"This feast of hugely topical science culminates with an overview of novel industrial applications of
Aspergillus oryzaee genomics (Abe et. al.,
Chapter 10), inciting much enthusiasm for potential applications or exploitations of similar methodologies in other
Aspergillus species. Not only does this conclude the suite of species examined with our recognised industrial work horse for heterologous enzyme production, it also presents the opportunity to consider the application of Aspergillus species to biodegradation of plastics and how cell sensing and signalling mechanisms are integral to maximising success in all of the applications under consideration; cue a trans-genus comparison of signal reception and transduction and its relevance to drug screening."
from Dr Elaine Bignell (Imperial College London)
in Biotechnology March 2010
Further reading:
Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsLabels: aspergillus, Aspergillus-Biotechnology, Biodegradation-of-plastics, book review, Book Reviews, fungi, Industrial-Applications-of-Aspergillus, mycology
"...(a) feast of hugely topical science ... This book presents a modern-day dictionary of all things
Aspergillus. It is highly readable and has been considerately crafted in terms of structure. From the very first chapter a sense of excitement about the new opportunities afforded by this fascinating genus is derived, which extends far beyond the interests of any single researcher but succeeds in capturing the relevance of genus-based findings for all who work with
aspergilli. The essence of functional genomics and systems biology therefore permeates the volume, and ultimately the readers psyche. Not only does it provide a concise and highly current overview of
Aspergillus genomics, it also manages to archive decades of relevant and highly insightful biology in a portable format. The book is a must-read for anyone whose work or study involves any member(s) of the
Aspergillus genus. I, certainly, will be consulting it daily for a long time to come."
from Dr Elaine Bignell (Imperial College London)
in Biotechnology March 2010
Further reading:
Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsLabels: aspergillus, Aspergillus-Biotechnology, book review, Book Reviews, fungi, Industrial-Applications-of-Aspergillus, mycology
Aspergillus is the name used for a genus of moulds that reproduce only by asexual means. The morphology of the conidiophore, the structure that bears asexual spores, is the most important taxonomic character used in
Aspergillus taxonomy.
Aspergillus species are common and widespread. They are among the most successful groups of moulds with important roles in natural ecosystems and the human economy.
Among scientists working on
Aspergillus, there is a continuing fascination with their biotechnological potential. In addition to producing numerous useful extracellular enzymes and organic acids, these moulds also produce secondary metabolites of importance in biotechnology.
Some
Aspergillus species function as plant and/or animal pathogens. Aspergillosis is the name given to all animal diseases caused by growth of any member of the genus on a living host. Immunosuppression is generally a prerequisite for systemic
Aspergillus infections in humans. The incidence of systemic aspergillosis, the most serious form, is on the rise and imposes an increasing medical burden upon hospitals and physicians. Better antifungal drugs and diagnostic methods are needed.
Advances in
Aspergillus genomics are giving us new tools for understanding this extremely diverse genus. Hitherto undiscovered sexual stages have been discovered based on findings from genomics. Molecular biologists are trying to understand the mechanisms by which pathogenicity and sexuality work and to deconstruct the physiological pathways that are central to these processes. Evolutionary biologists are focusing on the forces that drive variation within and among population. Economically important species are being re-tested for new capabilities using new screens developed with the aid of post genomic technologies.
Adapted from
An Overview of the Genus Aspergillus by
Joan W. Bennett writing in
Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsFurther readingLabels: aspergillus, Genus Aspergillus
The
aspergilli are a fascinating group of fungi exhibiting immense ecological and metabolic diversity. These include notorious pathogens such as
Aspergillus flavus, which produces aflatoxin, one of the most potent, naturally occurring, compounds known to man. Conversely, also included are other fungi, such as
A. oryzae, involved in the industrial production of soy sauce and sake or
A. niger used for the production of citric acid and enzymes such as glucose oxidase and lysozyme.
Such is the interest in
Aspergillus that, to date, the sequences of fifteen different
Aspergillus genomes have been determined providing scientists with an exciting resource to improve the understanding of
Aspergillus molecular genomics and act as a spring board for mining for new metabolites and novel genes of industrial or medical importance.
