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Genes Associated with Metal Accumulation

The ability of fungi to accumulate significant amounts of metal elements in their fruiting bodies has been recognized for several decades. However, the precise mechanism behind this intriguing phenomenon remains unknown. In the Fungal Genetics Laboratory, we are dedicated to the identification and characterization of genes responsible for the accumulation of metal elements (Ag, Cd, Cu, Zn, and others) in the fruiting bodies of saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi. Our research also includes the cultivation of fungal cultures, comprising over twenty strains isolated from hyperaccumulating genera such as Amanita, Hebeloma, Agaricus, and others. This allows us to study both in vitro and in vivo scenarios, including the use of fluorescence microscopy.

 
Arsenic Transformation in Fungi

Arsenic is a highly toxic and carcinogenic metalloid that exists in both inorganic and organic forms in the environment, with inorganic forms of arsenic being more toxic to organisms than their organic counterparts. The phenomenon of arsenic accumulation and the formation of arsenic compounds in the fruiting bodies of fungi has previously been studied by our partner institution in Graz, Austria. It was discovered that fungal fruiting bodies contain diverse inorganic and organic forms of arsenic, some of which are yet unidentified. Our goal is to identify these unknown compounds and the metabolic pathways responsible for their formation and transformation. In pursuit of this and other research projects, we collaborate with Associate Professor Antonín Kaňa from the Institute of Analytical Chemistry. 

Identification of Bacterial Communities in Fungal Fruiting Bodies and The Mycosphere

While our primary focus lies in the realm of metals within fungal fruiting bodies and the associated genes and proteins, the question of comprehensively understanding the ‘absurd’ hyperaccumulation of metals in these structures has led us to investigate microbial communities, or microbiomes, using next-generation sequencing methods. We investigate whether bacterial communities residing in close proximity to fruiting bodies, or within mycelium, differ from communities inhabiting the same location but without direct contact with the fungus.

Drug Metabolism Testing with Filamentous Fungus Cunninghamella elegans

Filamentous fungus Cunninghamella elegans is considered a breakthrough in metabolism testing of various toxic compounds, including drugs, as it possesses an enzyme repertoire similar to that of animal livers. As such, it can be employed not only for basic research to predict metabolites of new synthetic drugs but also for the production of bioactive compounds. We collaborate with organic chemists and chemical analysts from the BAFA laboratory, and together with Associate Professor Michal Kohout, we investigate whether chiral compounds undergo chiral metabolism within the fungus. 

Genes Associated With Psilocybin Production

The project aims to understand the largely variable production of psilocybin and related compounds in mushroom species Psilocybe, Inocybe, Panaeolus, and Pluteus. Specifically, we seek to determine whether production variability is caused by variability in the psi genes copy number, their expression, or the amino acid composition of coded enzymes. To answer these questions, we will examine the available genomic data and inspect the predicted proteins in silico and in vitro, collect several fungal strains and grow them in laboratory conditions, examining their gene expression. Furthermore, we suspect that transporters PsiT1 and PsiT2 play a role in psilocybin production. We will inspect their function by silencing them in Psilocybe cubensis mycelia, then observe psilocybin production in various life stages of the resulting mutant. Understanding biosynthetic pathways of psilocybin production in magic mushrooms will open the door to stable production strain of Psilocybe and serve as a stepping stone to use them in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.