Comparative genomics reveals high biological diversity and specific adaptations in the fungal genus Aspergillus

The project compares the genomes of multiple Aspergillus species. In particular, the genes involved in the degradation of plant-derived biomass have been analyzed. As well, the extracellular proteins produced by the fungi during the utilization of sugar beet pulp and wheat bran were examined by LC-MS/MS. Results show that closely related species can deploy different enzyme mixtures in the hydrolysis of plant-derived biomass. These results imply that efficient hydrolysis of biomass can be achieved by combining enzyme mixtures from two or more fungi.