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Mycology Research Resources for Bioinformaticians: Unlocking the Fungal Kingdom

Neel — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 11:21:45 -0600

Mycology, the study of fungi, is a field that bridges ecology, medicine, and biotechnology. With advancements in bioinformatics, researchers now have unprecedented opportunities to explore the fungal kingdom at molecular, genetic, and ecological levels. From understanding pathogenic fungi to harnessing fungal enzymes for industrial applications, the potential is vast.

To fully leverage these opportunities, bioinformaticians require specialized tools and databases. This blog highlights essential resources for mycology research, focusing on databases, tools, and platforms tailored for fungal biology.

1. Fungal Databases

1.1. MycoCosm

Website: MycoCosm
Developed by the DOE Joint Genome Institute, MycoCosm is a comprehensive portal for fungal genomics. It offers genomic and transcriptomic data for a wide range of fungi, including saprobes, pathogens, and symbionts.

Key Features: Genome browsers, comparative genomics tools, and functional annotations.
Best For: Large-scale studies on fungal evolution and ecology.

1.2. FungiDB

Website: FungiDB
FungiDB is an integrated genomic resource for fungal pathogens and non-pathogens. It provides access to genome sequences, transcriptomic data, and functional annotations.

Key Features: Advanced search options, BLAST, and pathway analysis tools.
Best For: Studying fungal pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.

1.3. Index Fungorum

Website: Index Fungorum
This nomenclatural database provides information on the scientific names of fungi. It’s an essential resource for taxonomists and researchers focused on fungal biodiversity.

Key Features: Taxonomic hierarchy and synonymy tracking.
Best For: Identifying and classifying fungal species.

1.4. UNITE

Website: UNITE
UNITE is a specialized database for fungal ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) sequences, often used in fungal identification and phylogenetics.

Key Features: Curated reference datasets and community annotations.
Best For: Environmental mycology and microbial ecology studies.

2. Analytical Tools

2.1. Funannotate

Repository: GitHub - Funannotate
Funannotate is a genome annotation tool designed for fungi. It supports tasks like gene prediction, functional annotation, and orthology analysis.

Best For: Annotating newly sequenced fungal genomes.

2.2. BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs)

Website: BUSCO
BUSCO evaluates genome assembly and annotation completeness using orthologs. It includes a fungal-specific dataset.

Best For: Assessing the quality of fungal genome assemblies.

2.3. Pathogen-Host Interactions Database (PHI-base)

Website: PHI-base
PHI-base is a manually curated resource containing information on pathogen-host interactions, including fungal pathogens.

Best For: Exploring virulence factors and host-pathogen relationships.

3. Visualization Platforms

3.1. Cytoscape

Website: Cytoscape
A powerful tool for visualizing molecular interaction networks, Cytoscape can be used to study protein-protein interactions, gene networks, and metabolic pathways in fungi.

Best For: Network biology and functional genomics.

3.2. iTOL (Interactive Tree of Life)

Website: iTOL
iTOL is an interactive tool for visualizing phylogenetic trees.

Best For: Displaying fungal phylogenies and comparing evolutionary relationships.

4. Community Resources

4.1. Mycological Society of America (MSA)

Website: MSA
The MSA promotes fungal research and provides access to resources, conferences, and publications.

Best For: Networking with fungal researchers and accessing recent studies.

4.2. OpenFungi

Website: OpenFungi
OpenFungi is an open-source initiative providing fungal genomic and transcriptomic datasets for research and education.

Best For: Sharing and accessing public fungal datasets.

5. Genomics Workflows

5.1. Galaxy

Website: Galaxy Project
Galaxy offers a web-based platform for reproducible bioinformatics workflows, including tools for fungal genome and transcriptome analysis.

Best For: User-friendly analysis pipelines without requiring coding skills.

5.2. Snakemake

Repository: Snakemake
A flexible pipeline management tool that supports fungal data processing and analysis.

Best For: Custom workflows for large-scale fungal datasets.

