K. W. Barry

Divergent evolution of early terrestrial fungi reveals the evolution of Mucormycosis pathogenicity factors

This study investigates the divergent evolution of zygomycete fungi, identifying lineage-specific genomic elements and evolutionary relationships that contribute to Mucormycosis pathogenicity.

Genetic determinants of endophytism in the Arabidopsis root mycobiome

The paper identifies genetic factors associated with endophytism in Arabidopsis root fungi, showing specific gene families linked to aggressive colonization and plant health.

Multiplex knockout of trichome-regulating MYB duplicates in hybrid poplar using a single gRNA

A single gRNA targeting conserved sequences enabled efficient mutagenesis of a multigene family, resulting in trichomeless and triterpene-free poplar mutants.

The genome of stress tolerant crop wild relativePaspalum vaginatum leads to increased biomassproductivity in the crop Zea mays

This study sequenced Paspalum vaginatum, a stress-tolerant wild relative of maize, and found that inducing trehalose accumulation in maize increases biomass through autophagy.

Within-Arctic horizontal gene transfer as a driver of convergent evolution in distantly related microalgae

The paper identifies horizontal gene transfer as a driver of convergent evolution in Arctic microalgae, highlighting ice-binding domain gene transfers between distantly related species.

Genomic signatures of a major adaptive event in the pathogenic fungus Melampsora larici-populina

The paper identifies a genomic signature of a recent adaptive event in the fungus Melampsora larici-populina, pinpointing a single amino acid change associated with overcoming host resistance.

Evolutionary priming and transition to the ectomycorrhizal habit in an iconic lineage of mushroom-forming fungi: is preadaptation a requirement?

This study identifies genomic features of the transition to ectomycorrhizal habit in Russulaceae fungi, finding gene loss, TE expansion, and secreted protein associations with TE nests.

Mechanically induced localization of SECONDARY WALL INTERACTING bZIP is associated with thigmomorphogenic and secondary cell wall gene expression

The paper identifies a bZIP transcription factor, SWIZ, involved in grass thigmomorphogenesis, showing its nuclear translocation after mechanostimulation and its role in regulating gene expression.

Shallow Genome Sequencing for Phylogenomics of Mycorrhizal Fungi from Endangered Orchids

This study uses shallow genome sequencing to analyze phylogenetic relationships among mycorrhizal fungi associated with endangered orchids, identifying potential new species and taxonomic revisions.

Succession of physiological stages hallmarks the transcriptomic response of fungus Aspergillus niger to lignocellulose

This study identifies physiological stages in Aspergillus niger's transcriptomic response to lignocellulose substrates, showing conserved metabolic patterns and substrate-specific adaptations.

The Sequence of 1504 Mutants in the Model Rice Variety Kitaake Facilitates Rapid Functional Genomic Studies

The paper sequenced 1,504 mutant lines in the rice variety Kitaake and established a database to enable rapid functional genomic studies.