Achaetomium strumarium CBS333.67. Image credit: Sandrine Cros-Arteil.

Achaetomium strumarium CBS333.67

This genome was sequenced as part of the JGI CSP 1KFG - Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya, whose goal is to fill in gaps in the Fungal Tree of Life by sequencing at least two reference genomes from the more than 500 recognized families of Fungi. This project additionally aims to inform research on plant-microbe interactions, microbial emission and capture of greenhouse gasses, and environmental metagenomic sequencing.

The Chaetomiaceae family (Ascomycota phylum, Sordariomycetes family, Sordariales order) is one of the few groups of thermophilic fungi, playing an important role in the ecology of natural and industrial compost. Shifts in growth temperature optima have occurred in several clades in the Chaetomiaceae, and the presence of closely-related cold tolerant, mesophilic and thermophilic species, provides opportunities for comparative genomic analyses designed to probe the genetic bases and origins of thermophily.

The sequenced Achaetomidium strumarium isolate CBS333.67 has been isolated from soil, the usual habitat of Achaetomium species. Achaetomium species have the ability to grow at high temperatures and high osmotic pressure. The genus Achaetomium could be closely related to - if not synonym for - the genus Chaetomium, which shows a similar thick ascomatal wall, peridial hairs and cultural characteristics (Rodriguez et al. 2004).

Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master paper(s).

Reference:
Rodríguez, Kendra, et al. "A new species of Achaetomium from Indian soil." Stud Mycol 50 (2004): 77-82.