Help pioneer CRISPR genome editing in a new (and very weird) fungal organism
In the Fritz-Laylin lab, we study a fungus species called Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis (Bd). Part of a group of early diverging fungus known as chytrids, Bd has separate stages of its life cycle which alternate between a “fungus” form and an “animal” form. To do this, it contains a genetic toolkit, inherited from the common ancestor of fungi and animals, that includes many of the tools that today are used alternately by only animals or only non-chytrid fungi. In addition to studying this remarkable behavior and form, we also study Bd for insights into the evolution of these two canonical life forms, and how the inherited toolkit for cell motility and shape control has been sculpted in these two important lineages. We plan to develop genetic tools in Bd, including a CRISPR system,to modify the function of its cytoskeletal components, gaining deeper insights into how cytoskeletal genes adapt in a chytrid lifestyle. Once working, we will share tools with the wider research community to make additional insights in chytrid biology.
Our lab has made substantial contributions to understanding the evolution of motility by studying Bd. Recently, the lab was the first to accomplish genetic transformation of Bd, enabling a vast suite of molecular tools to aid in learning about chytrid gene function. CRISPR is one of the most powerful of those tools, and is broadly applicable to many areas of biological and medical research. The successful candidate will learn to engineer CRISPR and other genetic tools, deploy them in cells, measure the outcomes, and learn to interpret the results. Our lab seeks to diversity our members from many backgrounds and work together in an inclusive environment.