Impact of genomics on fungal biology

Scope

Whole genome sequencing and functional genomics are revolutionizing our understanding of biological mechanisms in fungi. To date, the genomes of 40 fungal species (both ascomycetous and basidiomycetous) have been released and a further 50 genome-sequencing projects are underway, and include pathogens and symbiotic fungi as well as those that serve as basic models for molecular and cellular biology. The overall purpose of these initiatives is to build on available resources and to provide a comprehensive understanding of fungal biology, ecology and biotechnology. Remarkable progress has been made already and through the combination of comparative genomics of saprobic, pathogenic and symbiotic fungi and new experimental approaches (such as transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and imaging of living cells) a conceptual framework is being generated for understanding the development, physiology and ecology of fungi, in which model predictions can now be tested at the molecular level. This symposium will bring together relevant parties involved in fundamental and practical aspects of this exciting and multidisciplinary subject area in order to provide a timely discussion forum for a better appreciation of fungal genomics and its impact on the biology of these organisms.

Abstract book

Download the 16th NPS abstract book

Organising committee

Francis Martin, INRA-Nancy, France

Nicholas J Talbot, University of Exeter, UK

Holly Slater, New Phytologist Foundation, UK