TY - CONF A1 - Schumacher, Julia T1 - Knufia petricola – a model for exploring the biology of black rock-inhabiting fungi N2 - Black fungi also called black yeasts, rock-inhabiting fungi or microcolonial fungi are a group of Ascomycetes [Eurotiomycetes, Arthoniomycetes and Dothideomycetes] that exhibit high stress tolerance, yeast‑like or meristematic growth, and constitutive 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin formation. They dominate a range of hostile natural and man‑made environments – from desert rocks and salterns to dishwashers, roofs, and solar panels. Due to their slow growth and the lack of sexual cycles and genetic tools, the underlying mechanisms of black fungi’s phenotypic traits have remained largely unexplored. We consider the rock inhabitant K. petricola [Eurotiomycetes, Chaetothyriales] a suitable model for studying the phenotypic characteristics of black fungi. With K. petricola the regulation of pigment synthesis, general stress responses and the unusual modes of cell division can be dissected by advanced reverse and forward genetics approaches. The genome of K. petricola strain A95 was sequenced using a combination of short high quality Illumina reads and long PacBio reads. The final assembly consists of twelve contigs: five complete chromosomes and six contigs with one telomer each. Gene annotation supported by transcriptomics and proteomics data was manually curated. Recently, we developed a set of genetic tools to manipulate the genome for analyzing gene functions and studying the cell biology. This set includes CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing and live-cell imaging using genetically encoded fluorescent proteins, as well as protocols for -omics approaches and for simulation of mineral weathering in the laboratory. Mutants defective in DHN melanogenesis, carotenogenesis or both processes are currently studied to elucidate the role of these protective pigments in tolerance of natural and man-made stresses, weathering of olivine, penetration of marble, and adhesion to surfaces. Further, the established protocols and knowledge gained from K. petricola form a starting point for making other extremotolerant black fungi accessible to genetic manipulation. T2 - 31st Fungal Genetics Conference CY - USA, CA, Pacific Grove DA - 15.03.2022 KW - Black fungi KW - Melanin KW - Genome editing PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-54585 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Gorbushina, Anna T1 - Black fungi on technosphere surfaces: new niches for roof-inhabiting cousins N2 - Human-made systems, also called “build environment” or “technosphere”, sustain human comfort as well as our industrial activities. These systems have become particularly widespread since the Industrial Revolution, i.e., since the 17th century. At the same time, these technical systems – buildings, monuments, energy production, transformation and transmission, water purification and supply systems - serve as new habitats for living organisms. Life is ubiquitously present on our planet since a very long time: the Earth is 4.54 billion years old and microbial communities have played a key role on our planet for 3.7 billion years. Once human-made system appeared, microorganisms became an integral part of all types of technosphere infrastructure as well. Here we will illustrate biosphere-technosphere interactions using a specific example of the black fungi and their impact on the efficiency of solar (photovoltaic) panels. This expanding renewable infrastructure for electricity generation is growing on all continents - and create a specific, arid habitat for stress-tolerant black fungi. Black fungi were once discovered in hot and cold natural deserts – and now belong to the persistent colonisers of human-made deserts of solar parks. This new niche is evolving an impressive biodiversity. So far more than 60 isolates of black fungi belonging to Arthoniomycetes, Eurotiomycetes and Dothideomycetes were obtained from solar panels in Europe and Americas. Here we will present the analysis of this emerging anthropogenic biodiversity. Opportunities for future research in the field include quantification of the microbial load on technosphere surfaces – along with characterisation of the corresponding microbial diversity. The strategy of precise measurement and characterisation will enable us to reliably determine the beneficial and harmful functions that living microorganisms play in the functioning of energy-generating systems – and technosphere in general. T2 - IUBMB Focused Meeting on Extremophilic Fungi (FUN-EX) CY - Ljubljana, Slovenia DA - 19.09.2923 KW - Biosphere-technosphere interaction KW - Microbial communities KW - Solar parks PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58451 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schumacher, Julia T1 - Genetic engineering of black fungi: lessons learned from Knufia petricola N2 - The exponential rise in the number of fungal genomes sequenced by next-generation sequencing techniques makes it necessary to increase efforts to correctly annotate and assign gene functions. There are two possibilities to explore a genome and its gene functions. The hypothesis-based method proves the function of already existing gene/allele candidates by targeted mutagenesis - so called reverse genetics. The basis of forward genetics approaches is the random mutagenesis of the genome, followed by screening of obtained mutants for the phenotype of interest, and identification of the mutated genes in the respective mutants. This strategy