Comparative analysis of five Mucor species transcriptomes

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Fungal Genomics
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Mucor species are early diverging fungi within the Mucoromycota phylum.
• Some Mucor species inhabit specific ecological niches, while others are ubiquitous.
• Understanding transcriptomic diversity is key to differentiating fungal lifestyles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate transcriptomic similarities and differences among five Mucor species with contrasting lifestyles.
• To identify a core transcriptome and species-specific gene sets.
• To correlate transcriptomic data with ecological niches and functions.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome analysis of five Mucor species: M. fuscus, M. lanceolatus, M. racemosus, M. circinelloides, and M. endophyticus.
• Delimitation of a core transcriptome and phylogenetic analysis.
• Comparative analysis of gene content related to lifestyle.

Main Results:

• A core transcriptome of 5566 orthogroups was identified, including genes for secondary metabolism.
• Phylogenetic analysis suggested a revised placement for M. endophyticus.
• Species-specific transcriptomic differences were observed, particularly in virulence factors and carbohydrate transporters, linked to their lifestyles.

Conclusions:

• Transcriptomic analysis provides insights into the functional diversity of Mucor species.
• The identified core transcriptome and species-specific genes offer a basis for understanding adaptation to different ecological niches.
• This study highlights the potential for transcriptomics to differentiate fungal roles in ecosystems, from cheese production to plant endophytism.