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Ancient trans-specific polymorphism at pheromone receptor genes in basidiomycetes
Benjamin Devier1, Gabriela Aguileta, Michael E Hood
1Department of Biology, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002-5000, USA.
Genetics
|November 13, 2008
Summary
The study reveals that pheromone receptors in Microbotryum fungi exhibit trans-specific polymorphism, representing the oldest known instance of this genetic phenomenon in any organism. This ancient polymorphism may be linked to their reproductive system and mating types.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Mycology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sexual reproduction relies on distinct mating types, often determined by numerous alleles in fungi.
- Extensive mating type polymorphism is typically maintained by balancing selection.
- Trans-specific polymorphism, where alleles are shared across species, can arise in such systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of mating types in the Microbotryum fungal species complex.
- To determine if pheromone receptors are involved in the two-mating-type system of Microbotryum.
- To explore the evolutionary history and extent of trans-specific polymorphism in fungal pheromone receptors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pheromone receptor gene sequences in the Microbotryum species complex.
- Phylogenetic analysis of Microbotryum pheromone receptors and related fungal sequences.
- Comparative analysis with known basidiomycete pheromone receptors.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests pheromone receptors are allelic sequences determining the A1 and A2 mating types in Microbotryum.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed trans-specific polymorphism in Microbotryum pheromone receptors.
- Microbotryum pheromone receptor alleles represent the oldest known trans-specific polymorphism, dating back at least 370 million years.
Conclusions:
- The pheromone receptors in Microbotryum fungi display ancient trans-specific polymorphism.
- This ancient polymorphism may be influenced by factors such as sex chromosomes, obligate sexuality, and mating system in Microbotryum.
- Trans-specific polymorphism is widespread among basidiomycete fungi.
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