is hypothesis-generating, means it is necessary to verify the relationship between the detected mutations and the observed phenotype by targeted mutagenesis of the identified gene. We developed a toolbox for editing the genome of the rock inhabitant Knufia petricola [Eurotiomycetes, Chaetothyriales] that allows the study of the phenotypic characteristics of black fungi such as the regulation of pigment synthesis, general stress responses, oligotrophy, and the unusual modes of cell division by advanced reverse and forward genetics approaches. The toolbox includes the annotated genome sequence of strain A95, efficient strategies for CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing and live-cell imaging using genetically encoded fluorescent proteins, as well as protocols for -omics approaches and for simulation of mineral weathering. A forward genetics approach using transposon mutagenesis is currently developed for identifying essential genes. The established protocols and knowledge gained from K. petricola form a starting point for making other fungi from extreme environments accessible to genetic manipulation. T2 - IUBMB Focused Meeting on Extremophilic Fungi (FUN-EX) CY - Ljubljana, Slovenia DA - 19.09.2023 KW - Fungus KW - Extremotolerance KW - Genetics KW - Model organism PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58424 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Gorbushina, Anna T1 - Biofilms in transition: from unwanted layer to material actor N2 - Biofilms on material surfaces have long been regarded as unwanted biological layers and deposits — a kind of living patina. As our knowledge of them is growing, their role is currently undergoing transformation, revealing surprising capacities for problem-solving and material alteration and design. Together, we can explore new perspectives on the interplay between vitality, materiality, and design, challenging conventional boundaries between nature, technology, and aesthetics. T2 - https://www.matters-of-activity.de/en/activities/17716/materials-and-materialities-critical-conversations-across-the-humanities-and-sciences CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 16.10.2025 KW - Reference organisms KW - Reproducible experiments KW - Model biofilms PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64495 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schumacher, Julia T1 - Fungi in extreme habitats: Lessons from the microcolonial black fungus Knufia petricola N2 - Fungi that share light-flooded habitats with phototrophs may profit from their excess photosynthetic products. But to cope with sunlight-associated stresses [e.g. high temperatures, UV radiation with associated DNA damage, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), desiccation and osmotic stresses] it is important for fungi to accurately sense and respond to changes in light. The genomes of black [dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin-containing] fungi from phyllosphere and exposed solid surfaces contain multiple photoreceptors (PRs). The plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea (Leotiomycetes) has a highly sophisticated photosensory and signalling system that helps to avoid light and to locate susceptible hosts. Rock-inhabiting Dothideomycetes and Eurotiomycetes including Knufia petricola possess equal numbers of PRs along with the same set of protective pigments. This similarity between black fungi from plant and rock surfaces suggests that photoperception and -regulation are important for fungi that receive nutrients through cooperation with phototrophs. T2 - Gordon Research Conference "Cellular and Molecular Fungal Biology" CY - Holderness, NH, USA DA - 26.06.2022 KW - Light KW - Stress KW - Photoperception KW - Pigments PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-55249 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schumacher, Julia T1 - Light-dependent development in Botrytis cinerea N2 - Sunlight is an important environmental factor is almost all ecosystems by being a source of energy, information, and stress. All organisms must protect themselves from the harmful effects of light such as UV radiation, ROS accumulation, heat, and desiccation. Finally, light qualities and quantities can be used for decision making, timing and as guide for directed growth when they are sensed and transduced into intracellular signals. Botrytis cinerea and other plant pathogens infecting the sun-exposed parts of the plant must cope with the high light conditions the host plant seeks. Further they experience an altered light spectrum (‘green gap’) when they colonize shaded parts of the plant; it is depleted for blue and red light that is absorbed by the plant chlorophyll and enriched for green and far-red light that is reflected or transmitted by the plant tissue. As these ambient light conditions trigger the shade avoidance response in the plant, the pathogens may trigger their own ‘shading response’ such as the upregulation of virulence determinants and inoculum production. B. cinerea maintains a highly sophisticated light signaling machinery that senses different light qualities to trigger a variety of responses, that are protection, morphogenesis, positive and negative tropisms, and entrainment. These characteristics render B. cinerea a valuable model to enlighten the role of light in parasitic fungus-plant interactions and beyond. The vegetative mycelium – the core of all infection and developmental programs – is not visibly pigmented and thus considered to be sensitive to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the