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Biography
BA University of Cambridge 1987; PhD University of Cambridge 1991; Research Associate, University of Nottingham 1991-1996; BBSRC David Phillips Research Fellow 1996-2001; Australian Antarctic Division Expeditioner 1999-2000; Berkeley Award from British Mycological Society for outstanding contribution to mycology/pathology research 1999; Lecturer and Reader, University of Nottingham 2002-2015; Professor of Fungal Biology, University of Nottingham 2015-present; Elected Fellow of Royal Society of Biology 2017.
Expertise Summary
Fungal Biology and Genetics.
Teaching Summary
Contribute teaching to the following modules (courses):
Genes, Molecules and Cells (LIFE1029 UNUK)
Microbial Biotechnology (LIFE2020 UNUK)
Pathogens (LIFE3035 UNUK)
Molecular Plant Pathology (BIOS3002 UNUK)
Core Skills in Biology (LIFE1042 UNUK FYR)
Year 3 Research Project (LIFE3022 UNUK)
Research Summary
Sexual Reproduction in Fungi
Investigation of molecular and physiological processes controlling sexual reproduction in ascomycete fungi. The overall aim is to understand the evolution of sexuality and asexuality in fungi, both from a fundamental and a practical perspective such that the sexual cycle can be manipulated as a valuable tool for species of biotechnological and medical significance. A variety of experimental techniques are being used, including those of classical genetics, molecular biology and genomics. Particular aims are:
(a) To identify mating-type (MAT) genes determining sexual compatibility from plant and human pathogenic fungi and species used in biotechnology, results will be of use in studies of mating-type distribution, design of diagnostic kits, and understanding of the role of MAT genes in sexuality;
(b) To identify downstream genes involved with sexual reproduction such as pheromone and signaling pathway genes, and assess their role, together with MAT genes, in the evolution of asexuality in fungi;
(c) To induce sexual cycles in fungal species of medical and biotechnological importance to allow strain improvement via sexual breeding;
(d) To investigate hormonal factors triggering and co-ordinating the sexual cycle and determine whether they may be useful as fungal growth regulators.
Current studies are focused on species from the genus Aspergillus and Penicillium, with an especial interest in the role of the sexual cycle in the evolution of the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Also possible exploitation of the sexual cycle in ascomycete species used for food production including Fusarium venenatum for Quorn production.
Sexual reproductive apothecia of the cereal pathogen Tapesia
Sexual ascospores of Aspergillus nidulans
Population Biology of Fungi including Lichens
Molecular markers such as randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPDs), ribosomal DNA and specific gene sequences, and whole genome data are being used to examine breeding systems and the extent of population variation within species of pathogenic fungi and lichens. Studies are in progress with temperate plant pathogens, medical pathogens, species used in the biotechnology, and lichen-forming fungi from both temperate regions and the Antarctic (in collaboration with Professors Peter Crittenden and Matt Dickinson). Results are of significance in understanding biodiversity within fungal populations, with possible implications for the ability of species to withstand climate change. The importance of non-genotypic variation is being assessed for the survival of yeast populations subject to environmental stressors (in collaboration with Professor Simon Avery)
The lichens Buellia frigida and Caloplaca saxicola from the Antarctic
Example of DNA fingerprinting of lichens using RAPD PCR
Fungicide Resistance and Molecular Diagnostics in Fungal Pathogens
Studies are in progress to determine the molecular genetic basis of fungicide resistance in ascomycete fungi using classical genetics and genomics approaches. Study targets include the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus (as part of a Wellcome Trust Collaborative Award) and Tapesia (Occulimacula) species responsible for causing eyespot disease of cereals.
Classic symptoms of eyespot disease on stem base of wheat plant
Phenotypic variation in sexual progeny of Tapesia species
Fungal Genomics
Newly available fungal genomic resources are being used for bioinformatic and post-genomic experimental work, in order to investigate the genetic basis of traits of interest such as genes controlling sexual developmental processes. In addition the USA Joint Genomes Institute has provide funding to allow the genome sequencing of the lichen-forming fungus Xanthoria parietina being co-ordinated from Nottingham (in collaboration with Professors David Archer and Peter Crittenden).
Thallus of the lichen Xanthoria parietina
Acknowledgements Work is supported by project grants from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UK), the Natural Environment Research Council (UK), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Union.
Research Collaborators Prof. Peter Crittenden, Prof. David Archer, Prof. Simon Avery, Prof. Matt Dickinson.