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.

Our research focuses on major fungal systems including Pyricularia oryzae and different species of Fusarium, Xylaria, and Pythium to understand how pathogens evolve, adapt to new hosts, and cause emerging plant diseases.

Research Themes:

Emergence of New Plant Diseases
Studying the genomic processes that enable pathogens to jump hosts and cause epidemics.
Functional Genomics of Pathogenicity
Using CRISPR, RNA-seq, and long-read sequencing to link genome variation with fungal virulence and adaptation.
Genome Evolution in Fungal Pathogens
Understanding how chromosomal rearrangements, accessory chromosomes, and transposable elements reshape fungal genomes.
Telomere Dynamics and Genome Instability
Investigating how telomere dysfunction and subtelomeric elements drive genome plasticity and adaptation.

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