Dr. Dickman's research interest centers on molecular genetics of phytopathogenic fungi. Primary emphasis is placed on molecular mechanisms determining virulence, signal transduction and fungal gene regulation. Present work involves development of DNA-mediated transformation systems, isolation and characterization of pathogenicity genes, regulation of their promoter elements, and understanding fungal signaling mechanics in response to plant interactions. The general aims of these studies are to elucidate, at the molecular level, how certain fungi are able to colonize specific host plants and to identify plant molecules that play a role in defense against these pathogens.