Conclusion

Fungal research is a rapidly growing field with vast implications for medicine, agriculture, and industry. For bioinformaticians, the availability of specialized resources—databases, tools, and community platforms—opens doors to innovative discoveries. Whether you are investigating fungal genomics, studying host-pathogen interactions, or exploring fungal biodiversity, the resources outlined above will empower your research journey.

Dive into these resources and help unravel the mysteries of the fungal kingdom!

AI Uncovers Hidden Secrets in Bacterial DNA, Opening New Frontiers in Genomic Research

Jitendra Narayan — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 22:38:42 -0500

Scientists are now using artificial intelligence in order to examine sections of bacterial DNA that have not been looked at before. This method is showing potential RNA interactions and previously unknown genetic systems which could alter our understanding of microbes. A new study presents Minerva, a genome language model, demonstrating that AI can assist researchers in identifying biological patterns that traditional techniques might fail to detect.

The study, which was made available as a preprint on bioRxiv on 23 September 2026, focuses on the non-coding sections of DNA that are still largely unknown. Although these areas do not produce proteins, they can contain important signals and instructions which have an effect on cell function. The research presents a novel approach to investigating how bacteria handle and control their genetic information.

AI maps previously unexplored genomic regions

The team developed Minerva in order to identify possible interactions between different regions in microbial genomes; rather than depending on similarities with known sequences, Minerva predicts these relationships directly from the DNA by using patterns learned by a genome language model.

On 150 bacterial genomes, Minerva identified a large number of interactions that were not included in the existing annotations. The researchers stated that 84.3 per cent of the predicted intergenic base-pairing interactions were not present in the current annotations, which demonstrates that AI can be of help in generating new ideas in biology.

Unusual RNA structures and viral genetic systems identified

The study also examined a bacterial RNA family known as TwoAYGGAY in Pseudomonas; the model anticipated longer RNA structures and identified associations with repeated DNA sequences, thus providing new insights into how these non-coding elements are organised and how they have evolved.

In a separate section of the study, the researchers examined reverse transcriptase systems associated with bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria. They identified RNA arrays that maintain their structure but have different sequences and were linked to Unknown Group 27 reverse transcriptases. The findings indicate that these RNAs could function as templates for the production of complementary DNA that is capable of forming hairpin shapes.

The researchers also observed that Minerva was able to detect patterns associated with protein-coding areas, even though it had not been trained to do so. This indicates that genome language models may pick up on biological signals that go beyond what they were intended to identify.

Implications for future genomic research

The fact that artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in the field of microbial genomics is shown by the fact that models such as Minerva are able to predict interactions and identify patterns in areas which have not been extensively studied, thus helping researchers to decide what to study next and enabling them to gain a better understanding of biological systems that are still not well understood.

Yet the predictions do not reveal the exact function of each element identified. In order to verify which of the predicted interactions actually take place in living cells and the way in which they affect the microbes, experiments will be necessary. Although the study has undergone peer review, it does nonetheless offer a promising illustration of how machine learning can complement traditional genomics and assist scientists in moving from the identification of known genes to the exploration of the complex relationships that shape microbial life.

More at https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.22.753630v2.full.pdf

INRAE organises open competitions to recruit research scientists on permanent positions.

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 23:08:36 -0600

Each year, INRAE organises open competitions to recruit research scientists on permanent positions. The recruitment campaign is generally aimed at researchers who have recently obtained their PhD. Candidates are recruited on the basis of their scientific competence which they will put to the service of INRAE's major research axes by responding to a research topic. Candidates must have published articles on the results of their PhD.

Campaign calendar:

- Opening date for applications: January 30, 2020
- Deadline for applications: March 5, 2020
- Pre-selections: April-May 2020
- Final selections: May-June 2020
- Starting date for appointments: from September 2020

More at https://jobs.inrae.fr/en/open-competitions/open-competions-research-scientists-crcn

Common Bioinformatics Interview Questions !

Jit — Sat, 23 Jan 2021 06:07:50 -0600

The possibility of an interview for a bioinformatics position in the life sciences may be very disquieting, but the same concerns emerge time and again in my experience. So, it is exceedingly worthwhile to plan for future bioinformatics interview questions. Doing this will really give you the advantage in obtaining the position.

