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Genetics of Ustilago violacea. XXXII. Genetic evidence for transposable elements
1Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, 60637, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Summary
This study investigated genetic instability in Ustilago violacea, revealing that one-mating-type (OMT) strains exhibit high frequencies of non-parental color phenotypes and morphologically-altered sporidia, suggesting active transposable elements.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Ustilago violacea, a fungal pathogen, exhibits mating-type alleles (a-1 and a-2) and color phenotypes.
- Wild collections typically yield two-mating-type (TMT) strains, while occasional one-mating-type (OMT) strains arise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic behavior of Ustilago violacea strains, particularly OMT strains, focusing on color phenotype stability and sporidia morphology.
- To investigate the potential role of transposable elements in observed genetic instabilities.
Main Methods:
- Performed crosses between laboratory strains, OMT strains, and TMT strains of Ustilago violacea.
- Analyzed teliospore colony phenotypes, including color, sectoring, and sporidia morphology.
- Quantified frequencies of parental and non-parental color phenotypes and morphologically-altered sporidia (MAS).
Main Results:
- Crosses involving OMT strains frequently produced non-parental color phenotypes (41-93%) and reduced teliospore colony yields.
- Morphologically-altered sporidia (MAS phenotype) were observed in crosses with OMT and TMT strains, differing from standard sporidia and failing to conjugate.
- High frequencies of non-parental colors and MAS phenotype suggest genetic instability linked to transposable elements.
Conclusions:
- One-mating-type (OMT) strains of Ustilago violacea display significant genetic instability.
- The observed instabilities, including color phenotype changes and morphologically-altered sporidia, are consistent with the activity of transposable elements within the strains.
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