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Evolution of Mating in the Saccharomycotina.

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Mating-type switching in Ascomycota fungi evolved early, changing from chromosome inversion to copy-and-paste mechanisms. This conserved mating-type locus (MAT/MTL) controls cell identity across fungal evolution.

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Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The fungal phylum Ascomycota has three subphyla: Saccharomycotina, Pezizomycotina, and Taphrinomycotina.
  • Cell identity in many Saccharomycotina species is governed by mating-type (MAT) genes, enabling mating between MATa and MATα cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary history and mechanisms of mating-type switching in Ascomycota.
  • To understand the conservation and divergence of the mating-type locus (MAT/MTL) throughout fungal evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of Ascomycota.
  • Comparative genomics of mating-type loci.
  • Analysis of mating-type switching mechanisms (inversion vs. copy-and-paste).

Main Results:

  • Mating-type switching originated in the common ancestor of Saccharomycetaceae, Pichiaceae, and Metschnikowiaceae via chromosome inversion.
  • Switching was lost in Metschnikowiaceae (e.g., Candida albicans) but evolved into a more complex copy-and-paste mechanism in Saccharomycetaceae.
  • The mating-type like (MTL) loci of some Metschnikowia species may serve as models for Candida species' sexual cycles.

Conclusions:

  • A single orthologous MAT/MTL locus has controlled cell type throughout Ascomycota evolution, despite gene content changes.
  • Understanding the evolution of mating-type switching provides insights into fungal sexual reproduction and speciation.
  • Metschnikowia species offer valuable models for studying the sexual cycles of medically important yeasts like Candida.