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Wilken PM, Lane FA, Steenkamp ET, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. Unidirectional mating-type switching is underpinned by a conserved MAT1 locus architecture. Fungal Genet Biol 2024; 170:103859. [PMID: 38114017 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Unidirectional mating-type switching is a form of homothallic reproduction known only in a small number of filamentous ascomycetes. Their ascospores can give rise to either self-sterile isolates that require compatible partners for subsequent sexual reproduction, or self-fertile individuals capable of completing this process in isolation. The limited studies previously conducted in these fungi suggest that the differences in mating specificity are determined by the architecture of the MAT1 locus. In self-fertile isolates that have not undergone unidirectional mating-type switching, the locus contains both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 mating-type genes, typical of primary homothallism. In the self-sterile isolates produced after a switching event, the MAT1-2 genes are lacking from the locus, likely due to a recombination-mediated deletion of the MAT1-2 gene information. To determine whether these arrangements of the MAT1 locus support unidirectional mating-type switching in the Ceratocystidaceae, the largest known fungal assemblage capable of this reproduction strategy, a combination of genetic and genomic approaches were used. The MAT1 locus was annotated in representative species of Ceratocystis, Endoconidiophora, and Davidsoniella. In all cases, MAT1-2 genes interrupted the MAT1-1-1 gene in self-fertile isolates. The MAT1-2 genes were flanked by two copies of a direct repeat that accurately predicted the boundaries of the deletion event that would yield the MAT1 locus of self-sterile isolates. Although the relative position of the MAT1-2 gene region differed among species, it always disrupted the MAT1-1-1 gene and/or its expression in the self-fertile MAT1 locus. Following switching, this gene and/or its expression was restored in the self-sterile arrangement of the locus. This mirrors what has been reported in other species capable of unidirectional mating-type switching, providing the strongest support for a conserved MAT1 locus structure that is associated with this process. This study contributes to our understanding of the evolution of unidirectional mating-type switching.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Markus Wilken
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.
| | - Frances A Lane
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Emma T Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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Pham NQ, Duong TA, Wingfield BD, Barnes I, Durán A, Wingfield MJ. Characterisation of the mating-type loci in species of Elsinoe causing scab diseases. Fungal Biol 2023; 127:1484-1490. [PMID: 38097322 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The genus Elsinoe includes many aggressive plant pathogens that infect various economically important agricultural, horticultural and forestry plants. Significant diseases include citrus scab caused by E. fawcettii and E. australis, grapevine spot anthracnose by E. ampelina, and the emerging Eucalyptus scab and shoot malformation disease caused by the recently described E. necatrix. Despite their importance as plant pathogens, little is known regarding the biology of many Elsinoe spp. To gain insights into the reproductive biology of these fungi, we characterized the mating-type loci of seven species using whole genome sequence data. Results showed that the MAT1 locus organization and its flanking genes is relatively conserved in most cases. All seven species manifested a typical heterothallic mating system characterized by having either the MAT1-1 or MAT1-2 idiomorph present in an isolate. These idiomorphs were defined by the MAT1-1-1 or the MAT1-2-1 gene, respectively. A unique MAT1-1 idiomorph containing a truncated MAT1-2-1 gene, and a MAT1-1-1 gene, was identified in E. necatrix and E. fawcettii genomes. Additionally, two idiomorph-specific proteins were found in the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs of E. australis. Universal mating-type markers confirmed heterothallism across 21 Elsinoe spp., are poised to advance future studies regarding the biology of these fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Q Pham
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - T A Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - B D Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - I Barnes
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - A Durán
- Plant Health Program, Research and Development, Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd. (APRIL), Pangkalan Kerinci, 28300, Riau, Indonesia
| | - M J Wingfield
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
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Wang YW, McKeon MC, Elmore H, Hess J, Golan J, Gage H, Mao W, Harrow L, Gonçalves SC, Hull CM, Pringle A. Invasive Californian death caps develop mushrooms unisexually and bisexually. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6560. [PMID: 37875491 PMCID: PMC10598064 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42317-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Canonical sexual reproduction among basidiomycete fungi involves the fusion of two haploid individuals of different mating types, resulting in a heterokaryotic mycelial body made up of genetically different nuclei. Using population genomics data and experiments, we discover mushrooms of the invasive and deadly Amanita phalloides can also be homokaryotic; evidence of sexual reproduction by single, unmated individuals. In California, genotypes of homokaryotic mushrooms are also found in heterokaryotic mushrooms, implying nuclei of homokaryotic mycelia are also involved in outcrossing. We find death cap mating is controlled by a single mating type locus, but the development of homokaryotic mushrooms appears to bypass mating type gene control. Ultimately, sporulation is enabled by nuclei able to reproduce alone as well as with others, and nuclei competent for both unisexuality and bisexuality have persisted in invaded habitats for at least 17 but potentially as long as 30 years. The diverse reproductive strategies of invasive death caps are likely facilitating its rapid spread, suggesting a profound similarity between plant, animal and fungal invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Wen Wang
