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Genetic diversity, recombination, and divergence in animal associated Penicillium dipodomyis

Daniel A Henk1, Matthew C Fisher

  • 1Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom. d.henk@imperial.ac.uk

Plos One
|August 19, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Recombination and sexual reproduction occur in Penicillium dipodomyis, a fungus associated with Kangaroo Rats. This finding challenges previous assumptions about this unique, non-toxigenic fungal species.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Fungal Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Penicillium dipodomyis is a fungus primarily associated with Kangaroo Rats (Dipodomys species).
  • It is unique for growing at 37°C and lacking known toxins.
  • Previously, it was considered exclusively asexual, potentially limiting its adaptive flexibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the reproductive strategies of Penicillium dipodomyis.
  • To determine if recombination and sexual cycles occur within this fungal species.
  • To understand the evolutionary history and ecological competitiveness of P. dipodomyis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of DNA sequence data from five protein-coding genes.
  • Detection of mating-type alleles.
  • In vitro competition assays with other Penicillium species.
  • Bayesian species-level phylogenetic analysis.

Main Results:

  • Evidence of recombination occurring on a small spatial scale within P. dipodomyis.
  • Detection of mating-type alleles, supporting outcrossing and a sexual cycle.
  • P. dipodomyis demonstrated weaker competitive ability compared to other Penicillium species associated with Kangaroo Rats.
  • Phylogenetic analysis indicated a divergence of the P. dipodomyis lineage approximately 11 million years ago.

Conclusions:

  • Penicillium dipodomyis possesses a sexual cycle involving recombination, contrary to previous assumptions.
  • The findings suggest a complex evolutionary history and ecological role for this fungus in association with Kangaroo Rats.
  • The divergence time of P. dipodomyis aligns with the diversification of its rodent hosts.

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