Heterobasidion genomics

Fruit body of Heterobasidion sp. Photo by Jonàs Oliva.

Within several genome projects we study its evolutionary history and biology including development, non self recognition, mating, and secondary metabolism. The genome projects will enable us to identifying pathogenicity determinants and get insights the mechanisms of its interactions with the host trees. The increased knowledge of the fungus will make an invaluable contribution to the possibility of controlling the disease.

People involved:

Jan Stenlid, Prof. 
Åke Olson, Ph.D.
Magnus Karlsson, Ph.D.
Mårten Lind, Ph.D.
Mikael Brandström-Durling, Ph.D.
Karl Lunden, Ph.D.
Eddy Vélëz, Ph.D.
Kerstin Dalman, Ph.D.
Kajsa Himmelstrand, Ph.D. student

Our projects:

• A whole genome shotgun sequencing of the Heterobasidion irregularis (previously H. annosum North American P-type) in collaboration with an international consortium and performed at the Joint Genome Institute (JGI). A second version after finishing and gap closure of the genome is available.

• The H. annosum s.s. are studied in a population re-sequencing project were 23 individuals been analysed using Solexa technology. Evolutionary history and genome evolution aspects will be analysed.

• Other species with in the complex that we perform whole genome studies on include; H. occidentale, H. parviporum and H. abietinum.