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Published on: July 27, 2018
Genome Sequence Data of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 Idiomorphs from Verticillium dahliae
Ya-Duo Zhang1, Yuan-Yuan Zhang2, Jie-Yin Chen1
1State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
Abstract:
Though Verticillium dahliae is an asexually reproducing fungus, it is considered heterothallic owing to the presence of only one of the two mating-type idiomorphs (MAT1-1 or MAT1-2) in individual isolates. But sexual reproduction has never been observed either in nature or in the laboratory. All of the genomic information in the literature thus far has therefore come from studies on isolates carrying only the MAT1-2 idiomorph. Herein, we sequenced and compared high-quality reference genomes of MAT1-1 strain S011 and MAT1-2 strain S023 obtained from the same sunflower field. The two genomic sequences displayed high synteny, and encoded similar number genes, a similarity especially notable among pathogenicity-related genes. Homolog analysis between these two genomes revealed that 80% of encoded genes are highly conserved (95% identity and coverage), but only 20% of the single copy genes were identical. These novel genome resources will support the analysis of the structure and function of the two idiomorphs and provide valuable tools to elucidate the evolution and potential mechanisms of sexual reproduction in V. dahliae.
Insights
Verticillium dahliae, a fungus, has two mating types (MAT1-1 and MAT1-2) but lacks observed sexual reproduction. Sequencing both mating types provides new genomic resources for studying V. dahliae evolution and sexual reproduction mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genomics
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Verticillium dahliae is an important plant pathogen.
- It is considered heterothallic, possessing either MAT1-1 or MAT1-2 mating-type idiomorphs.
- Sexual reproduction has not been observed in V. dahliae, limiting genomic studies to MAT1-2 isolates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To sequence and compare high-quality reference genomes of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 strains of V. dahliae.
- To provide novel genomic resources for V. dahliae research.
- To facilitate the elucidation of the evolution and mechanisms of sexual reproduction in V. dahliae.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of MAT1-1 (S011) and MAT1-2 (S023) strains.
- Comparative genomic analysis focusing on synteny, gene content, and homology.
- Analysis of single-copy genes and conserved regions.
Main Results:
- High synteny and similar gene content were observed between the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 genomes.
- Pathogenicity-related genes showed notable similarity between the two mating types.
- 80% of encoded genes were highly conserved, but only 20% of single-copy genes were identical.
Conclusions:
- The sequenced genomes represent valuable resources for understanding V. dahliae mating-type idiomorphs.
- These genomic data will aid in exploring the evolutionary history and potential sexual reproduction pathways in V. dahliae.
- Comparative genomics reveals significant conservation despite the lack of observed sexual reproduction.
