EpiGenZymo · Molecular and genetic mechanisms of antifungal resistance in Zymoseptoria tritici

Zymoseptoria tritici is a rapidly evolving fungal pathogen and one of the most serious threats to wheat production globally, including Europe. The growing emergence of resistance to antifungal compounds poses a critical challenge, with major economic and environmental consequences. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving resistance is essential to developing more effective and sustainable control strategies. Despite significant progress, major gaps remain in our knowledge of Z. tritici. The genetic basis and prevalence of hypermutator phenotypes that may accelerate adaptation remain unknown, as do the molecular mechanisms underlying transient, non-heritable resistance (epimutants). Furthermore, a functional CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system, critical for mechanistic studies, has yet to be developed for this model organism. EpiGenZymo will address these challenges through an integrated genetic, population, and computational approach. The project will: (i) develop a robust CRISPR/Cas9 system for Z. tritici, (ii) explore the impact of chromosomal rearrangements induced by CRISPR-targeted disruption of conserved transposons, (iii) investigate the genetic basis of hypermutator phenotypes using panels of environmental isolates, and (iv) characterize the epigenetic mechanisms driving transient antifungal resistance. The fellowship will be led by Dr. Lax, an expert in the development of genome-editing tools and the study of epigenetics in fungi under the supervision of Prof. Daniel Croll, a world leader in Z. tritici population genomics and the study of transposon dynamics. It will equip Dr. Lax with advanced skills and establish him as a future leader in fungal genetics and epigenetics, laying the foundation for establishing his independent research group.