GenoSpec | Insights from Population Genomics to the Evolution of Host Specificity in Insect Fungi

Summary
GenoSpec” aims at understanding the genomic processes underlying host adaptations of the ants-specific fungi from the species complex Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato by using a population genomics approach. This knowledge will contribute to the understanding of adaptive evolution, which is a major topic in evolutionary biology, and has potential applications in the development of fungal biological control agents against insect pests. Strains of O. unilateralis specific to three different ant species will be isolated from Thailand and their genomes will be sequenced, to identify the genomic changes involved in adaptation, e.g., the genes with signatures of positive selection or specific to particular hosts. Various sampling sites will allow inferences on the recent demographic history that could blur the footprint of positive selection. Dr. Noppol Kobmoo will bring his knowledge and skill on these particular fungi to enrich the expertise and the panel of biological models of the host institution (ESE laboratory, Université Paris-Sud, FRANCE) while gaining new expertise on population genetics at a genomic level. This project will start a fruitful collaboration between the host institution and BIOTEC (THAILAND) where the Fellow will return permanently after the project.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/655278
Start date: 16-11-2015
End date: 15-11-2017
Total budget - Public funding: 173 076,00 Euro - 173 076,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

GenoSpec” aims at understanding the genomic processes underlying host adaptations of the ants-specific fungi from the species complex Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato by using a population genomics approach. This knowledge will contribute to the understanding of adaptive evolution, which is a major topic in evolutionary biology, and has potential applications in the development of fungal biological control agents against insect pests. Strains of O. unilateralis specific to three different ant species will be isolated from Thailand and their genomes will be sequenced, to identify the genomic changes involved in adaptation, e.g., the genes with signatures of positive selection or specific to particular hosts. Various sampling sites will allow inferences on the recent demographic history that could blur the footprint of positive selection. Dr. Noppol Kobmoo will bring his knowledge and skill on these particular fungi to enrich the expertise and the panel of biological models of the host institution (ESE laboratory, Université Paris-Sud, FRANCE) while gaining new expertise on population genetics at a genomic level. This project will start a fruitful collaboration between the host institution and BIOTEC (THAILAND) where the Fellow will return permanently after the project.

Status

CLOSED

Call topic

MSCA-IF-2014-EF

Update Date

28-04-2024
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Structured mapping
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Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE
H2020-EU.1.3. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
H2020-EU.1.3.2. Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
H2020-MSCA-IF-2014
MSCA-IF-2014-EF Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF)