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Genome plasticity in Candida albicans is driven by long repeat sequences
Robert T Todd1, Tyler D Wikoff1, Anja Forche2
1Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, United States.
Elife
|June 8, 2019
Summary
Long repeat sequences drive genome instability in Candida albicans, leading to copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). These repeats contribute to fungal adaptation, virulence, and drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Mycology
Background:
- Genome rearrangements like copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) are crucial for cancer evolution and fungal adaptation.
- In Candida albicans, CNV and LOH enhance virulence and antifungal drug resistance, but their underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the repeat sequences associated with genome rearrangements in Candida albicans.
- To understand the role of these repeats in driving genome plasticity and adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis of repeat sequences in diverse Candida albicans strains.
- Identification of long repeat sequences (65-6499 bp) linked to CNV, LOH, and chromosomal inversions.
Main Results:
- An extensive set of long, predominantly inverted repeat sequences was identified, often separated by large genomic distances (~1.6 Mb).
- Many of these repeats are uncharacterized, transcribed, and contain coding sequences.
- These repeat sequences are a major source of genome plasticity across various Candida albicans isolates.
Conclusions:
- Long repeat sequences are key drivers of genome rearrangements in Candida albicans.
- These repeats contribute significantly to the adaptability, virulence, and drug resistance of this fungal pathogen.
- The findings reveal previously unrecognized variation within the Candida albicans reference genome.
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