Taxonomy, Genomics and Ecology of Slime Molds and Free-Living Amoebae
This community investigates the classification, genetic structure, and ecological distribution of slime molds (myxomycetes) and related free-living amoebae. The work focuses on resolving species diversity, understanding evolutionary relationships, and characterizing these organisms in various natural habitats.
The research centers on the phylum Amoebozoa, specifically the classes Myxogastria (slime molds) and Dictyostelia. Recurring themes include molecular phylogenetics, species delimitation, and biodiversity assessments in specific environments such as forests, islands, and alpine regions. Key genera frequently studied include Physarum, Didymium, and Comatricha. Methodologies involve DNA barcoding, multigene phylogeny, and metabarcoding to detect cryptic diversity. The work also touches on the cellular biology of these organisms, including RNA processing and membrane dynamics, but the primary focus remains on their taxonomy and ecological presence rather than applied biotechnology.
The largest share of the community's output is found in praseodymium research, accounting for 4.0% of all praseodymium-related papers, though this element contributes 309 papers to the community. The community is also present in calcium, phosphorus, and carbon research, with smaller paper counts in each.
The community comprises 746 papers, published primarily in Mycologia, American Journal of Botany, and Karstenia.
Recent work continues to focus on biodiversity surveys in specific regions, such as the French Pyrenees and Kazakhstan, and includes detailed genomic characterizations of specific species like Didymium iridis. There is also ongoing research into laboratory cultivation methods for Didymium and Physarum species to support further biological study.