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FunGene-DB: a web-based tool for Polyporales strains authentication
David Navarro1, Anne Favel, Olivier Chabrol
1INRA, UMR 1163 Biotechnologie des Champignons Filamenteux ESIL, 163 avenue de Luminy, CP 925, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France. david.navarro@univ-amu.fr
Journal of Biotechnology
|July 7, 2012
Summary
A new bioinformatics tool, FunGene-DB, aids in identifying wood-decaying fungi (Polyporales). This database helps researchers accurately authenticate fungal strains and fruit-bodies using DNA sequences, simplifying mycological identification.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Bioinformatics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Polyporales are crucial wood-decaying fungi with diverse biotechnological and medicinal applications.
- Accurate identification of fungal strains is essential for research and industrial applications.
- Morphological identification can be challenging and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an accessible bioinformatics tool for the molecular authentication of Polyporales.
- To provide a user-friendly platform for identifying fungal strains and fruit-bodies.
Main Methods:
- Development of FunGene-DB, a web-accessible database.
- Curated database of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA gene sequences from the International Nucleotide Sequence Database (INSD).
- Inclusion of the BLASTn program for similarity searches and semi-automated data screening.
Main Results:
- FunGene-DB compiles 2379 accepted sequences, with 386 selected as reference sequences.
- The database is restricted to one reference sequence per species or species complex for unambiguous analysis.
- The tool facilitates molecular authentication of Polyporales.
Conclusions:
- FunGene-DB is a valuable and promising tool for the molecular authentication of Polyporales.
- It is particularly useful for non-expert mycologists needing to verify fungal strain identities.
- The tool supports applications in culture collections and applied microbiology.
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