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Whole-Genome Analysis Illustrates Global Clonal Population Structure of the Ubiquitous Dermatophyte Pathogen

Gabriela F Persinoti1, Diego A Martinez2, Wenjun Li3

  • 1Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil 14049-900.

Genetics
|February 23, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The study found that the common skin fungus Trichophyton rubrum exists primarily as a single mating type, suggesting it has recently transitioned to asexual reproduction. This limits its genetic diversity and ability to adapt.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Dermatophytes are fungi that cause skin infections in humans and animals.
  • Trichophyton rubrum is a prevalent dermatophyte species.
  • The population structure and sexual reproduction capabilities of T. rubrum are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mating types, evidence of mating, and genetic variation within T. rubrum and T. interdigitale.
  • To understand the population genetics and reproductive strategies of T. rubrum.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a large collection of T. rubrum and T. interdigitale isolates.
  • Examination of mating type distribution.
  • Assessment of genetic variation and recombination patterns.

Main Results:

  • Nearly all T. rubrum isolates possess a single mating type.
  • Experimental attempts to induce sexual reproduction with T. rubrum morphotype megninii failed.
  • The T. rubrum population exhibits clonal characteristics with low genetic variation and minimal recombination, despite higher SNP frequency near the mating type locus.

Conclusions:

  • The findings support a recent evolutionary shift towards asexual reproduction in T. rubrum.
  • Specialization to human hosts may have driven this transition to asexual growth.
  • The limited genetic diversity may impact the adaptability of T. rubrum.
Keywords:
LysMMLSTTrichophyton interdigitaleTrichophyton rubrumdermatophytegenome sequencematingrecombination

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