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Megan C McKeon
- Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Jacob Golan
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Hunter Gage
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William Mao
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lynn Harrow
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Susana C Gonçalves
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Christina M Hull
- Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anne Pringle
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Wilson AM, Coetzee MPA, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. Needles in fungal haystacks: Discovery of a putative a-factor pheromone and a unique mating strategy in the Leotiomycetes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292619. [PMID: 37824487 PMCID: PMC10569646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Leotiomycetes is a hugely diverse group of fungi, accommodating a wide variety of important plant and animal pathogens, ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, as well as producers of antibiotics. Despite their importance, the genetics of these fungi remain relatively understudied, particularly as they don't include model taxa. For example, sexual reproduction and the genetic mechanisms that underly this process are poorly understood in the Leotiomycetes. We exploited publicly available genomic and transcriptomic resources to identify genes of the mating-type locus and pheromone response pathway in an effort to characterize the mating strategies and behaviors of 124 Leotiomycete species. Our analyses identified a putative a-factor mating pheromone in these species. This significant finding represents the first identification of this gene in Pezizomycotina species outside of the Sordariomycetes. A unique mating strategy was also discovered in Lachnellula species that appear to have lost the need for the primary MAT1-1-1 protein. Ancestral state reconstruction enabled the identification of numerous transitions between homothallism and heterothallism in the Leotiomycetes and suggests a heterothallic ancestor for this group. This comprehensive catalog of mating-related genes from such a large group of fungi provides a rich resource from which in-depth, functional studies can be conducted in these economically and ecologically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi M. Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martin P. A. Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael J. Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Brenda D. Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Yao L, Kong Y, Yang W, Tian H, Meng X, Zhao X, Zhang R, Sun G, Rollins JA, Liang X. Two Putative Pheromone Receptors, but Not Their Cognate Pheromones, Regulate Female Fertility in the Atypical Mating Fungus Colletotrichum fructicola. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2023; 113:1934-1945. [PMID: 37141175 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-11-22-0436-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Colletotrichum fungi are a group of damaging phytopathogens with atypical mating type loci (harboring only MAT1-2-1 but not MAT1-1-1) and complex sexual behaviors. Sex pheromones and their cognate G-protein-coupled receptors are conserved regulators of fungal mating. These genes, however, lose function frequently among Colletotrichum species, indicating a possibility that pheromone signaling is dispensable for Colletotrichum sexual reproduction. We have identified two putative pheromone-receptor pairs (PPG1:PRE2, PPG2:PRE1) in C. fructicola, a species that exhibits plus-to-minus mating type switching and plus-minus-mediated mating line development. Here, we report the generation and characterization of gene-deletion mutants for all four genes in both plus and minus strain backgrounds. Single-gene deletion of pre1 or pre2 had no effect on sexual development, whereas their double deletion caused self-sterility in both the plus and minus strains. Moreover, double deletion of pre1 and pre2 caused female sterility in plus-minus outcrossing. Double deletion of pre1 and pre2, however, did not inhibit perithecial differentiation or plus-minus-mediated enhancement of perithecial differentiation. Contrary to the results with pre1 and pre2, double deletion of ppg1 and ppg2 had no effect on sexual compatibility, development, or fecundity. We concluded that pre1 and pre2 coordinately regulate C. fructicola mating by recognizing novel signal molecule(s) distinct from canonical Ascomycota pheromones. The contrasting importance between pheromone receptors and their cognate pheromones highlights the complicated nature of sex regulation in Colletotrichum fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wenrui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Huanhuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiangchen Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xuemei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guangyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jeffrey A Rollins
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Xiaofei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
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Lo Y, Bruxaux J, Rodríguez de la Vega RC, O'Donnell S, Snirc A, Coton M, Le Piver M, Le Prieur S, Roueyre D, Dupont J, Houbraken J, Debuchy R, Ropars J, Giraud T, Branca A. Domestication in dry-cured meat Penicillium fungi: Convergent specific phenotypes and horizontal gene transfers without strong genetic subdivision. Evol Appl 2023; 16:1637-1660. [PMID: 37752962 PMCID: PMC10519415 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Some fungi have been domesticated for food production, with genetic differentiation between populations from food and wild environments, and food populations often acquiring beneficial traits through horizontal gene transfers (HGTs). Studying their adaptation to human-made substrates is of fundamental and applied importance for understanding adaptation processes and for further strain improvement. We studied here the population structures and phenotypes of two distantly related Penicillium species used for dry-cured meat production, P. nalgiovense, the most common species in the dry-cured meat food industry, and P. salamii, used locally by farms. Both species displayed low genetic diversity, lacking differentiation between strains isolated from dry-cured meat and those from other environments. Nevertheless, the strains collected from dry-cured meat within each species displayed slower proteolysis and lipolysis than their wild conspecifics, and those of P. nalgiovense were whiter. Phenotypically, the non-dry-cured meat strains were more similar to their sister species than to their conspecific dry-cured meat strains, indicating an evolution of specific phenotypes in dry-cured meat strains. A comparison of available Penicillium genomes from various environments revealed HGTs, particularly between P. nalgiovense and P. salamii (representing almost 1.5 Mb of cumulative length). HGTs additionally involved P. biforme, also found in dry-cured meat products. We further detected positive selection based on amino acid changes. Our findings suggest that selection by humans has shaped the P. salamii and P. nalgiovense populations used for dry-cured meat production, which constitutes domestication. Several genetic and phenotypic changes were similar in P. salamii, P. nalgiovense and P. biforme, indicating convergent adaptation to the same human-made environment. Our findings have implications for fundamental knowledge on adaptation and for the food industry: the discovery of different phenotypes and of two mating types paves the way for strain improvement by conventional breeding, to elucidate the genomic bases of beneficial phenotypes and to generate diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying‐Chu Lo
- IDEEV – Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, AgroParisTechUniversité Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Jade Bruxaux
- IDEEV – Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, AgroParisTechUniversité Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
- Department of Ecology and Environmental ScienceUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | | | - Samuel O'Donnell
- IDEEV – Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, AgroParisTechUniversité Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Alodie Snirc
- IDEEV – Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, AgroParisTechUniversité Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Monika Coton
- Univ Brest, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Ecologie MicrobiennePlouzanéFrance
| | - Mélanie Le Piver
- Laboratoire Interprofessionnel de Production – SAS L.I.PAurillacFrance
| | - Stéphanie Le Prieur
- IDEEV – Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, AgroParisTechUniversité Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Daniel Roueyre
- Laboratoire Interprofessionnel de Production – SAS L.I.PAurillacFrance
| | - Joëlle Dupont
- Origine, Structure, Evolution de la Biodiversité, UMR 7205 CNRS‐MNHN, Muséum National d'Histoire NaturelleParis Cedex 05France
| | - Jos Houbraken
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity InstituteUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Robert Debuchy
- Université Paris‐Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC)Gif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Jeanne Ropars
- IDEEV – Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, AgroParisTechUniversité Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Tatiana Giraud
- IDEEV – Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, AgroParisTechUniversité Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Antoine Branca
- IDEEV – Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, AgroParisTechUniversité Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
- IDEEV – Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes Comportement, EcologieCNRS Université Paris Saclay UMR 9191, IRD UMR 247Gif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
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Wang D, Guan F, Feng C, Mathivanan K, Zhang R, Sand W. Review on Microbially Influenced Concrete Corrosion. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2076. [PMID: 37630635 PMCID: PMC10458460 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbially influenced concrete corrosion (MICC) causes substantial financial losses to modern societies. Concrete corrosion with various environmental factors has been studied extensively over several decades. With the enhancement of public awareness on the environmental and economic impacts of microbial corrosion, MICC draws increasingly public attention. In this review, the roles of various microbial communities on MICC and corresponding protective measures against MICC are described. Also, the current status and research methodology of MICC are discussed. Thus, this review aims at providing insight into MICC and its mechanisms as well as the development of protection possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Corrosion and Bio-Fouling, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (D.W.); (F.G.); (K.M.)
- School of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China;
| | - Fang Guan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Corrosion and Bio-Fouling, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (D.W.); (F.G.); (K.M.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Institute of Marine Corrosion Protection, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Chao Feng
- School of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266033, China;
| | - Krishnamurthy Mathivanan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Corrosion and Bio-Fouling, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (D.W.); (F.G.); (K.M.)
| | - Ruiyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Corrosion and Bio-Fouling, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (D.W.); (F.G.); (K.M.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Institute of Marine Corrosion Protection, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning 530007, China
| | - Wolfgang Sand
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Corrosion and Bio-Fouling, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (D.W.); (F.G.); (K.M.)
- Aquatic Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
- Institute of Biosciences, Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
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Wilson AM, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. Structure and number of mating pheromone genes is closely linked to sexual reproductive strategy in Huntiella. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:261. [PMID: 37179314 PMCID: PMC10182648 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09355-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntiella resides in the Ceratocystidaceae, a family of fungi that accommodates important plant pathogens and insect-associated saprotrophs. Species in the genus have either heterothallic or unisexual (a form of homothallism) mating systems, providing an opportunity to investigate the genetic mechanisms that enable transitions between reproductive strategies in related species. Two newly sequenced Huntiella genomes are introduced in this study and comparative genomics and transcriptomics tools are used to investigate the differences between heterothallism and unisexuality across the genus. RESULTS Heterothallic species harbored up to seven copies of the a-factor pheromone, each of which possessed numerous mature peptide repeats. In comparison, unisexual Huntiella species had only two or three copies of this gene, each with fewer repeats. Similarly, while the heterothallic species expressed up to 12 copies of the mature α-factor pheromone, unisexual species had up to six copies. These significant differences imply that unisexual Huntiella species do not rely on a mating partner recognition system in the same way that heterothallic fungi do. CONCLUSION While it is suspected that mating type-independent pheromone expression is the mechanism allowing for unisexual reproduction in Huntiella species, our results suggest that the transition to unisexuality may also have been associated with changes in the genes governing the pheromone pathway. While these results are specifically related to Huntiella, they provide clues leading to a better understanding of sexual reproduction and the fluidity of mating strategies in fungi more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi M Wilson
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
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9
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Shekarriz E, Chen J, Xu Z, Liu H. Disentangling the Functional Role of Fungi in Cold Seep Sediment. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0197822. [PMID: 36912690 PMCID: PMC10100914 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01978-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cold seeps are biological oases of the deep sea fueled by methane, sulfates, nitrates, and other inorganic sources of energy. Chemolithoautotrophic bacteria and archaea dominate seep sediment, and their diversity and biogeochemical functions are well established. Fungi are likewise diverse, metabolically versatile, and known for their ability to capture and oxidize methane. Still, no study has ever explored the functional role of the mycobiota in the cold seep biome. To assess the complex role of fungi and fill in the gaps, we performed network analysis on 147 samples to disentangle fungal-prokaryotic interactions (fungal 18S and prokaryotic 16S) in the Haima cold seep region. We demonstrated that fungi are central species with high connectivity at the epicenter of prokaryotic networks, reduce their random-attack vulnerability by 60%, and enhance information transfer efficiency by 15%. We then scavenged a global metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data set from 10 cold seep regions for fungal genes of interest (hydrophobins, cytochrome P450s, and ligninolytic family of enzymes); this is the first study to report active transcription of 2,500+ fungal genes in the cold seep sediment. The genera Fusarium and Moniliella were of notable importance and directly correlated with high methane abundance in the sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ), likely due to their ability to degrade and solubilize methane and oils. Overall, our results highlight the essential yet overlooked contribution of fungi to cold seep biological networks and the role of fungi in regulating cold seep biogeochemistry. IMPORTANCE The challenges we face when analyzing eukaryotic metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data sets have hindered our understanding of cold seep fungi and microbial eukaryotes. This fact does not make the mycobiota any less critical in mediating cold seep biogeochemistry. On the contrary, many fungal genera can oxidize and solubilize methane, produce methane, and play a unique role in nutrient recycling via saprotrophic enzymatic activity. In this study, we used network analysis to uncover key fungal-prokaryotic interactions that can mediate methane biogeochemistry and metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to report that fungi are transcriptionally active in the cold seep sediment. With concerns over rising methane levels and cold seeps being a pivotal source of global methane input, our holistic understanding of methane biogeochemistry with all domains of life is essential. We ultimately encourage scientists to utilize state-of-the-art tools and multifaceted approaches to uncover the role of microeukaryotic organisms in understudied systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Shekarriz
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhimeng Xu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Ocean Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Branch of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
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10
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Wang YW, McKeon MC, Elmore H, Hess J, Golan J, Gage H, Mao W, Harrow L, Gon ßalves SC, Hull CM, Pringle A. Invasive Californian death caps develop mushrooms unisexually and bisexually. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.30.525609. [PMID: 36778337 PMCID: PMC9915504 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.30.525609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Canonical sexual reproduction among basidiomycete fungi involves the fusion of two haploid individuals of different sexes, resulting in a heterokaryotic mycelial body made up of genetically different nuclei 1 . Using population genomics data, we discovered mushrooms of the deadly invasive Amanita phalloides are also homokaryotic, evidence of sexual reproduction by single individuals. In California, genotypes of homokaryotic mushrooms are also found in heterokaryotic mushrooms, implying nuclei of homokaryotic mycelia also promote outcrossing. We discovered death cap mating is controlled by a single mating-type locus ( A. phalloides is bipolar), but the development of homokaryotic mushrooms appears to bypass mating-type gene control. Ultimately, sporulation is enabled by nuclei able to reproduce alone as well as with others, and nuclei competent for both unisexuality and bisexuality have persisted in invaded habitats for at least 17 but potentially as long as 30 years. The diverse reproductive strategies of invasive death caps are likely facilitating its rapid spread, revealing a profound similarity between plant, animal and fungal invasions 2,3 .
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11
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Wilson AM, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. Truncation of MAT1-2-7 Deregulates Developmental Pathways Associated with Sexual Reproduction in Huntiella omanensis. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0142522. [PMID: 36154282 PMCID: PMC9602353 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01425-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 genes are thought to be the master regulators of sexual development in most ascomycete fungi, and they are often essential for this process. In contrast, it has been suggested that the secondary mating-type genes act to calibrate the sexual cycle and can be dispensable. Recent functional characterization of genes such as Aspergillus fumigatus MAT1-2-4, Huntiella omanensis MAT1-2-7, and Botrytis cinerea MAT1-1-5 has, however, shown that these secondary genes may play more central roles in the sexual pathway and are essential for the production of mature fruiting structures. We used a comparative transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) experiment to show that the truncation of MAT1-2-7 in the wood inhabiting H. omanensis residing in the Ceratocystidaceae is associated with the differential expression of approximately 25% of all the genes present in the genome, including the transcriptional regulators ste12, wc-2, sub1, VeA, HMG8, and pro1. This suggests that MAT1-2-7 may act as a transcription factor and that ΔMAT1-2-7 mutant sterility is the result of layered deregulation of a variety of signaling and developmental pathways. This study is one of only a few that details the functional characterization of a secondary MAT gene in a nonmodel species. Given that this gene is present in other Ceratocystidaceae species and that there are diverse secondary MAT genes present throughout the Pezizomycotina, further investigation into this gene and others like it will provide a clearer understanding of sexual development in these eukaryotes. IMPORTANCE Secondary mating-type genes are being described almost as quickly as new fungal genomes are being sequenced. Understanding the functions of these genes has lagged behind their description, in part due to limited taxonomic distribution, lack of conserved functional domains, and difficulties with regard to genetic manipulation protocols. This study aimed to address this by investigating a novel mating-type gene, MAT1-2-7, for which two independent mutant strains were generated in a previous study. We characterized the molecular response to the truncation of this gene in a nonmodel, wood-infecting fungus and showed that it resulted in widespread differential expression throughout the transcriptome of this fungus. This suggests that secondary MAT genes may play a more important role than previously thought. This study also emphasizes the need for further research into the life cycles of nonmodel fungi, which often exhibit unique features that are very different from the systems understood from model species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Wilson
- Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - M. J. Wingfield
- Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - B. D. Wingfield
- Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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12
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Passer AR, Clancey SA, Shea T, David-Palma M, Averette AF, Boekhout T, Porcel BM, Nowrousian M, Cuomo CA, Sun S, Heitman J, Coelho MA. Obligate sexual reproduction of a homothallic fungus closely related to the Cryptococcus pathogenic species complex. eLife 2022; 11:e79114. [PMID: 35713948 PMCID: PMC9296135 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi are enigmatic organisms that flourish in soil, on decaying plants, or during infection of animals or plants. Growing in myriad forms, from single-celled yeast to multicellular molds and mushrooms, fungi have also evolved a variety of strategies to reproduce. Normally, fungi reproduce in one of two ways: either they reproduce asexually, with one individual producing a new individual identical to itself, or they reproduce sexually, with two individuals of different 'mating types' contributing to produce a new individual. However, individuals of some species exhibit 'homothallism' or self-fertility: these individuals can produce reproductive cells that are universally compatible, and therefore can reproduce sexually with themselves or with any other cell in the population. Homothallism has evolved multiple times throughout the fungal kingdom, suggesting it confers advantage when population numbers are low or mates are hard to find. Yet some homothallic fungi been overlooked compared to heterothallic species, whose mating types have been well characterised. Understanding the genetic basis of homothallism and how it evolved in different species can provide insights into pathogenic species that cause fungal disease. With that in mind, Passer, Clancey et al. explored the genetic basis of homothallism in Cryptococcus depauperatus, a close relative of C. neoformans, a species that causes fungal infections in humans. A combination of genetic sequencing techniques and experiments were applied to analyse, compare, and manipulate C. depauperatus' genome to see how this species evolved self-fertility. Passer, Clancey et al. showed that C. depauperatus evolved the ability to reproduce sexually by itself via a unique evolutionary pathway. The result is a form of homothallism never reported in fungi before. C. depauperatus lost some of the genes that control mating in other species of fungi, and acquired genes from the opposing mating types of a heterothallic ancestor to become self-fertile. Passer, Clancey et al. also found that, unlike other Cryptococcus species that switch between asexual and sexual reproduction, C. depauperatus grows only as long, branching filaments called hyphae, a sexual form. The species reproduces sexually with itself throughout its life cycle and is unable to produce a yeast (asexual) form, in contrast to other closely related species. This work offers new insights into how different modes of sexual reproduction have evolved in fungi. It also provides another interesting case of how genome plasticity and evolutionary pressures can produce similar outcomes, homothallism, via different evolutionary paths. Lastly, assembling the complete genome of C. depauperatus will foster comparative studies between pathogenic and non-pathogenic Cryptococcus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Ryan Passer
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Shelly Applen Clancey
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Terrance Shea
- Broad Institute of MIT and HarvardCambridgeUnited States
| | - Márcia David-Palma
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Anna Floyd Averette
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Teun Boekhout
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity InstituteUtrechtNetherlands
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Betina M Porcel
- Génomique Métabolique, CNRS, University Evry, Université Paris-SaclayEvryFrance
| | - Minou Nowrousian
- Lehrstuhl für Molekulare und Zelluläre Botanik, Ruhr-Universität BochumBochumGermany
| | | | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
| | - Marco A Coelho
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical CenterDurhamUnited States
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Wingfield BD, De Vos L, Wilson AM, Duong TA, Vaghefi N, Botes A, Kharwar RN, Chand R, Poudel B, Aliyu H, Barbetti MJ, Chen S, de Maayer P, Liu F, Navathe S, Sinha S, Steenkamp ET, Suzuki H, Tshisekedi KA, van der Nest MA, Wingfield MJ. IMA Genome - F16 : Draft genome assemblies of Fusarium marasasianum, Huntiella abstrusa, two Immersiporthe knoxdaviesiana isolates, Macrophomina pseudophaseolina, Macrophomina phaseolina, Naganishia randhawae, and Pseudocercospora cruenta. IMA Fungus 2022; 13:3. [PMID: 35197126 PMCID: PMC8867778 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-022-00089-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda D Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Lieschen De Vos
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Andi M Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Tuan A Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Niloofar Vaghefi
- Centre for Crop Health, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
| | - Angela Botes
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ravindra Nath Kharwar
- Center of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ramesh Chand
- Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Barsha Poudel
- Centre for Crop Health, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
| | - Habibu Aliyu
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Martin J Barbetti
- School of Agriculture and Environment and the UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - ShuaiFei Chen
- China Eucalypt Research Centre, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Pieter de Maayer
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - FeiFei Liu
- China Eucalypt Research Centre, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China
| | | | - Shagun Sinha
- Center of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
- Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Emma T Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Kalonji A Tshisekedi
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Magriet A van der Nest
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
- Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
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14
