BMC Genomics is calling for submissions to our Collection on Fungal genomics. As one of the largest and most diverse groups of organisms on Earth, fungi play crucial roles in natural ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. The increasing availability of fungal genomes has fueled the field of fungal genomics, enabling cross-species comparisons that clarify evolutionary relationships, functional studies that link genes to phenotypic traits, and the discovery of novel enzymes and metabolic pathways for biotechnological applications. The comprehensive genomic analyses of both model and non-model organisms, thanks to the advancements in next-generation sequencing technologies, have provided insights into their biology, evolution, and interactions with other organisms. This Collection seeks to highlight the latest research in fungal genomics and its implications for various scientific disciplines.
The significance of research in fungal genomics extends beyond basic science and mycology; it has critical implications for agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. Progress in this field has facilitated the development of disease-resistant crops, the understanding of antifungal-resistance mechanisms, the identification of beneficial and host–pathogen interactions, the roles of the human mycobiome, and the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the integration of transcriptomics approaches into genomic studies has opened new avenues for investigating gene expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms in fungi, enabling targeted approaches to exploit their potential for biotechnological applications.
Future advancements in fungal genomics could help us explore new possibilities and make full use of the unique properties of fungi. The use of bio-tools based on fungi to enhance soil carbon capture and improve plant nutrient uptake is now undergoing field evaluation. By restoring fungal networks in the soil, these bio-stimulants not only boost soil health but also contribute to carbon sequestration efforts. Expanding the number of characterized fungi may not only help to better understand their biology but also diversify and expand their exploitation.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Sequencing technologies advances in fungal research
- Fungal diversity and evolution
- Applications of fungi in biotechnology and synthetic biology
- Fungal transcriptomics and gene regulation
- Fungal responses to environmental stressors
- Synthetic fungal genomes
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
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