Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism – Mikrobiologický ústav AV ČR, v. v. i.

Fungal genetics and metabolism

Kolařík Lab

We focus on understanding the biology of fungi important to humans, using an interdisciplinary approach that combines evolution, diversity, ecology, epidemiology, taxonomy, physiology, biogeography, pathogenicity, and secondary metabolites. We study plant pathogenic ergot fungi (Claviceps), symbionts of varoius insect (bark beetles, Lepidoptera etc.), bat pathogens, little-known fungal lineages, Red Listed basidiomycetes, and clinically important fungi like Aspergillus, Penicillium, and dermatophytes. In clinical fungi, we address new pathogen descriptions, speciation mechanisms, epidemiology, diagnosis, and drug resistance. We explore secondary metabolites for their ecological roles and biotechnological applications. Methods include advanced taxonomic analyses, phylogenetics, phylogenomics, transcriptomics, population genetics, microbial community analysis, metabolomics, and biological activity testing. We also engage in outreach and citizen science projects.

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Focus of research

Microbial symbioses of herbivorous insects

Ergot, the genus Claviceps

Secondary metabolites

Species boundaries and diversity of the genus Aspergillus

Fungal pathogens of humans and animals

Diversity and taxonomy of overlooked fungal groups

Microbial lipids

Culture Collection of Clavicipitaceae (CCC)

Microbial symbioses of herbivorous insects

Our team studies the symbionts of caterpillars (Lepidoptera), ambrosia gall midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), woodwasps (Hymenoptera, Siricidae), bark beetles (Curculionidae, Scolytinae), pinhole borers (Curculionidae, Platypodinae), and termites (Isoptera, Termitoidae).

Ergot, the genus Claviceps

Our laboratory holds the world’s largest collection of ergot fungi (Culture Collection of Clavicipitaceae, CCC) and focuses on the research of the evolution, diversity, toxicity, taxonomy, and ecology of these fungi.

Secondary metabolites

Fungi are significant producers of natural chemicals, secondary metabolites, which has many applications in agriculture, medicine, and the food industry. In our projects, we identify natural compounds from poorly studied fungi (Chaetosphaeriales, Botryosphaeria, Geosmithia, Claviceps, Exobasidium, etc.).

Species boundaries and diversity of the genus Aspergillus

Aspergillus (Ascomycota: Eurotiales) is a genus of filamentous fungi that includes species of clinical, biotechnological, and toxicological significance. Our team focuses on studying the diversity and taxonomy of these fungi and has described dozens of new species, including clinically and food-relevant representatives.

Fungal pathogens of humans and animals

We focus on a comprehensive understanding of fungi causing diseases in humans and animals. Our research targets “emerging diseases,” which are newly appearing or rapidly spreading within populations.

Diversity and taxonomy of overlooked fungal groups

Of the estimated total number of fungal species, 1.5 to 6.3 million, only about 150.000 have been described so far. Our work has led to the description of one new family and numerous new genera and species.

Microbial lipids

Lipids are essential components of all cells, serving as fundamental building blocks of cellular membranes and as energy sources. Our work focuses on the detailed characterization of lipid composition in bacteria, fungi, and algae.