About

Teresa E. Pawlowska is a professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science, specializing in fungal evolutionary biology. Her research uses fungal-bacterial and fungal-plant associations as models to understand the evolution of symbioses. Her interests include evolutionary and population genomics, innate immunity in fungi, and fungal-bacterial interactions, with a focus on arbuscular mycorrhizae. Her current work centers on the evolution and ecology of symbiotic associations formed by fungi with bacteria, aiming to unravel the principles governing the formation and evolutionary stability of fungal-bacterial mutualisms, as well as fungal defense mechanisms in interactions with antagonistic bacteria. She investigates the role of endosymbiotic bacteria in ecological community assembly, the impact of endosymbionts on phenotypic diversity of fungi, and mechanisms of innate immunity in early divergent fungi. Additionally, she directs the NSF-funded REU summer program “Microbial Friends & Foes,” which aims to increase participation of underrepresented minorities in science. Her contributions include numerous publications on the biology of fungi and their bacterial endosymbionts, exploring molecular dialogues, genome plasticity, and the evolution of heritable endobacteria, significantly advancing understanding of fungal-microbial symbioses.

Research topics

• Genetics
• Biology
• Botany
• Ecology
• Microbiology
• Cell biology

Selected publications

• Genomic analyses of globally distributed <i>Rhizopus microsporus</i> populations indicate clinical isolates derived from environmental diversity reservoirs

  Open MIND · 2026-01-28

  dataset

  Mucormycosis is a group of diseases that is increasing in frequency. A common opportunistic human fungal pathogen in this group is <i>Rhizopus microsporus</i>, which is a globally distributed species present in soil-associated environments. A subset of isolates in this species host endobacteria that are hypothesized to influence fungal pathogenicity in both clinical and environmental settings. We have limited understanding of how clinically and environmentally derived isolates are related or how physiological attributes, including thermotolerance and endosymbiosis, are correlated with population structure. Traditional molecular barcodes used to assess intraspecific relationships, such as ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA)–based markers, do not provide species-level resolution, necessitating analyses of whole genome data. In this study, we generated novel whole genome sequencing data for six <i>R. microsporus</i> isolates and combined these data with publicly available whole genome sequences of 46 <i>R. microsporus</i> isolates. We evaluated these sequences to understand the evolutionary relationships among clinical and environmental isolates using phylogenomic and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based population genomics methods. We further studied their relationships by quantifying and comparing potential physiological differences and endosymbiont presence in a subset of 16 isolates with live cultures. We found that clinical isolates that originate from environmental settings contain higher molecular diversity than subpopulations isolated from clinical settings. We observed that environmental isolates grow faster than clinical isolates at temperatures between 22 and 37 C and that 7 of 16 (44%) contain endobacteria in the genus <i>Mycetohabitans</i> (Burkholderiales). Lastly, we observed that genome assembly size in <i>R. microsporus</i> is variable and that long-read sequencing technologies greatly enhance our ability to investigate the underlying genomic features. Our study provides a valuable backdrop for probing the basic biology and applied biomedical importance of <i>Rhizopus</i> and related fungi that cause mucormycosis.

  DOI

• Genomic analyses of globally distributed <i>Rhizopus microsporus</i> populations indicate clinical isolates derived from environmental diversity reservoirs

  Figshare · 2026-01-28

  datasetOpen access

  Mucormycosis is a group of diseases that is increasing in frequency. A common opportunistic human fungal pathogen in this group is <i>Rhizopus microsporus</i>, which is a globally distributed species present in soil-associated environments. A subset of isolates in this species host endobacteria that are hypothesized to influence fungal pathogenicity in both clinical and environmental settings. We have limited understanding of how clinically and environmentally derived isolates are related or how physiological attributes, including thermotolerance and endosymbiosis, are correlated with population structure. Traditional molecular barcodes used to assess intraspecific relationships, such as ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA)–based markers, do not provide species-level resolution, necessitating analyses of whole genome data. In this study, we generated novel whole genome sequencing data for six <i>R. microsporus</i> isolates and combined these data with publicly available whole genome sequences of 46 <i>R. microsporus</i> isolates. We evaluated these sequences to understand the evolutionary relationships among clinical and environmental isolates using phylogenomic and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based population genomics methods. We further studied their relationships by quantifying and comparing potential physiological differences and endosymbiont presence in a subset of 16 isolates with live cultures. We found that clinical isolates that originate from environmental settings contain higher molecular diversity than subpopulations isolated from clinical settings. We observed that environmental isolates grow faster than clinical isolates at temperatures between 22 and 37 C and that 7 of 16 (44%) contain endobacteria in the genus <i>Mycetohabitans</i> (Burkholderiales). Lastly, we observed that genome assembly size in <i>R. microsporus</i> is variable and that long-read sequencing technologies greatly enhance our ability to investigate the underlying genomic features. Our study provides a valuable backdrop for probing the basic biology and applied biomedical importance of <i>Rhizopus</i> and related fungi that cause mucormycosis.

