Mycology at the Institute of Microbiology,Russian Academy of Sciences: History and Prospects for the Future

This review deals with the historical development of mycology at the Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Russian Academy of Sciences. Starting from the works of Academician G.A. Nadson, the review considers from the historical perspective the main achievements of the researchers of the institute in the field of mycology, including such important subfields as the cytology, genetics, physiology, and biochemistry of mycelial fungi and yeast. The review concerns itself with the major theoretical ideas generated by the team of the Laboratory of Experimental Mycology in the course of their studies of micro- and macromycetes. Special attention is also given to recent developments in biotechnology and medicine, including the development of new drug preparations from biologically active substances of fungi.