Aspergillus is among the economically most important fungal genera. Aspergillus species are used in the fermentation industry for the production of various enzymes, organic acids and pharmaceutically important compounds, and in Oriental food fermentations. At the same time, Aspergilli can cause opportunistic infections, and produce a range of secondary metabolites also known as mycotoxins which are harmful to humans and animals. Due to its importance in biotechnology, medicine and foods, Aspergilli are in the forefront of studies dealing with various aspects of fungi. This is well illustrated by the fact that projects aiming at sequencing the genomes of nine species are in progress. In this book, some aspects of the biology of this genus are covered, including the biotechnological importance of Aspergilli, their role in mycotoxin contamination of food products including grapes and coffee products, and implications of biodiversity of Aspergillus populations for agriculture. Among the clinical aspects, the role of Aspergilli in eye infections, the mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance and their molecular identification in the clinical setting are covered. Several chapters deal with the genomic aspects of Aspergilli, including the genomics of pigment biosynthesis, extracellular enzyme production, aflatoxin biosynthesis and the identification of genes taking part in sexual processes. Additional chapters cover the variability and inheritance of mycoviruses in Aspergilli and multilocus approaches are given to clarify the evolutionary history of the genus. Finally, a new taxonomic classification of the various Aspergillus sections is given based on multilocus sequence data.

Genome sequencing has affected studies into the biology of all classes of organisms and this is certainly true for filamentous fungi. The level with which biological systems can be studied since the availability of genomes and post-genomic technologies is beyond what most people could have imagined previously. The fungal genera Aspergillus and Penicillium contain some species that are amongst the most widely used industrial microorganisms and others that are serious pathogens of plants, animals and humans. These genera are also at the forefront of fungal genomics with many genome sequences available and a whole genus genome sequencing project in progress for Aspergillus. This book highlights some of the changes in the studies into these fungi, since the availability of genome sequences. The contributions vary from insights in the taxonomy of these genera, use of genomics for forward genetics and genomic adaptations, to specific stories addressing virulence, carbon starvation, sulphur metabolism, feruloyl esterases, secondary metabolism and pH modulation, to the development of novel methodology for use in parallel to genome sequencing. It therefore provides a taste of the current status of research in Penicillium and Aspergillus and a promise of many more things to come. An essential reference for everyone working with Aspergillus and Penicillium and other filamentous fungi and the book is also recommended reading for everyone with an interest in fungal genomics.

With high-quality genome sequences for the important and ubiquitous Aspergilli now available, increased opportunities arise for the further understanding of its gene function, interaction, expression, and evolution. The Aspergilli: Genomics, Medical Aspects, Biotechnology, and Research Methods provides a comprehensive analysis of the researc

In this book leading Aspergillus researchers review and summarise the most important aspects of Aspergillus molecular biology and genomics. The book opens with a fascinating overview of the genus Aspergillus. This is followed by in-depth reviews of the Aspergillus molecular systematics, comparative genomics, bioinformatics and systems biology of Aspergillus, transcriptional regulation, genetics and genomics of sexual development of A. nidulans, genomics and secondary metabolism, ecology, development and gene regulation in A. flavus, functional systems biology, and novel industrial applications.

Spirochetes comprise a fascinating group of bacteria. Although diverse in terms of their habitat, ecology and infectivity for vertebrate and non-vertebrate hosts, they are often considered together because of their similar cellular morphologies. This volume brings together an international group of experts to provide essential insights into spirochete biology, with an emphasis on recent advances made possible by the availability of genome sequences. As such, it offers a valuable resource for microbiologists and other scientists with an interest in spirochete biology.

Fungi research and knowledge grew rapidly following recent advances in genetics and genomics. This book synthesizes new knowledge with existing information to stimulate new scientific questions and propel fungal scientists on to the next stages of research. This book is a comprehensive guide on fungi, environmental sensing, genetics, genomics, interactions with microbes, plants, insects, and humans, technological applications, and natural product development.