The genome of Podospora curvicola was sequenced through
JGI’s Community Sequencing Project as part of an effort to
develop a tractable but ecologically realistic system integrating
genomics and carbon cycling. This specimen of Podospora
curvicola is a coprophilous (“dung loving”) fungus
isolated from the dung of Tule Elk (Cervus canadensis
nannodes) collected at Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin
County, CA. Podospora curvicola belongs to the family
Lasiosphaeriaceae, a diverse group of fast growing
saprotrophs.
Coprophilous fungi have long been studied by mycologists due to
their ease of cultivation and the strong fungal fruiting patterns
exhibited throughout the coprophilous decomposition process.
Along with the genome of other coprophilous fungi sequenced through
this project, the genome of Podospora curvicola will give
insight into the key functional genes dictating patterns of fungal
community assembly and decomposition of organic material.
Comparison with a closely related model organism, Podospora anserina, will facilitate
analysis and ecological interpretation of the Podospora
curvicola genome and transcriptome.
