Fungal Genomics
The Fungal Genomics group of Robin Ohm takes a functional genomics approach to answer biological questions about fungi. We combine multi-omics techniques with lab experiments to gain more insight into fungal development, defense, lignocellulose degradation, and lipid accumulation.
Mushroom development
Mushrooms are the reproductive structures of basidiomycete fungi. Relatively little is known about the genes involved in their development. We study the genetic regulation of mushroom development using genome sequencing, comparative genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and ChIP-Seq. Moreover, we study gene function by making high-throughput gene deletions and other genome edits.
Defense of mushrooms against their competitors
Mushroom-forming fungi encounter numerous other organisms in their environment, many of which are competitors or pathogens. Mushrooms have evolved defenses (lectins, toxins, secondary metabolites, etc), but little is known about how these are regulated. We use multi-omics and lab experiments to identify the regulatory mechanisms underlying fungal defense.
Lipid accumulation by basidiomycete yeasts
Palm oil is a widely used vegetable oil, but its production causes a range of environmental problems. Microbial lipids are an interesting sustainable alternative to palm oil. Oleaginous (i.e., lipid-accumulating) fungi produce oil, but only under certain growth conditions. The aim of the project is to identify the regulatory mechanisms behind lipid accumulation in this group of yeasts.
More information
Visit the lab website for more information about the research of the Fungal Genomics group: https://fungalgenomics.science.uu.nl