Experimental evolution of stress-tolerant fungi at extreme water activityHariri Akbari, Farhad (Avtor) Gostinčar, Cene (Mentor) Gunde Cimerman, Nina (Komentor) experimental evolutionextremophilehalotolerancegenomeglyceroladaptationblack yeastsbasidiomycetemolecular mechanismsbioinformaticsThis research delves into extremotolerant fungi's responses to stress, particularly focusing on halotolerant black yeasts and a halophilic basidiomycete. After subjecting them to 12 cultivation cycles at NaCl or glycerol concentrations near their growth limits, evolved strains exhibited accelerated growth rates, driven by hundreds of identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Notably, distinct gene groups, such as voltage-gated potassium channels in Aureobasidium pullulans and hydrophobins in Wallemia ichthyophaga, were implicated in adaptation to high salinity. Optimized glycerol management was observed, crucial for osmotic pressure balance. This study contributes novel insights into fungal adaptation, highlighting the broader significance of salinity as a stressor. Leveraging bioinformatics methods, the research underscores the potential of extremotolerant fungi in various fields, including biotechnology.20252025-05-30 12:52:34Doktorsko delo/naloga169503sl