POLYSYST

"Molecular and morphological systematics of the Polyporales, a highly diverse, poorly documented clade of wood-decaying fungi with biotechnological potential"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The research focus of this project is systematics of the Polyporales, a diverse clade of the basidiomycetes. The Polyporales play a dominant role in timber decay in nature, and their ability to enzymatically decay wood is under intense research for biotechnological uses. Yet no phylogeny or modern classification exists for the Polyporales. This project will produce both.

University of Helsinki has a long tradition in morphology-based research of the Polyporales. Dr. Otto Miettinen, the fellow, has been trained in that tradition. During the 12-month outgoing mobility he will visit Prof. David Hibbett's lab in the Clark University, USA. Prof. Hibbett is the leading name in molecular systematics of basidiomycetes. During his stay Dr. Miettinen will utilise Prof. Hibbett's expertise in state-of-the-art molecular techniques, including genome sequencing. During the home-coming phase the fellow will continue his studies in the vibrant community of mycologists in Helsinki under the guidance of Prof. Soili Stenroos, a senior fungal systematist.

During the outgoing phase the fellow will produce phylogeny for the Meripilus clade, a species-rich and very poorly known part of the Polyporales. He will undertake collecting in North America and the tropics in order to screen for species unsampled in phylogenetic studies. During the home-coming phase the fellow will revise classification in the Meripilus clade, and participate in a meta-analysis on the phylogeny and character evolution of the Polyporales.

The mobility will boost Dr. Miettinen's career very significantly. He will absorb cutting-edge molecular methods, author at least two very influential papers in the field, accumulate a highly valuable dataset of sequences and specimens, and be able to associate and network with leading names of mycology. Upon his return to Europe, he will have excellent opportunities to advance his career as a leading researcher. The project will thus greatly benefit European mycology.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The ability of the Polyporales group of fungi to produce enzymes capable of selectively degrading wood has attracted interest for their use in biotechnology. Researchers have advanced study into the evolutionary relationships (phylogeny) and modern classification (systematics) of this group.