Neurospora Research Community – Neurospora Homepage

Labs using Neurospora in Their Research

-Research in the Dunlap lab focuses on understanding the circadian biology and photobiology of Neurospora. Diverse approaches are used including but not limited to genetics and molecular biology, reverse genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and most recently structural biology. The lab generally takes a relatively hands-off approach to day-to-day management of projects, and investigators are expected to both choose their own projects and, with feedback, to govern the approaches used to prosecute them.

-The Hurley Lab’s research focus is on the fundamental mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms, an important component in understanding how organisms function within the photoperiodic world in which they live. They use Neurospora as a model system for how these clocks work, studying the Neurospora core clock and output using molecular, genetic, biochemical/biophysical, biostatistical/computational, and cell biological approaches.

-The organization of a eukaryotic genome in the nucleus is critical for its function, as numerous DNA-templated processes depend on the correct folding of the chromosomes. However, little is known about how this folding occurs. Using that filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, the Klocko lab is assessing the molecular determinants of eukaryotic genome organization to understand genome function. Neurospora hierarchically organizes its genome: chromatin fibers form loops comprising Topologically Associated Domain (TAD)-like structures which organize fungal chromosomes in Rabl conformation. Another hallmark of eukaryotic genome organization is the segregation of silent, compacted DNA (heterochromatin) from gene-rich, active DNA (euchromatin). Current projects in the lab include assessing changes in histone post-translational modification (PTM) enrichment and examining other (epi)genetic determinants to understand genome topology and gene expression.

-Our research team aims to understand the workings of circadian and circannual clocks, and examine their fitness implications. These biological timers are critical for an organism’s survival and reproduction. To study these complex mechanisms, we employ a multidisciplinary approach that combines computational biology, molecular genetics and genomics, and ecology.

We study the molecular mechanism of calcium signaling pathway using the model filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. Calcium (Ca2+) is a universal second messenger molecule that is involved in almost all cell processes, ranging from fertilization to death, in eukaryotes. We have characterized several Ca2+ signaling genes and investigated their mechanism of action in N. crassa.