Special Interest Group Meeting

Evolution and biodiversity of basal lineages of fungi

Organiser

The basal fungi include morphologically and ecologically diverse fungal groups (chytrids, zygomycetes, AMF, and microsporidia), which are vitally important components of the evolutionary history and biodiversity of the Kingdom Fungi. The aim of this SIG meeting is to summarize the recent progress and cutting-edge research on evolution, phylogeny, and systematics of basal lineages of fungi, and we will discuss what the current phylogeny looks like and what can be done about the classification of basal fungi. As a SIG, we will provide a forum where all the scientists interested in basal fungi can gather, discuss, and exchange ideas.

The speakers (20 min talk each) will present their most recent results on basal fungal phylogeny, comparative genomics, and systematics and evolution of basal fungi. There will also be 30 min for a general discussion at the end of the session.

Speakers

Gordon W. Beakes, Newcastle University, UK
“My fungi and other animals” – where do the Fungi fit in the overall scheme of life

Terri M. Porter, Duke University, USA
An AFTOL2 progress report on the basal fungal lineages

Jason E. Stajich, UC Riverside, USA
Cellular division and cell wall gene evolution in basal fungi

Kathryn T. Picard, Duke University, USA
Evolution and systematics of chytrids

Yousuke Degawa, University of Tsukuba, Japan
Evolution and systematics of zygomycetes

Arthur Schüßler, LMU Munich, Department Biology, Genetics, Germany
Evolution of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and the AM symbiosis

Programme

10:00
Satoshi Sekimoto
– Introduction

10:05
Gordon W. Beakes, Newcastle University, UK
– “My fungi and other animals” – where do the Fungi fit in the overall scheme of life

10:25
Terri M. Porter, Duke University, USA
– An AFTOL2 progress report on the basal fungal lineages

10:45
Jason E. Stajich, UC Riverside, USA
– Cellular division and cell wall gene evolution in basal fungi

11:05
Kathryn T. Picard, Duke University, USA
– Evolution and systematics of chytrids

11:25
Break (5-10 min)

11:35
Yousuke Degawa, University of Tsukuba, Japan
– Evolution and systematics of zygomycetes

11:55
Arthur Schuessler, University of Munich, Germany
– Evolution of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and the AM symbiosis

12:15
Anna Rosling, Uppsala BioCenter, SLU, Sweden
– Getting to know the fungi in Soil Clone Group 1