Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus
05:34

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Published on: June 6, 2025

Successful mating of Trichophyton rubrum with Arthroderma simii

Kazushi Anzawa1, Masako Kawasaki, Takashi Mochizuki

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan. dermat@kanazawa-med.ac.jp

Medical Mycology
|April 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study demonstrates that Trichophyton rubrum can sexually reproduce, producing viable hybrids with Arthroderma simii. These findings challenge the long-held view of T. rubrum as a strictly asexual or clonal fungus.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Fungal Genetics

Background:

  • Trichophyton rubrum is a significant dermatophyte pathogen.
  • It has been widely considered an asexual or clonal species, limiting our understanding of its genetic diversity and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential for sexual reproduction in Trichophyton rubrum.
  • To determine if T. rubrum can produce viable hybrids with other fungal species.

Main Methods:

  • Controlled laboratory crossing experiments between Trichophyton rubrum and Arthroderma simii.
  • Isolation and genetic analysis of ascospores from mature ascomata.
  • Genotyping of hybrid isolates using four different genes (rRNA, actin, DNA topoisomerase II, and cytochrome b).

Main Results:

  • Successful production of ascomata and isolation of viable ascospores from the cross.
  • Identification of one ascus as a hybrid between T. rubrum and A. simii.
  • Confirmation of hybridization through genetic analysis across four distinct gene loci.

Conclusions:

  • Trichophyton rubrum is capable of sexual reproduction.
  • The species is not exclusively asexual or clonal, possessing the capacity for genetic recombination.
  • This discovery has implications for understanding fungal evolution and antifungal resistance.

More Related Videos

Sexual Development and Ascospore Discharge in Fusarium graminearum08:20

Sexual Development and Ascospore Discharge in Fusarium graminearum

Published on: March 29, 2012

Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut10:05

Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut

Published on: May 24, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Trichomoniasis01:18

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...