A UPV work on the cover of Trends in Microbiology

2011/01/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Mikrobiologia

A group of biochemists from the Faculty of Chemistry of San Sebastian has published in the prestigious journal Trends in Microbiology an article that summarizes the investigations of the sporulation of the fungus Aspergillus nidulans.

There are many groups of researchers working with the fungus Aspergillus nidulans, especially to give example to other fungi of the genus Aspergillus. "This fungus is a laboratory model," says UPV biochemist Oier Etxebeste. "On the one hand, this mushroom model is widely used in the industry. This is the case of the fungus Aspergillus oryzae, used in Japan to make sacks, and another fungus with risk of contagion, Aspergillus fumigatus."

Specifically, the UPV/EHU team analyzes the factors that determine the spore production process by asexual reproduction of the fungus. This process is very complex and has been investigated not only by the UPV/EHU team but also by teams from around the world. Now, the UPV-EHU team has published in Trends in Microbiology a compilation of all these studies. In addition, the editors of the magazine have given them the cover of the December issue.

"For us it was good news, because giving the skin is a great prize. One of the papers published in this issue is the most important," explains Aitor Garzia, another scientist in the group.