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Decay of genes encoding the oomycete flagellar proteome in the downy mildew Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis

Howard S Judelson1, Jolly Shrivastava, Joseph Manson

  • 1Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America. howard.judelson@ucr.edu

Plos One
|October 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Oomycetes like Phytophthora infestans utilize zoospores, but some species have lost this ability. Comparative genomics reveals genes for flagella loss, with remnants suggesting dual cellular roles.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Zoospores are crucial for oomycete life cycles, but some genera have evolved to lose flagellated cell formation.
  • Phytophthora infestans, a significant plant pathogen, relies on zoospores for its life cycle.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify genes associated with flagella formation in Phytophthora infestans using comparative genomics.
  • To investigate the evolutionary loss of flagella in related oomycete species, specifically Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomics was employed to identify flagellar protein-encoding genes in Phytophthora infestans.
  • Transcriptional analysis was performed during sporulation and zoospore stages.
  • Genomic comparison with Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, an oomycete lacking flagella, was conducted.

Main Results:

  • 257 genes encoding flagellar proteins were identified in P. infestans, with most showing up-regulated transcription during zoospore development.
  • Orthologs of these genes were found in flagellated eukaryotes but absent in non-flagellated species.
  • 211 flagellar genes were absent in H. arabidopsidis, though remnants were detected, suggesting retained roles in other cellular processes.

Conclusions:

  • The study elucidates the genetic basis of flagella loss in oomycetes, highlighting gene degradation and potential dual functions.
  • Retained genes in non-flagellated species suggest adaptation and pleiotropy, offering insights into evolutionary pathways of organelle loss.

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