The Bradshaw lab primarily focuses on genomic analysis of plant pathogenic fungi, particularly those that are unculturable. Working with these fungi presents unique challenges due to the limited availability of DNA, which is often contaminated with DNA from other fungi. A key aspect of our research is understanding the evolutionary history and adaptation mechanisms of these pathogens. By studying the full genomes of plant pathogens, we gain valuable insights into the evolutionary patterns of plant-pathogen interactions.

Our research employs genomic tools to explore alignments, variations, and the distribution of repetitive elements and genes in these fungi. This work is crucial for unraveling the genetic basis of host specificity and pathogen adaptation. We are particularly interested in the impact of transposable elements (TEs) on structural variation and nearby sequence changes. By comparing different species, we aim to identify species-specific genomic regions that drive evolutionary adaptations.We also examine the expansion of gene families, including AVR effectors associated with virulence, and assess any changes in the set of predicted genes in each genome. This includes testing for signs of neutral, negative, or positive selection in changes to protein-coding genes.

Furthermore, we conduct comparative transcriptomics to identify genes linked to virulence, including evaluating known virulence genes from other powdery mildew systems for expression differences. This approach is key to elucidating the genetic mechanisms that underlie pathogen virulence, enhancing our understanding of these complex biological interactions.