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The complete mitochondrial genome of Penicillium expansum: Insights into the fungal evolution and phylogeny

Mahnoor Malik1, Fatima Malik1, Tehsin Fatma1

  • 1Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), 44000 Islamabad, Pakistan.

Gene
|February 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study presents the first complete mitochondrial genome of Penicillium expansum, a fungus causing blue mold. Comparative analysis reveals gene variations and evolutionary relationships, aiding future population genetics research.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Genomics
  • Plant Pathology

Background:

  • Penicillium expansum is a significant phytopathogenic fungus responsible for blue mold disease in plants.
  • Understanding the genetic makeup of P. expansum, particularly its mitochondrial genome, is crucial for disease management and evolutionary studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To sequence, assemble, and annotate the complete mitochondrial genome of Penicillium expansum.
  • To conduct a comparative analysis of the P. expansum mitogenome with other Penicillium species.
  • To investigate gene conservation, rearrangements, and phylogenetic relationships within the Penicillium genus.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing and assembly of the P. expansum mitochondrial DNA.
  • Gene annotation to identify protein-encoding genes (PCGs), rRNA, and tRNA genes.
  • Comparative genomic analysis, including gene synteny, GC content, and skew analysis.
  • Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated core mitochondrial genes.

Main Results:

  • The P. expansum mitogenome is a circular DNA molecule of 25,496 bp, encoding 16 PCGs, 2 rRNA, and 25 tRNA genes.
  • Comparative analysis showed variability in gene length, GC content, and skews among Penicillium species, with evidence of gene rearrangements.
  • The atp8 gene was identified as highly conserved, and most PCGs exhibited purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1).
  • Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close evolutionary relationship between P. expansum and P. solitum.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence for Penicillium expansum.
  • The comparative and phylogenetic analyses offer insights into the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of Penicillium species.
  • The findings will facilitate future research in population genetics and the rapid evolution of this important plant pathogen.
Keywords:
Gene rearrangementsMitochondrial genomePenicillium expansumPhylogenetic analysis

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