Fungal & Algal Program

The Fungal & Algal Program harnesses cutting-edge sequencing technologies and advanced genomic analysis to explore the rich diversity of fungi and algae. These organisms play a critical role in ecological processes such as carbon cycling, biodegradation and biogeochemistry. The program’s focus is on large-scale sequencing efforts that survey the vast phylogenetic and ecological diversity of fungi and algae, examining both natural populations and engineered strains. This approach allows for the identification of key functional traits that have direct applications in bioenergy production, carbon management, and environmental sustainability.

Fungi, with million species, are essential for ecosystem functioning — particularly in their roles associated with plants (mycorrhizae, endophytes, growth promoters, or pathogens) and as the most efficient degraders of plant biomass. These abilities are crucial for sustainable plant biomass production as well as converting biomass into bioenergy and bioproducts. The program’s fungal genomics research explores new metabolic processes and enzymes that can be applied in biorefineries, production of biochemicals, biomaterials, and sustainable energy solutions. Algae, too, offer a wealth of untapped potential, with their ability to capture carbon and produce valuable metabolites. The program seeks to expand our understanding of algal biology using genomics and multi-omics by working with research labs and culture collections to produce hundreds of diverse algal genomes, which will be made accessible through the PhycoCosm portal.

The Fungal & Algal Program aims to streamline genome analysis workflows for microbial eukaryotes, build fungal and algal pangenomes, and integrate multi-omics tools to enhance functional studies. These efforts seek to improve understanding of how fungi and algae contribute to ecosystems and industries. The program also explores microeukaryotic members of microbial communities, cataloging gene markers, and producing environmental genomes to support both basic research and applied science. By advancing fungal and algal genomics, the program helps lay the groundwork for a bioeconomy where fungi and algae provide sustainable solutions for energy, agriculture, and the environment.

• Genomic Encyclopedia of Fungi focuses on aspects of plant feedstock health, biorefinery mechanisms and fungal diversity. Plant health maintenance is critical for sustainable growth of biofuel feedstock and fungi, as symbionts, pathogens, and biocontrol agents dramatically affect plant health.
• The 1000 Fungal Genomes Project is a five-year project to sequence 1000 fungal genomes from across the Fungal Tree of Life, from an international research team in collaboration with the JGI.
• Conserved Fungal Genes of Unknown Function offer a collection of fungal genes conserved across the fungal tree of life or its major branches for users to characterize and propagate annotations across fungi.
• Myco-Ed Genomics Initiative engages students in environmental sampling of fungi, laboratory analysis and genomics data exploration.