Lendület Fungal Genomics and Evolution Laboratory

We are interested in the general principles of genomes evolution, that of the evolution of organismal complexity, fungal development and their biotechnological applications. Fungi are the most ubiquitous microbes in modern biotechnology which, despite centuries of research, offer huge unharnessed potentials. Our research focuses on gene regulatory networks underlying fungal morphogenesis and the degradation of complex plant polisaccharides (e.g. lignocellulose). Gene regulatory networks are finely tuned circuits that regulate precise spatial and temporal expression of genes. We use modern -omics, genetic, phylogenetic and bioinformatic approaches to uncover the evolutionary origins and genetic bases of fungal morphogenesis, multicellularity and to translate basic research results into biotechnological applications.