers from Technical University of Denmark published some interesting results from comparing expression across the very distinct Aspergillus species. Kudos also goes to making it Open Access. I am posting a few key figures below the fold because I can! They grew the fungi in bioreactors fermenting glucose or xylose. After calibrating the growth curves they were able to sample the appropriate time points for comparison of gene expression across these three species. They found a set of genes commonly expressed. (more...) © Jason Stajich for Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics, 2008. | Permalink | No comment Add to del.icio.us Search blogs linking this post with Technorati Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under aspergillus, evolution, ge... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1296097 Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:36:25 +0100 1296097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=914129&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F163016841%2F Ignazio Carbone and colleagues published a recent analysis of the evolution of the aflatoxin gene cluster in five Aspergillus fungi entitled "Gene duplication, modularity and adaptation in the evolution of the aflatoxin gene cluster" in BMC Evolutionary Biology. The authors were able to identify seven modules pairs of genes whose history of duplication were highly correlated. Several genomes of Aspergillus have been sequenced along with more Eurotioales fungi. (more...) aspergillus bioinformatics comparative gene cluster human pathogen molecular evolution PKS secondary metabolite aspergillus, bioinformatics, comparative, gene cluster, human pathogen, molecular evolution, PKS, secondary metabolite (Source: Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics) Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=914129 Sat, 29 Sep 2007 20:17:06 +0100 914129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=807347&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F145661812%2F Aspergillus fumigatus can be dangerous, even to those with intact immune systems. A recent article in Discover magazine's Vital Signs describes how dangerous the ubiquitous fungus can be. aspergillus, pathogens (Source: Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics) Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=807347 Sun, 19 Aug 2007 01:37:20 +0100 807347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=714765&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F130543049%2F Several more fungi are on the docket for sequencing at JGI through their community sequencing program. This includes The Dothideomycete leaf streak disease causing fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis Soybean rust Phakopsora pachyrhizi The Basidiomycete and jelly fungus Tremella mesenterica proposed by Joe Heitman for use as outgroup to the human pathogen Cryptococcus The plant pathogen Cochliobolus heterostrophus proposed by Gillian Turgeon which ironically was already sequenced at the now closed Syngenta Torrey Mesa Research Institute (i.e. this paper on NRPS which used the genome) The Sordariale Thielavia terrestris proposed by Novoenzymes presumably for potential in producing novel cellulases as part of biofuel production research. The Sordariale and Chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria pa... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=714765 Wed, 04 Jul 2007 20:00:25 +0100 714765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=694218&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F127716937%2F When first discovered, the gene LaeA was thought to be a master switch for silencing of several NRPS secondary metabolite gene clusters in Aspergillus. NRPS and PKS are important genes in filamentous fungi as they produce many compounds that likely help fungi compete in the ecological niche mycotoxins (e.g. aflatoxin, gliotoxin), plant hormone (e.g. Gibberellin), and a potential wealth of additional undiscovered activities. A recent paper from Nancy Keller’s lab entitled Transcriptional Regulation of Chemical Diversity in Aspergillus fumigatus by LaeA has followed up previous studies with whole genome expression profiling of a LaeA knockout strain to explore the breadth of the genome that is regulated by this transcriptional regulator. (more…) aspergillus, gene cluster, gene fu... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=694218 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:41:35 +0100 694218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=676075&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F122852491%2F A nice evolutionary analysis of peroxin genes entitled PEX Genes in Fungal Genomes: Common, Rare, or Redundant in the journal “Traffic” from Kiel et al out of the University of Groningen in The Netherlands. Within a species, the genes in the PEX family are not necessarily phylogenetically related to each other, but instead are all named as to how they were discovered in mutant screens, most of which were done in S. cerevisiae. Peroxisomes are interesting because they are necessary for some biochemical reactions (fatty acid metabolism). In filamentous fungi there are additionally specialized peroxisomes called Woronin bodies that plug the septal pore that separates individuals cells in a hyphae. These are specific to filamentous fungi so it is interesting to contrast the number... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=676075 Thu, 07 Jun 2007 07:46:25 +0100 676075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=612361&cid=t_119153_131_f&fid=35005&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Ffungalcompgenomics%2F%7E3%2F117034852%2F As announced at the Fungal Genetics meeting, the FGI at the Broad Institute is focusing on clusters of genomes rather than single ones. Some of genome projects are already grouped. Coccidioides has 3 strains already plus the outgroup Uncinocarpus and conceivable one could include Histoplasma in there. This resources will grow to 14 strains (which comprise two species) of Coccidioides contributed by FGI and one from TIGR. Aspergillus currently has 8 species sequenced with several in pipeline at Broad and TIGR. Fusarium group has 3 species including recently released F. oxysporium. The Candida clade also have several different already sequenced genomes and of course there is the already well studied (and well utilized genome resources I’ll add) for the Saccharomyces clade. There are 4... Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=612361 Tue, 15 May 2007 03:36:53 +0100 612361