Linnea Sandell, Adrian Forsythe, Anna Mirandola, Samuel Jorayev, Andrew S Urquhart, Alexandra Granger Farbos, Sven J Saupe, Aaron A Vogan
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The genomic diversity of many fungal species is augmented by accessory chromosomes, which are variably present in individual strains. These genomic regions evolve rapidly, accumulating genes important in pathogenicity but also harbor a significant number of transposable elements (TEs). This duality suggests a trade-off: accessory chromosomes provide infection-related benefits while otherwise being deleterious due to their highly repetitive nature and contributions to genomic instability. Despite this, accessory chromosomes often appear to be stably maintained even when strains are grown on media, with no plant host. Previously, we had observed that genes homologous to meiotic drive toxin/antidote proteins from Podospora anserina (Spoks) are abundant on accessory chromosomes in various Fusarium species. Using a functionality screen in yeast, we demonstrate that some of these homologs have active toxin and antidote properties. We propose that these selfish genes could maintain accessory chromosomes during vegetative growth and may influence their spread via parasexual cycles. Finally, as Spok genes are found on the newly described TE superfamily Starships, we also present a model for how these TEs could play a role in forming accessory chromosomes and regions. These results illuminate a mysterious facet of fungal biology, a key step towards describing the origin, spread, and maintenance of pathogenicity in many fungal species.
期刊介绍：
GENETICS is published by the Genetics Society of America, a scholarly society that seeks to deepen our understanding of the living world by advancing our understanding of genetics. Since 1916, GENETICS has published high-quality, original research presenting novel findings bearing on genetics and genomics. The journal publishes empirical studies of organisms ranging from microbes to humans, as well as theoretical work.
While it has an illustrious history, GENETICS has changed along with the communities it serves: it is not your mentor''s journal.
The editors make decisions quickly – in around 30 days – without sacrificing the excellence and scholarship for which the journal has long been known. GENETICS is a peer reviewed, peer-edited journal, with an international reach and increasing visibility and impact. All editorial decisions are made through collaboration of at least two editors who are practicing scientists.
GENETICS is constantly innovating: expanded types of content include Reviews, Commentary (current issues of interest to geneticists), Perspectives (historical), Primers (to introduce primary literature into the classroom), Toolbox Reviews, plus YeastBook, FlyBook, and WormBook (coming spring 2016). For particularly time-sensitive results, we publish Communications. As part of our mission to serve our communities, we''ve published thematic collections, including Genomic Selection, Multiparental Populations, Mouse Collaborative Cross, and the Genetics of Sex.
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