Fungal functional genes associated with the decomposition of plant litter

We are investigating the genetic diversity and regulation of genes coding for extracellular enzymes in saprophytic, ectomycorrhizal, ericoid mycorrhizal and DSE fungi. We are also starting to use 454 sequencing to detect novel catabolic pathways in these groups. We are further interested in the catabolic capacities of naturally bioluminescent fungi. Our current focus is on the production of extracellular phenol oxidases and proteases.

Part of this project is part of a large Scottish Government funded research project ‘Risk-based Methodologies to Assess Soil Quality’ under Programme 3: Environment – Land Use and Rural Stewardship (2006-2011). Other research is being carried out as part of Australian Research Council Linkage grants (2006-2009, 2009-2012) or was part of collaborative PhD and MSc research projects.

Group members:

• Dr. Rebekka Artz
  
• Dr. Catherine Smart
  
• Dr. Andy Taylor

Past members:

• Eileen Reid (2007-2009)
  
• Hannah Toberman (2004-2007)
  
• Rosnida Tajuddin (2008)

Collaborators:

• Dr. David Johnson, Dr. Gwen Grelet & Prof. Ian Alexander (Aberdeen Mycorrhiza Research Group)
  
• Dr. Hedda Weitz (University of Aberdeen)
  Prof. John Cairney, Dr. Ian Alexander & Dr. Susan Chambers (University of Western Sydney, Australia)
  
• Prof Chris Freeman and Dr. Nathalie Fenner (University of Wales, Bangor)

Relevant publications:

Artz, R.R.E., E. Reid, Ian C. Anderson, C.D. Campbell and J.W.G. Cairney (2009) Long term repeated prescribed burning increases evenness in the basidiomycete laccase gene pool in forest soils. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 67: 397-410.

Toberman, H.T., Freeman, C., Evans, C., Fenner, C. and R.R.E. Artz. (2008) Enhanced summer droughts decrease soil fungal diversity and inhibit fungal associated extracellular phenol oxidase activity in upland Calluna heathland soil. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 66: 426-436.

Toberman, H., Freeman, C., Artz, R.R.E., Evans, C. and N. Fenner (2008) Impeded drainage stimulates extracellular phenol oxidase activity in riparian peat cores. Soil Use & Management 24: 357-365.

Toberman, H., Evans, C., Freeman, C., Fenner, N. and Artz, R.R.E. (2008) Summer drought effects upon soil and litter extracellular phenol oxidase activity and soluble carbon release in an upland Calluna heathland. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 40: 1519-1532.

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