The following 5 questions are those that I have heard many times during the job-search process. There is no reason for not planning responses in such situations.

1. Tell Us About Yourself
This is a very typical opener in interviews. It's a perfect question to ask, and getting something planned will really help you concentrate and ease in the conversation. However, you need to make sure that your response is applicable to the job you're interviewing.
It's probably better to keep your answer professional. Try to include these in the answer as well: where did your love of science and bioinformatics come from? How the heck did you end up in this field? Why programming and scripting ?

2. What is your plan for your bioinformatics career? / How do you look at yourself in five years? / How are your personal objectives to accomplish these goals / What are the plan for your research fundings ?

Your CV/resume has already impressed the selection panel if you have been invited for an interview. The questions from the bioinformatics interview team provide an incentive for you to market yourself and illustrate the work in question with the most appropriate knowledge.

3. What do you understand about the job description/What would your suggested research path be if you were a successful candidate?
Summarize the specifics of the advertised bioinformatics position in your own words. Follow on with some suggestions of how you want to extend your research and create your own projects within the community.

4. Will you work as a group or do you want to work on your own?
This requirement can vary from jobs to job, so when addressing, be alert. A company/research PI may need a bioinformatician that is able to work on a single project autonomously, or they may need a person who can help direct and organize a team. In your response, refer to the job description.

5. What particular methods have you used to date with your experiments?
You might have experience with all the laboratory techniques described in the job description, but stress the ones you highly experienced with. Highlight your professional abilities and stress that you are extremely capable of mastering new techniques with others ...

At the end of the day, remember that you're questioning the jury as well as they're interviewing you. You will ought to think of any questions you would like the interview panel to pose. This indicates that you have done your homework and serious about the position.

All the best for your future job interview.

16sRNA Database Download

LEGE — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 04:33:15 -0500

Downloading 16S rRNA databases can be crucial for various bioinformatics analyses, especially in microbiome research. However, it's important to note that databases can vary based on your specific needs, such as the taxonomic coverage you require or the type of analysis you're performing. Here's a general guideline on how you can obtain 16S rRNA databases:

NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information):
- NCBI provides various databases related to genetic information, including 16S rRNA sequences.
- You can access the 16S ribosomal RNA sequences from NCBI's Nucleotide database (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nucleotide/).
- Perform a search using keywords like "16S rRNA" or specific bacterial names to find relevant sequences.
- You can download sequences individually or in batches using the provided tools.
GreenGenes:
- GreenGenes is a widely used 16S rRNA gene sequence database.
- You can access it at http://greengenes.secondgenome.com/.
- GreenGenes provides precompiled databases for various purposes, including classification, alignment, and phylogenetic analysis.
SILVA:
- SILVA (https://www.arb-silva.de/) is another comprehensive database for ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences.
- It covers not only 16S rRNA but also other ribosomal RNA sequences.
- SILVA provides precompiled databases for various purposes, including taxonomic classification and alignment.
Ribosomal Database Project (RDP):
- RDP (http://rdp.cme.msu.edu/) is a curated database that offers 16S rRNA sequences.
- It provides tools for sequence analysis and classification.
- You can download sequences and taxonomy information from their website.
QIIME (Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology):
- QIIME (https://qiime2.org/) is a widely used bioinformatics platform for microbiome analysis.
- It provides tools for analyzing microbial communities, including processing 16S rRNA sequences.
- QIIME often includes its own preprocessed 16S rRNA databases that can be used for analysis within the platform.

Before downloading any database, make sure to read the terms of use and citation requirements, as some databases may have specific usage policies. Additionally, consider the compatibility of the database with your analysis pipeline and software tools.

NCBI 16s RNA database location ftp://ftp.ncbi.nih.gov/blast/db/16SMicrobial.tar.gz

Ph.D. Fellowship (Computational Biology/Bioinformatics) : Cork, Ireland : Cork, Ireland

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 14:09:00 -0500

Ph.D. Fellowship (18,000 euro/pa, plus tuition fees at the EU students rate) is available for four years to work on development of Bioinformatics resources for the analysis and visualization of ribosome profiling data. Ribosome profiling (ribo-seq) is a technology that allows mapping positions of the ribosomes on the whole transcriptome level with a nucleotide precision. The technology allows obtaining high resolution digital snapshots of gene expression in cells. The position is available starting on the 1st of October, 2013.

