Black fungi spread in diverse extreme environments playing a crucial role by recycling organic matter, enabling nutrient uptake. They are also involved in biogeochemical processes, including rock transformations, bioweathering, mineral formation. The STRES project aims to dig into the genome diversity and metabolites involved in stress response to: i) gain insights into the evolutionary processes allowing Black fungi to successfully adapt to extremes; ii) clarify their role in the functioning and balance in extreme-ecosystems; iii) explore the role of melanin in energy processes.
Proposer: Laura Selbmann, University of Tuscia (Italy)
Proposal: Shed light in The daRk lineagES of the Fungal Tree Of Life (FTOL) Acromym: (STRES)