Research

The Hsueh lab is interested in a diverse range of fundamental and biologically interesting questions in our microscopic predator (fungi) -prey (worms) system. For example, we are interested in how does nematode-trapping fungus sense nematodes and develop traps? What makes the traps sticky? How does oyster mushroom paralyze the nematodes? What are the nematocidal compounds produced by Pleurotus mushrooms? How did fungal carnivorism evolve? What are signals produced by nematodes that can be recognized by fungi? How does C. elegans evolve and adapt to fungal predation? Does C. elegans learn in response to predation? We use multidisciplinary approaches to address these questions of interests. If you are interested in knowing more about the details, feel free to reach out to Ping.