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    Lichen Evolution and Diversity Program

    We explore the origins, diversification, and ecological roles of lichens, with a focus on resolving species boundaries and evolutionary relationships using integrative approaches. Combining molecular phylogenetics, metagenomics, morphology, and herbarium-based research, the program aims to uncover patterns of lichen diversity across different environments and lineages.

    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.

    Ongoing Research Projects in our Program:

    Discover and formally describe new lichen species, with a particular focus on underexplored regions such as the Philippines and Latin America.

    Advance public understanding of lichens in Texas through outreach and education, while facilitating the exchange of research and teaching materials at national and international levels.

    Investigate the molecular basis of lichen symbioses using metagenomic approaches, emphasizing Horizontal Gene Transfer, Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs), and the genetic underpinnings of lichenization in basidiolichens.

    Examine the diversity and biogeography of photobionts in pantropical cyanolichens to better understand symbiotic specificity and distribution patterns.

    Explore microbiome evolution in lichens by integrating herbarium-based analyses with fluorescence in-situ hybridization to reveal spatial and temporal patterns of microbial associations.

    Contribute to global lichen conservation efforts, with special attention to Latin America, Texas, and Southeast Asia.

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