This project provides partial support for the operations of the world-renowned Fungal Genetics Stock Center (FGSC). The project will support the continued maintenance, collection, improvement and distribution of genetic stocks of the genera Neurospora and Aspergillus and, to a lesser extent, of other filamentous fungi. The ready availability of over 6000 reliable genetic stocks from FGSC has markedly stimulated the use of these organisms for research in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, systematics, oncology and other related fields, as well as for educational purposes. FGSC also maintains and distributes a cosmid library of Neurospora crassa sequences and intends to do the same for Aspergillus nidulans, as well as distributing cloned genes from filamentous fungi. In addition to culture-collection activities, the FGSC prepares and publishes the Fungal Genetics Newsletter, an informal scientific communication with a circulation of 600. The Newsletter also serves as a vehicle for the publication of the FGSC catalogue of available cultures.
