Evolution of lichen-forming fungi, algae, and secondary metabolites

地衣形成真菌、藻类和次生代谢物的进化

• 批准号: RGPIN-2016-06056
• 负责人: PierceyNormore, Michele
• 金额: $ 3.21万
• 依托单位: Memorial University of Newfoundland
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2017
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2017-01-01 至 2018-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=632185
• 关键词: Evolution; lichen; forming; fungi; algae

Large expanses of lichens that cover northern ecosystems form a mosaic of interactions (symbioses) between algae and fungi (symbionts). The widespread success of these lichens may be attributed to the algal symbiont and fungal secondary metabolites (polyketides). Algal carbohydrates from photosynthesis are transferred to the fungal partner and used in polyketide synthesis. Polyketides have ecological benefits such as light screening and antimicrobial activity that help the lichen survive in its habitat, but they may also have applications in biotechnology. The long-term goal of this research program is to understand the functional ecology and evolution of lichen symbionts and their polyketides in lichen dominated habitats.

覆盖北部生态系统的大片地衣形成了藻类和真菌（共生体）之间相互作用（共生）的马赛克。这些地衣的广泛成功可能归因于藻类共生体和真菌次生代谢物（聚酮）。光合作用产生的藻类碳水化合物被转移给真菌伙伴，并用于聚酮合成。聚酮类化合物具有生态效益，如遮光和抗菌活性，有助于地衣在其栖息地生存，但它们也可能在生物技术方面有应用。本研究计划的长期目标是了解地衣共生体及其聚酮在地衣占主导地位的栖息地的功能生态学和进化。