Future Functions for Fungal Genes of Unknown Function
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: The genomics revolution continues to increase our information on the gene content in fungal species. However, few of these genes have been examined experimentally, and in many cases up to 50% of fungal genes have no predictable function. A clear direction in utilizing the incredible genomics data sets is to define the functions of these genes in fungi. This is not a trivial task, as anyone who has unsuccessfully sought the function for just one gene can attest. Moreover, requesting funding for the study of a gene of unknown function is typically associated with low enthusiasm on grant proposals. Yet, a full understanding of gene function in fungal genomes is potential key for fully harnessing the beneficial uses of fungi to humanity and for reducing the incidence of fungal disease. Importantly, the term “function” can have different interpretations. For instance, a biochemist’s perspective would include an enzymatic activity for the gene product, while a geneticist’s perspective would require a phenotype for a strain carrying a mutation in the gene. Regardless of definition, it seems highly probable that significant advances in our understanding of fungal biology will come from study of currently unknown function genes and their products.
Source: Fungal Genomics & Biology
Authors: Alexander Idnurm, Robert A. Cramer
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W2182771594