Lichen Evolution and Diversity Program

We explore how fungi, algae, and bacteria unite in lichens, investigating their systematics, microbiome evolution, and genomics to uncover the mysteries of these symbiotic organisms. Combining classic and cutting-edge approaches, we strive to reveal their biodiversity, ecology, and genetics.

Vision & Purpose

We study lichen biodiversity, evolution, ecology, and genetics, focusing on three main areas: systematics, microbiome evolution, and genomics.

Program/Area Summary

Lichens are symbiotic organisms made up of a fungus, a green alga and/or cyanobacterium, and other microorganisms. Found in most terrestrial ecosystems, lichens are an important nutritional strategy for fungi. Though a classic example of symbiosis, they are still poorly understood, and defining their species remains debated.

The lichen program at BRIT combines traditional methods like morphological, anatomical, and chemical analyses with advanced technologies such as multi-omics and bioinformatics. Our goal is to study the evolution and diversification of lichens, focusing on the subtribe Dictyonemateae, to better understand how the diversity of fungi, algae, and bacteria shapes our knowledge of lichens.

Short-Term Goals

Develop high-quality reference genomes for two basidiolichens.
Study cyanobacterial and fungal evolutionary relationships.
Identify and describe new lichen species, focusing on those from the Philippines and Latin America.
Promote lichen knowledge in Texas through community programs and share research and materials nationally and internationally.
Support lichen efforts by organizing the International Association for Lichenology 9th Symposium (online) and reviewing manuscripts.
Submit two NSF grant proposals to advance the Lichen Program at BRIT.

Long-Term Goals & Aspirations

Use metagenomics to study lichen symbioses, focusing on Horizontal Gene Transfer and identifying genes linked to lichenization in Basidiolichens.
Publish monographs on Brazilian and Filipino species of Dictyonemateae.
Study diversity and distribution of photobionts in pantropical cyanolichens.
Analyze microbiome evolutionary patterns in lichens using herbarium collections and fluorescence in-situ hybridization.
Support global lichen conservation, with a focus on tropical regions, Texas, and nearby areas.