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Unidirectional mating-type switching is underpinned by a conserved MAT1 locus architecture
P Markus Wilken1, Frances A Lane1, Emma T Steenkamp1
1Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.
Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|December 19, 2023
Summary
Unidirectional mating-type switching in fungi involves a conserved MAT1 locus structure. This study reveals how MAT1-2 gene arrangements in Ceratocystidaceae facilitate this unique reproductive strategy.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Unidirectional mating-type switching is a reproductive strategy found in some filamentous ascomycetes.
- This process results in self-fertile or self-sterile fungal isolates.
- Mating-type specificity differences are linked to the MAT1 locus architecture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the MAT1 locus structure in Ceratocystidaceae fungi.
- To determine if MAT1 locus arrangements support unidirectional mating-type switching in this fungal family.
- To understand the evolution of this reproductive strategy.
Main Methods:
- Genetic and genomic approaches were employed.
- The MAT1 locus was annotated in key species of Ceratocystis, Endoconidiophora, and Davidsoniella.
- Comparative analysis of MAT1 locus structures in self-fertile and self-sterile isolates.
Main Results:
- In self-fertile isolates, MAT1-2 genes consistently interrupted the MAT1-1-1 gene within the MAT1 locus.
- Direct repeats flanking MAT1-2 genes suggest a recombination-mediated deletion mechanism.
- This disruption and subsequent restoration of MAT1-1-1 gene expression correlate with mating-type switching.
Conclusions:
- A conserved MAT1 locus structure associated with unidirectional mating-type switching is supported in Ceratocystidaceae.
- The findings provide insights into the evolutionary mechanisms driving this reproductive strategy.
- This study enhances the understanding of mating-type determination and evolution in fungi.
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