From Chaos comes Order: Genetics and Biology of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
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Date: 22 MAY 2025 from 17:30 to 19:00
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Event location: Aula III via Francesco Selmi 2 - Bologna, Piano Terra.
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Type: Lectures
Speaker
ISA Visiting Fellow - Corradi Nicolas
Full Professor and University Research Chair in Microbial Genomics University of Ottawa
ATTENDANCE
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in presence - book your seat
Book your seat within May 22, 12 p.m. The places will be assigned on “first come first served” basis.
The accessibility of the building is barrier-free, with pathway from the side entrance with building slide to the classroom located on the ground floor. Also available to persons with disabilities is a single-seat anthropometric bench with variable elevation and tilt positioned near the desk.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are vital partners for plants, enhancing their growth by improving nutrient uptake. Despite their importance, studying AMF genetics has been difficult due to their complex multi-nucleated structure, dependence on plants for survival, and lack of observed sexual reproduction. In this talk, I will present groundbreaking research using advanced tools like DNA sequencing, single-nucleus analysis, and 3D genetic mapping to unravel the mysteries of AMF. We’ve discovered that AMF can exchange nuclei and engage in “cryptic sex,” a hidden form of genetic mixing. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions and reveals AMF as dynamic organisms with complex genetic behaviors. These insights also highlight the potential impacts of AMF on ecosystems, especially when they are introduced to soils to support crop growth. Understanding their genetic and reproductive behaviors could lead to improved applications in sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management. This research showcases the fascinating and hidden world of fungi that play a crucial role in plant health and the environment, offering new perspectives for scientists, farmers, and anyone curious about the unseen forces shaping our ecosystems.