  PublisherDOI

• Genomic analyses of globally distributed <i>Rhizopus microsporus</i> populations indicate clinical isolates derived from environmental diversity reservoirs

  Mycologia · 2026-01-28

  article

  and related fungi that cause mucormycosis.

  PublisherDOI

• Tomato rot by Rhizopus microsporus alters native fungal community composition and secondary metabolite production

  Frontiers in Microbiology · 2025-01-30 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  Rhizopus rot is considered one of the most common diseases influencing global production and yield of horticulture commodities. However, the factors contributing to this pattern of prevalence are uncertain. Here, we focused on R. microsporus , which is known to rely on its endosymbiotic bacterium, Mycetohabitans , to produce toxins that interfere with plant development and inhibit the growth of other fungi. We assessed the impact of the symbiotic R. microsporus harboring its endosymbiont as well as the fungus cured of it on: (1) the magnitude of spoilage in tomato fruits, as evaluated by Koch's postulate for pathogenicity, (2) the shifts in native communities of endophytic fungi inhabiting these fruits, as examined by ITS rRNA gene metabarcoding and (3) secondary metabolites generated by these communities, as analyzed using multi-analyte LC-MS/MS. The pathogenicity test showed that the symbiotic endobacterium-containing R. microsporus W2-50 was able to cause tomato fruit spoilage. This was accompanied by decreased relative abundance of Alternaria spp. and an increase in the relative abundance of Penicillium spp. that may have facilitated the observed spoilage. In conclusion, symbiotic W2-50 appeared to facilitate fruit spoilage, possibly through successful colonization or toxin production by its endosymbiont.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Commercial bioinoculants improve colonization but do not alter the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community of greenhouse-grown grapevine roots

  Environmental Microbiome · 2025-01-31 · 4 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial root symbionts contributing to improved plant growth and development and resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Commercial bioinoculants containing AMF are widely considered as an alternative to agrochemicals in vineyards. However, their effects on grapevine plants grown in soil containing native communities of AMF are still poorly understood. In a greenhouse experiment, we evaluated the influence of five different bioinoculants on the composition of native AMF communities of young Cabernet Sauvignon vines grown in a non-sterile soil. Root colonization, leaf nitrogen concentration, plant biomass and root morphology were assessed, and AMF communities of inoculated and non-inoculated grapevine roots were profiled using high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS: Contrary to our predictions, no differences in the microbiome of plants exposed to native AMF communities versus commercial AMF bioinoculants + native AMF communities were detected in roots. However, inoculation induced positive changes in root traits as well as increased AMF colonization, plant biomass, and leaf nitrogen. Most of these desirable functional traits were positively correlated with the relative abundance of operational taxonomic units identified as Glomus, Rhizophagus and Claroideoglomus genera. CONCLUSION: These results suggest synergistic interactions between commercial AMF bioinoculants and native AMF communities of roots to promote grapevine growth. Long-term studies with further genomics, metabolomics and physiological research are needed to provide a deeper understanding of the symbiotic interaction among grapevine roots, bioinoculants and natural AMF communities and their role to promote plant adaptation to current environmental concerns.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The biocontrol potential of endophyte <i>Bacillus velezensis</i> to reduce post-harvest tomato infection caused by <i>Rhizopus microsporus</i>

  Microbiology Spectrum · 2025-10-27

  articleOpen access

  ABSTRACT Rhizopus microsporus is a necrotrophic post-harvest pathogen that causes significant economic losses in the agricultural sector. To explore alternatives to conventional management strategies for the mitigation of post-harvest infections, we investigated the potential of two previously identified endophytic Bacillus velezensis strains as biological control agents. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we examined the mechanisms of biocontrol displayed by two B. velezensis strains (KV10 and KV15) against three R. microsporus strains (W2-50, W2-51, and W2-58). In vitro assays assessed co-cultivability and the inhibitory effects of B. velezensis against R. microsporus . The results demonstrated strain-specific antifungal activity with a reduction in fungal growth across treatments. Further analysis revealed that volatile organic compounds produced by B. velezensis contributed to its antifungal properties. To evaluate the biocontrol efficacy in vivo , tomato fruits were inoculated with R. microsporus and subsequently treated with B. velezensis . The results support the strain-specific reduction in tomato spoilage, yielding various spoilage rates observed across treatments. Our findings highlight the potential of B. velezensis as a promising biocontrol agent for the management of R. microsporus post-harvest infections in tomatoes. Further research is warranted to optimize the application of B. velezensis as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for controlling post-harvest diseases in tomatoes. IMPORTANCE Our study shows the significance of improving sustainable agriculture by offering an alternative to the use of chemical fungicides in post-harvest applications. Opportunistic fungal pathogens like Rhizopus microsporus can have detrimental effects on post-harvest commodities like tomatoes. Post-harvest fungal infections are mainly controlled by chemical fungicides that pose health risks to humans and the environment. Utilizing biocontrol agents provides an environmentally safe alternative. Understanding the mechanisms of biocontrol employed by beneficial bacteria like Bacillus velezensis on fungal pathogens gives insight into safer, more environmentally friendly alternatives to protect food crops. Our results suggest that targeted microbial solutions can mitigate post-harvest losses.

