The conserved WetA protein involved in asexual development in fungi is localized to the nuclei in the asexual spores of Paecilomyces variotii.

Mutations have underpinned research into gene characterization across all domains of life. This includes the discovery of the genes involved in the development of asexual spores in filamentous fungi. Mutants in the ascomycete Paecilomyces variotii were isolated with impaired biosynthesis of the characteristic yellow pigment produced by this filamentous fungus.

The ilv2 gene, encoding acetolactate synthase for branched chain amino acid biosynthesis, is required for plant pathogenicity by Leptosphaeria maculans.

Background: Control of blackleg disease of canola caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans relies on strategies such as the inhibition of growth with fungicides. However, other chemicals are used during canola cultivation, including fertilizers and herbicides. There is widespread use of herbicides that target the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme involved in branched chain amino acid synthesis and low levels of these amino acids within leaves of Brassica species.

Genetic Transformation of Cryptococcus Species with Agrobacterium Transfer DNA.

Transformation of foreign DNA into Cryptococcus species is a powerful tool for exploring gene functions in these human pathogens. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (AtMT) has been used for the stable introduction of exogenous DNA into Cryptococcus for over two decades, being particularly impactful for insertional mutagenesis screens to discover new genes involved in fungal biology. A detailed protocol to conduct this transformation method is provided in the chapter.

A large transposable element mediates metal resistance in the fungus Paecilomyces variotii.

The horizontal transfer of large gene clusters by mobile elements is a key driver of prokaryotic adaptation in response to environmental stresses. Eukaryotic microbes face similar stresses; however, a parallel role for mobile elements has not been established. A stress faced by many microorganisms is toxic metal ions in their environment.