Dissertation Research: Population Genetic Structure of Aspergillus nidulans

研究将集中在遗传变异是如何 分布在自然种群的丝状 霉菌，构巢曲霉，以及它如何传播 本身在自然界。 霉菌如A. nidulans可以产生 无性繁殖体称为孢子， 和他们的单亲完全一样 他们也能 产生的孢子是两种基因的混合物 父母 这项研究将这些区别开来 通过调查自然界中的遗传变异， 人口数量。 遗传标记已被确定， 在自然界中个体之间是可变的。 如果仅 标记物的不同组合在任何 给定个体，则繁殖是克隆的。 然而，如果一些个体具有标记， 结合了其他人身上的特征， 繁殖发生。 蚯蚓是一种重要的生物。 许多鱼和它们的亲戚被用来生产 各种有用的物质，如抗生素。 黄曲霉通常生长在储藏的粮食上 产品，产生一种强大的致癌物质， 黄曲霉毒素，对牲畜和人类的威胁。 烟曲霉和寄生曲霉可以 是人类病原体，通常致命感染免疫系统- 妥协的人。 而构巢曲霉 不是病原体，而是一项成熟的研究 生物体，并提供遗传分析工具 其他物种没有的基因。 信息 关于它的种群结构以及它如何在 大自然应该能提供关于 其他模具的历史。

Research will focus on how genetic variation is distributed in natural populations of a filamentous mold, Aspergillus nidulans, and how it propagates itself in nature. Molds like A. nidulans can produce clonal propagules called spores that are genetically exactly identical to their single parent. Or, they can produce spores that are a genetic mixture of the two parents. This research distinguish will between these two events by surveying genetic variation in natural populations. Genetic markers have been identified that are variable between individuals in nature. If only distinct combinations of markers are observed in any given individual, then reproduction is clonal. However, if some individuals have markers that are combinations of those seen in others, then sexual reproduction occurs. The Aspergilli are an important group of organisms. Many Aspergilli and their relatives are used to produce a variety of useful substances, such as antibiotics. Aspergillus flavus commonly grows on stored grain products, producing a powerful carcinogen called aflatoxin, a threat to livestock and humans. Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus parasiticus can be human pathogens, commonly lethally infecting immune- compromised individuals. While Aspergillus nidulans isn't a pathogen, it is a well-developed research organism, with tools for genetic analysis available that are not developed in other species. Information about its population structure and how it propagates in nature should provide useful clues about the life histories of other molds.