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Whole-Genome Sequence Data Uncover Widespread Heterothallism in the Largest Group of Lichen-Forming Fungi

David Pizarro1, Francesco Dal Grande2, Steven Don Leavitt3

  • 1Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacognosia y Botánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.

Genome Biology and Evolution
|February 5, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Genetic analysis of lichen-forming fungi reveals they lack self-fertility (homothallism), suggesting an evolutionary shift from an ancestor with sexual reproduction (heterothallism). This may explain their diversification.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Lichenology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Fungal reproduction is controlled by the mating-type (MAT1) locus, determining strategies like homothallism (self-fertility) or heterothallism (obligate outcrossing).
  • Homothallism has been hypothesized to be common in lichen-forming fungi, influencing their reproductive success and ecological strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of genetic homothallism in lichen-forming fungi.
  • To characterize the mating-type (MAT1) locus across diverse lichen species within the Lecanoromycetes class.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic analysis of the mating-type (MAT1) locus.
  • Examination of 41 genomes from lichen-forming fungi representing various growth forms and reproductive strategies.

Main Results:

  • Complete absence of genetic homothallism was observed in the studied lichen-forming fungi.
  • Findings suggest that lichens likely evolved from a heterothallic ancestor.

Conclusions:

  • The lack of homothallism in lichens may be linked to their symbiotic lifestyle.
  • This evolutionary trait might be a key factor driving the rapid diversification rates observed in lichen-forming fungi.
Keywords:
MATheterothallismlichen-forming fungimating systemsexual reproduction

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