RAHNAMA LABORATORY

Fungal Molecular and Computational Genomics

Welcome to Rahnama Lab

We aim to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in fungal adaptation to various environments, especially during interactions with different hosts (plants, insects, and animals). To achieve our goals, we combine advanced genomics techniques, such as CRISPR, DNA/RNA-seq (Illumina and Nanopore technologies), and ChIP-seq, with computational approaches.

Currently, most of our research is focused on two critical pathogenic fungi, Pyricularia oryzae and Fusarium oxysporum, and a yeast-form fungus, Ogataea pini.

Our primary research areas are:

Chromosomal structure and dynamics on the fungal genome evolution and adaptation

For more information, please check Publications/Molecular Genetics

Molecular mechanisms involved in the emergence and distribution of new diseases

For more information, please check Publications/Population Genetics

Using fungi as natural pesticides (currently, we are optimizing Gene Silencing technology to control two pests in forestry).