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Giant mobile elements: Agents of multivariate phenotypic evolution in fungi
Emile Gluck-Thaler1, Aaron A Vogan2, Sara Branco3
1Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel 2000, Switzerland.
Current Biology : CB
|March 15, 2022
Summary
Researchers discovered HEPHAESTUS, a novel mobile genetic element in fungi. This large, horizontally transferred element carries genes conferring metal tolerance, challenging previous understanding of fungal elements.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genetics
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Fungal mobile genetic elements are generally small and vertically inherited.
- These elements have not been known to confer adaptive traits to fungi.
- The mechanisms of adaptation and gene transfer in fungi are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel mobile genetic element in fungi.
- To investigate the function and transfer mechanisms of this element.
- To understand the role of mobile elements in fungal adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of fungal isolates.
- Comparative genomics to identify mobile elements.
- Functional assays to determine gene function.
- Phylogenetic analysis to trace element transfer.
Main Results:
- Identification and characterization of HEPHAESTUS, a large mobile genetic element.
- HEPHAESTUS is horizontally transferred between fungal species.
- This element carries genes that confer tolerance to multiple metals.
- HEPHAESTUS functions as a 'cargo-carrying' element, transferring genetic material.
Conclusions:
- Fungal mobile genetic elements can be large and horizontally transferred.
- HEPHAESTUS represents a new class of mobile elements in fungi.
- This element plays a significant role in fungal adaptation to metal stress.
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