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Ecological Genomics and Evolution of Trichoderma reesei.
Komal Chenthamara1,2, Irina S Druzhinina1,2, Mohammad J Rahimi2
1Fungal Genomics Laboratory (FungiG), The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 9, 2020
Summary
Trichoderma reesei is an industrial fungus, but its cellulolytic ability evolved through gene transfer, not just innate traits. This research explores its ecology and evolution, correcting misconceptions.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genomics
- Industrial Biotechnology
Background:
- Trichoderma reesei is a key industrial fungus for cellulolytic enzyme production.
- Extensive research exists due to its industrial applications, leading to a potentially biased understanding.
- Recent studies reveal lateral gene transfer as a driver of its cellulolytic prowess.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ecology, distribution, and evolution of Trichoderma reesei.
- To critically examine misconceptions about T. reesei biology stemming from its industrial success.
- To apply the concept of ecological genomics to understand Trichoderma species.
Main Methods:
- Ecological genomics approach.
- Review of existing literature and genomic data.
- Comparative analysis of Trichoderma species.
Main Results:
- Superior cellulolytic activity in T. reesei evolved via multiple lateral gene transfer events.
- The ancestral ability of mycoparasitism is retained in T. reesei and other Trichoderma species.
- Industrial applications have created a skewed perception of T. reesei's fundamental biology.
Conclusions:
- Trichoderma reesei's industrial success is partly due to evolved traits (lateral gene transfer) alongside retained ancestral abilities (mycoparasitism).
- Ecological genomics provides a framework to correct misconceptions and deepen the understanding of T. reesei's biology.
- Further research is needed to fully appreciate the evolutionary history and ecological roles of T. reesei beyond its industrial utility.
Keywords:
AnkyrinsCellulolytic enzymesGene duplicationGene lossLateral gene transferMycoparasitismOrphan genesPhylogenomicsT. parareeseiTranscriptomicsMore Related Videos
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