Prof. Paul Dyer

Professor of Fungal Biology

Research Focus

Research uses a combination of molecular-genetic, genomic, physiological and biochemical experimental approaches to explore fundamental and applied aspects of the biology of yeasts and filamentous fungi.

This has included investigations of the evolution and importance of sexual reproduction and mating-type genes in fungal animal and plant pathogens, and lichen-forming fungi. This work aims to understand how fungi generate genetic diversity, and how an understanding of fungal sex might aid in the control of fungal diseases and help elucidate the genetic basis of resistance to antifungal drugs.Research work uses Aspergillus fumigatus as a model system.

Current work is also focusing on exploiting sexual reproduction for strain improvement of fungi used in the biotechnology and food sectors, in particular Aspergillus and Pencillium species.

Scientific Activities

Current Council member of the International Mycological Association, and member of the Aspergillus Genomics Policy Research Committee. Former Chair of the Scientific Programme, and Education and Outreach Committees of the British Mycological Society.

Significant Publications

O’Gorman CM, Fuller HT, Dyer PS (2009). Discovery of a sexual cycle in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Nature 457: 471-474.

Dyer PS, O'Gorman CM (2012). Sexual development and cryptic sexuality in fungi: insights from Aspergillus species. FEMS Microbiology Reviews 36: 165-192.

Böhm J, Hoff B, O’Gorman CM, Wolfers S, Klix V, Bingera D, Zadra I, Kürnsteiner H, Pöggeler S, Dyer PS, Kück U (2013). Sexual reproduction and mating-type–mediated strain development in the penicillin-producing fungus Penicillium chrysogenum. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 110: 1476–1481.

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Collaborators