Candidate:
The candidate is expected to have B.S. or M.S. degree in the disciplines such as Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Physics or Electrical Engineering. The candidates with the backgrounds in Life Science disciplines such as Bioinformatics, Computational or Quantitative Biology will also be considered.

Location:
The position is available at LAPTI (http://lapti.ucc.ie) that is located in the Western Gate Building (http://www.stwarchitects.com/project-information.php?c=1&p=09993) at University College Cork. Western Gate Building Research Complex hosts several UCC departments and provides ideal environment for interdisciplinary research. Cork (sometimes referenced as “Venice of Ireland”) is the second most populous city in the Republic. It has friendly cosmopolitan atmosphere and vibrant culture. A number of American industrial giants such as Apple , EMC and Pfizer have chosen Cork as a home for their European headquarters.

Application process:
The details of the application process are given at http://lapti.ucc.ie/jobs.html. To ensure prompt processing of your application use the subject line: ‘Ph.D. computational’. All applications received prior to August the 1st are guaranteed equal consideration. However, applications at the later dates will also be considered until the position is filled.

PhD opportunity at Université de Liège - Belgium

Mon, 01 Sep 2014 17:16:22 -0500

The Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Unit of Université de Liège (Belgium) is looking for a highly motivated master student with programming skills for a PhD thesis project (4 years, fully funded) with the goal of designing computational tools that use literature, genomic and structural data in order to infer regulatory and metabolic networks.

Applicants are invited to send their resume and a recommendation letter to Prof. Patrick Meyer (more details at www.biosys.ulg.ac.be )

Ph.D. Programme in Computational Biology

Wed, 06 Apr 2016 11:47:35 -0500

Ph.D. Programme in Computational Biology

For students interested in frontier research at the interface of biology, computation, physics and applied mathematics

IMSc is a leader in India in fundamental research in theoretical physics, mathematics and theoretical computer science, with several members actively pursuing research in interdisciplinary areas including computational biology. In 2013 IMSc started a unique Ph.D. programme in this subject, training students to apply cutting-edge computational and mathematical techniques to problems in modern biology, in collaboration with leading biology departments and institutions in India and abroad.
IMSc is an autonomous national research institute under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, and a constituent institution of the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai (a deemed university). Ph.D. degrees will be awarded by HBNI.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMME
Before embarking on their research, students have three semesters of coursework, which consists of seven core courses, to be carried out at IMSc; elective courses, which may be taken at IMSc or at other institutions by mutual consent; and lab rotations, at collaborating labs in other institutions. The core coursework covers essentials of modern biology, essential techniques from physics, mathematics, statistics and computer science, physics of proteins and biomolecules, biological sequence analysis and algorithms, and systems biology. Elective coursework covers various topics in greater depth. Following the coursework and a comprehensive examination, students will embark on research leading to a Ph.D. degree.
Selected candidates will be research fellows at IMSc and will receive fellowships, housing or house rent allowance, and contingency grants.

More at http://www.imsc.res.in/graduate_programme_0

Summer school open to PhD students

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 06:08:35 -0600

Some PhD students are organizing a summer school open to PhD students with different backgrounds and interests.

Several sessions and workshops will be held within five focus groups, and one common theme: mountain research.

The summer school will take place in Obergurgl, in the middle of the Austrian Alps, September 5-9.

Abstract submission is now open, until February 16th: https://www.imc2022.info/summerschool/

The summer school takes place in the context of the International Mountain Conference 2022, Innsbruck, Austria: https://www.imc2022.info/

Please feel free to spread the word among potentially interested colleagues and PhD students.

"Capponi, Lisa"

CV of Dr. Pranjal Chandra

Pranjal Chandra PhD — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 11:15:25 -0500