vegetative hyphae have a very limited half-life and are usually restricted to the invasive growth phase in which they are protected from light by the plant tissue. Fast colonization of host tissues and by this proper nutrient acquisition enables the rapid formation of long-lasting reproduction structures (melanized conidiophores with conidia, sclerotia) on the surfaces of rotted plant tissues. Depending on the light and temperature conditions, conidiation or sclerotial development is initiated. Taken together, B. cinerea uses light-regulated signaling networks to avoid light whenever possible; for example, by minimizing the half-life of sensitive cells that are hiding in plant tissues and by scheduling critical steps such as conidiogenesis, conidial germination and penetration of plant tissues for the night. T2 - BotrySclero2022 CY - Avignon, France DA - 13.06.2022 KW - Fungus KW - Light KW - Stress KW - Melanin PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-55248 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja T1 - On the intersection of microbiome and material research: what can be achieved? N2 - Any surface in the environment acts as hotspot for microbial attachment and activity. These biofilms represent the interface between humans and the environment. While in the past biofilms were often seen as disturbance, we now start to understand the enormous potential of beneficial biofilms. They can be used in a broad range of applications and are sources for new microorganisms and traits. After all, biofilms represent a great example for a collaborative lifestyle. T2 - Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival, Hereon CY - Teltow, Germany DA - 14.03.2024 KW - Biofilm KW - Microbiome KW - Sustainability KW - Biosphere KW - Microplastics PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60202 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schumacher, Julia T1 - Looking through the eyes of fungi: from photoperception to photoresponses and beyond N2 - Sunlight is an almost unavoidable environmental cue and plays a fundamental role in the biology of pro- and eukaryotic organisms. To cope with sunlight-associated stresses e.g., high temperatures, UV radiation, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, desiccation, and osmotic stress, it is important for organisms to accurately sense and respond to changes in light. The benefits of light are obvious for green organisms such as cyanobacteria, algae and plants which use light as an energy source (photosynthesis). Fungi that can share light-flooded habitats with phototrophs may profit from their excess photosynthetic products. Examples are the plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea, the gray mold fungus, and the rock inhabitant Knufia petricola, a microcolonial black fungus which forms multispecies biofilms with bacteria and algae. T2 - 20th Symposium of the Research Training Group on Bioactive Peptides – The colorful tree of life CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 23.01.2024 KW - Black fungi KW - Melanin KW - Stress tolerance PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-59543 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schumacher, Julia T1 - How does light affect rock-inhabiting fungi? N2 - Sunlight is an almost unavoidable environmental cue and plays a fundamental role in the biology of pro- and eukaryotic organisms. To cope with sunlight-associated stresses e.g., high temperatures, UV radiation with associated DNA damage, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), desiccation and osmotic stresses, it is important for organisms to accurately sense and respond to changes in light. The benefits of light are obvious for green organisms such as cyanobacteria, algae and plants which use light as an energy source (photosynthesis). Less apparent are other light-dependent processes such as light-driven DNA repair by photolyases (photoreactivation) or ion pumping by microbial opsins. Fungi that can share light-flooded habitats with phototrophs may profit from their excess photosynthetic products. Rock-inhabiting Dothideomycetes and Eurotiomycetes including Knufia petricola possess many proteins for absorbing UV/blue, green, red and far-red light, produce the black 1,8 dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin and orange-red carotenoids, and may live in multispecies biofilms. Here, we are addressing the question to which extent constitutive pigment formation (melanin and carotenoids) and responses mediated by the stress-activated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase contribute to the observed light (UV-B) tolerance of K. petricola. T2 - 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference CY - Pacific Grove, CA, USA DA - 12.03.2024 KW - Knufia petricola KW - Black fungi KW - Light-induced stress PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-59732 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - von Werder, Julia T1 - Biorezeptivität und Optimierung von Lehmbaustoffen - Forschung an der BAM N2 - Der Vortrag fasst die Forschungsaktivitäten der BAM in den Themengebieten Biorezeptivität von Beton und Optimierung von Lehmbaustoffen zusammen. Er diente als Kurzpräsentation für eine anschließende Podiumsdiskussion. T2 - Transformationsdialog "Material als Motor" CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 10.10.2024 KW - Biorezeptivität KW - Beton KW - Lehmbaustoffe PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-62220 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -