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08:48
Bio-energetics Investigation of Candida albicans Using Real-time Extracellular Flux Analysis
Published on: March 19, 2019
Mitochondrial haplotypes and recombination in Candida albicans
Mette D Jacobsen1, Alexander M J Rattray, Neil A R Gow
1School of Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK.
Medical Mycology
|July 9, 2008
Summary
Genetic recombination occurs in Candida albicans, a common fungus. Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed significant evidence of recombination, suggesting caution when using mitochondrial haplotypes for fungal phylogenetic studies.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Candida albicans is a prevalent fungus, acting as both a commensal organism and an opportunistic pathogen.
- While typically reproducing asexually, evidence suggests genetic recombination and sexual reproduction occur in C. albicans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of genetic recombination within the mitochondrial genome of Candida albicans.
- To assess the utility of mitochondrial haplotypes in understanding C. albicans population structure and phylogeny.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of seven mitochondrial genome regions in 36 C. albicans strains.
- Construction of mitochondrial haplotypes based on 66 polymorphic sites (SNPs and indels).
- Comparison of mitochondrial haplotypes with nuclear multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data and phylogenetic analyses.
Main Results:
- Nineteen distinct mitochondrial haplotypes were identified among the 36 strains.
- Strains with identical mitochondrial haplotypes were found across different nuclear clades.
- Phylogenetic trees derived from mitochondrial and nuclear data exhibited different topologies, indicating limited correlation.
- Substantial evidence for recombination between polymorphic sites within the mitochondrial genome was observed.
- No clear correlation was found between mitochondrial haplotype and strain origin (geographical or anatomical).
Conclusions:
- Mitochondrial DNA in C. albicans shows significant evidence of recombination.
- The use of mitochondrial haplotypes for robust phylogenetic inference in C. albicans requires careful consideration due to recombination.
- These findings reinforce the understanding of genetic exchange and recombination as important factors in C. albicans biology.
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