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Wilson AM, Wilken PM, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. Genetic Networks That Govern Sexual Reproduction in the Pezizomycotina. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2021; 85:e0002021. [PMID: 34585983 PMCID: PMC8485983 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00020-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual development in filamentous fungi is a complex process that relies on the precise control of and interaction between a variety of genetic networks and pathways. The mating-type (MAT) genes are the master regulators of this process and typically act as transcription factors, which control the expression of genes involved at all stages of the sexual cycle. In many fungi, the sexual cycle typically begins when the mating pheromones of one mating type are recognized by a compatible partner, followed by physical interaction and fertilization. Subsequently, highly specialized sexual structures are formed, within which the sexual spores develop after rounds of meiosis and mitosis. These spores are then released and germinate, forming new individuals that initiate new cycles of growth. This review provides an overview of the known genetic networks and pathways that are involved in each major stage of the sexual cycle in filamentous ascomycete fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi M. Wilson
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - P. Markus Wilken
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Michael J. Wingfield
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Brenda D. Wingfield
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
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15
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Gabriel R, Mueller R, Floerl L, Hopson C, Harth S, Schuerg T, Fleissner A, Singer SW. CAZymes from the thermophilic fungus Thermoascus aurantiacus are induced by C5 and C6 sugars. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2021; 14:169. [PMID: 34384463 PMCID: PMC8359064 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-021-02018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Filamentous fungi are excellent lignocellulose degraders, which they achieve through producing carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes). CAZyme production is highly orchestrated and gene expression analysis has greatly expanded understanding of this important biotechnological process. The thermophilic fungus Thermoascus aurantiacus secretes highly active thermostable enzymes that enable saccharifications at higher temperatures; however, the genome-wide measurements of gene expression in response to CAZyme induction are not understood. RESULTS A fed-batch system with plant biomass-derived sugars D-xylose, L-arabinose and cellobiose established that these sugars induce CAZyme expression in T. aurantiacus. The C5 sugars induced both cellulases and hemicellulases, while cellobiose specifically induced cellulases. A minimal medium formulation was developed to enable gene expression studies of T. aurantiacus with these inducers. It was found that d-xylose and L-arabinose strongly induced a wide variety of CAZymes, auxiliary activity (AA) enzymes and carbohydrate esterases (CEs), while cellobiose facilitated lower expression of mostly cellulase genes. Furthermore, putative orthologues of different unfolded protein response genes were up-regulated during the C5 sugar feeding together with genes in the C5 sugar assimilation pathways. CONCLUSION This work has identified two additional CAZyme inducers for T. aurantiacus, L-arabinose and cellobiose, along with D-xylose. A combination of biochemical assays and RNA-seq measurements established that C5 sugars induce a suite of cellulases and hemicellulases, providing paths to produce broad spectrum thermotolerant enzymatic mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Gabriel
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 9720, USA
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
- Institut Für Genetik, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstr. 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rebecca Mueller
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 9720, USA
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
- Institut Für Genetik, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstr. 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Lena Floerl
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 9720, USA
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory of Food Systems Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cynthia Hopson
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 9720, USA
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials, Faculty of Chemistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Simon Harth
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 9720, USA
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
- Frankfurt Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Timo Schuerg
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 9720, USA
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA
| | - Andre Fleissner
- Institut Für Genetik, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstr. 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Rebenring 56, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Steven W Singer
- Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 9720, USA.
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, 94608, USA.
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16
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Abstract
True morels (Morchella spp., Morchellaceae, Ascomycota) are widely regarded as a highly prized delicacy and are of great economic and scientific value. Recently, the rapid development of cultivation technology and expansion of areas for artificial morel cultivation have propelled morel research into a hot topic. Many studies have been conducted in various aspects of morel biology, but despite this, cultivation sites still frequently report failure to fruit or only low production of fruiting bodies. Key problems include the gap between cultivation practices and basic knowledge of morel biology. In this review, in an effort to highlight the mating systems, evolution, and life cycle of morels, we summarize the current state of knowledge of morel sexual reproduction, the structure and evolution of mating-type genes, the sexual process itself, and the influence of mating-type genes on the asexual stages and conidium production. Understanding of these processes is critical for improving technology for the cultivation of morels and for scaling up their commercial production. Morel species may well be good candidates as model species for improving sexual development research in ascomycetes in the future.
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