Further reading:
Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsLabels: aflatoxin, aspergilli, aspergillus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, fungal, fungi
A list of conferences, meetings, symposia and workshops relating to all aspects of mycology, yeast and fungal science and medicine.
February 1 - 14, 2009. Comparative analysis of in vitro and in vivo
Candida albicans-host interaction systems
Madrid, Spain
Further informationFederation of European Biochemical Societies advanced practical and lecture course. The aim of this two-week course is to introduce students to the latest techniques of in vivo infection and ex-vivo/in vitro interaction models between the human pathogen
Candida albicans and the host.
Suggested reading: Candida BookMarch 17 - 22, 2009. 25th Fungal Genetics Conference
Asilomar, California, USA
Further informationBilled as the biggest worldwide conference on genetics of filamentous fungi.
Suggested reading: Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsMarch 29 - 31, 2009. British Society for Medical Mycology (BSMM) Annual Scientific Meeting
Imperial College London, UK
Further informationTranslational Research in Medical Mycology
Suggested reading: Mycology BooksApril 6 - 7, 2009. Economic and Social Impact of Fungal Deteriogens
Manchester, UK
Further informationOrganised by the British Mycological Society and the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society. Session titles include: Fungal Deteriogen of Materials and their Conservation, Fungal Deteriogens and Food Spoilage, Impact of Fungal Deteriogens on Health, Economic Impact of Fungal Deteriogens. In addition there will be a number of posters.
Suggested reading: Microbial Biodegradation: Genomics and Molecular Biology and
Mycology booksMay 25 - 29, 2009. The 17th Congress of The International Society for Human and Animal Mycology 2009 (ISHAM 2009)
Keio Plaza Hotel, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Further informationISHAM2009 will address recent developments in medical, veterinary and environmental mycology with a focus on human and animal health. More than 30 symposia with distinguished speakers are planned, including keynote lectures, luncheon and evening seminars, and a new Poster Forum.
Suggested reading: Mycology BooksJune 21 - 26, 2009 Mycotoxins and Phycotoxins
New London, NH, USA
Further informationGordon Research Conference. Presentation of leading-edge research on fungal, algal, and cyanobacterial toxins and the organisms that produce them. This multidisciplinary gathering will encompass the biology, ecology, genetics, chemistry and the public health and economic impacts
Suggested reading: Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and Genomics July 19 - 24, 2009. 24th International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology
Manchester, UK
Further informationKey conference themes will include: Cell Cycle and Morphogenesis, Control of Gene Expression, Genomes and Evolution, Protein Trafficking, Signal Transduction, Systems Biology, Yeasts as Cell Factories, Yeasts as Models for Ageing and Human Disease, Yeasts as Pathogens
Suggested reading: Mycology BooksAugust 26 - 29, 2009. Pasteur's Legacy: Yeast for Health and Biotechnologies (the 27th International Specialised Symposium on Yeast)
Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
Further informationSeptember 1 - 4, 2009. British Mycological Society annual scientific meeting
Dundee, UK
Further informationThe Fungal Cell. Including cellular organisation, metabolism and cellular regulation, fungal growth, morphogenesis and differentiation, and fungal interactions with other organisms including bacteria and plants.
Suggested reading: Mycology BooksOctober 18 - 21, 2009. 4th Trends in Medical Mycology TIMM4
Athens, Greece
Further informationOrganized jointly by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) and by the Infectious Diseases Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (IDG-EORTC). The scientific programme will include plenary sessions on fungal infections in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts led by an internationally renowned faculty giving plenary talks, round table sessions, and meet-the-expert meetings. The poster session will encourage one-to-one discussions between faculty, presenters and delegates. The meeting is designed for infectious disease specialists, haematologists, oncologists, transplant physicians, microbiologists, immunologists, dermatologists, intensivists and others with interest in medical mycology.
Suggested reading: Mycology BooksOctober 29 - 31, 2009. Mycology MasterClass IV
Hamilton Island, QLD, Australia
Further informationAdvanced medical mycology course for specialists and trainees in infectious diseases, microbiology, haematology and intensive care medicine and for laboratory scientists/technicians specialising in medical mycology.
Suggested reading: Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsLabels: aspergillus, conference, fungal, fungi, mycology, yeast