  PublisherDOI

• Symmetric adenine methylation is an essential DNA modification in the early-diverging fungus Rhizopus microsporus

  Nature Communications · 2025-04-24 · 7 citations

  articleOpen access

  The discovery of N6-methyladenine (6mA) in eukaryotic genomes, typically found in prokaryotic DNA, has revolutionized epigenetics. Here, we show that symmetric 6mA is essential in the early diverging fungus Rhizopus microsporus, as the absence of the MT-A70 complex (MTA1c) responsible for this modification results in a lethal phenotype. 6mA is present in 70% of the genes, correlating with the presence of H3K4me3 and H2A.Z in open euchromatic regions. This modification is found predominantly in nucleosome linker regions, influencing the nucleosome positioning around the transcription start sites of highly expressed genes. Controlled downregulation of MTA1c reduces symmetric 6mA sites affecting nucleosome positioning and histone modifications, leading to altered gene expression, which is likely the cause of the severe phenotypic changes observed. Our study highlights the indispensable role of the DNA 6mA in a multicellular organism and delineates the mechanisms through which this epigenetic mark regulates gene expression in a eukaryotic genome. Here, the authors characterize the epigenetic landscape of the human fungal pathogen Rhizopus microsporus with a focus on symmetric DNA N6-methyladenine, revealing its regulatory role in gene expression and its essentiality for viability.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Project Assessment for Biological and Environmental Research: Report from the BER Advisory Committee

  2024-05-01

  reportOpen access

  The construction, operation, and stewardship of large-scale scientific user facilities and cutting edge capabilities have been integral to the mission of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science from its earliest days. To help identify and prioritize new or upgraded facilities critical to scientific innovation over the next 10 years, the Office of Science director issued a charge to the federal advisory committees of six of its program offices in December 2023, including the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program. The charge letter (see p. ii) asked the advisory committees to: 1. Consider what new or upgraded facilities will be necessary to position the Office of Science at the forefront of scientific discovery. 2. Deliver a short letter report describing each facility in terms of two criteria: (a) the potential to contribute to world-leading science in the next decade and (b) the readiness for construction.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Symbioses between fungi and bacteria: from mechanisms to impacts on biodiversity

  Current Opinion in Microbiology · 2024-06-13 · 44 citations

  reviewOpen access1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Sequencing the Genomes of the First Terrestrial Fungal Lineages: What Have We Learned?

  Microorganisms · 2023-07-18 · 26 citations

  reviewOpen access

  The first genome sequenced of a eukaryotic organism was for Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as reported in 1996, but it was more than 10 years before any of the zygomycete fungi, which are the early-diverging terrestrial fungi currently placed in the phyla Mucoromycota and Zoopagomycota, were sequenced. The genome for Rhizopus delemar was completed in 2008; currently, more than 1000 zygomycete genomes have been sequenced. Genomic data from these early-diverging terrestrial fungi revealed deep phylogenetic separation of the two major clades—primarily plant—associated saprotrophic and mycorrhizal Mucoromycota versus the primarily mycoparasitic or animal-associated parasites and commensals in the Zoopagomycota. Genomic studies provide many valuable insights into how these fungi evolved in response to the challenges of living on land, including adaptations to sensing light and gravity, development of hyphal growth, and co-existence with the first terrestrial plants. Genome sequence data have facilitated studies of genome architecture, including a history of genome duplications and horizontal gene transfer events, distribution and organization of mating type loci, rDNA genes and transposable elements, methylation processes, and genes useful for various industrial applications. Pathogenicity genes and specialized secondary metabolites have also been detected in soil saprobes and pathogenic fungi. Novel endosymbiotic bacteria and viruses have been discovered during several zygomycete genome projects. Overall, genomic information has helped to resolve a plethora of research questions, from the placement of zygomycetes on the evolutionary tree of life and in natural ecosystems, to the applied biotechnological and medical questions.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• EAGER: Mycoplasma-related Endobacteria of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: Life History and Evolutionary Genomics

  NSF · $279k · 2014–2017

• MSB: Bacterial endosymbionts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: ecology and evolution

  NSF · $582k · 2009–2013

• Dimensions US-South Africa: Unravelling the influence of endosymbiotic bacteria on the biodiversity of Mucoromycota fungi

  NSF · $2.0M · 2020–2026

Frequent coauthors

• Stephen J. Mondo

  Joint Genome Institute

  37 shared

• Mizue Naito

  13 shared

• Joseph B. Morton

  The Royal Melbourne Hospital

  11 shared

• Paola Bonfante

  University of Turin

  10 shared

• Igor V. Grigoriev

  Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

  10 shared

• Nicholas W. VanKuren

  University of Chicago

  10 shared

• Henk C. den Bakker

  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  9 shared

• Kevin H. Toomer

  Johns Hopkins University

  9 shared

Labs

• Pawlowska LabPI

Education

• Ph.D., Plant Biology

  University of Minnesota

  1998

• M.S., Environmental Biology

  Jagiellonian University

  1988

Awards & honors

• Donald C. Burgett Distinguished Advisor Award 2018