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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
08:20
Sexual Development and Ascospore Discharge in Fusarium graminearum
Published on: March 29, 2012
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Frequent horizontal chromosome transfer between asexual fungal insect pathogens
Michael Habig1,2, Anna V Grasse3, Judith Müller1,2
1Environmental Genomics, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel 24118, Germany.
Summary
Horizontal chromosome transfer, once thought rare, is shown to be common in fungi. This study reveals entire chromosomes can transfer between fungal strains and species, impacting fitness and host interactions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Mycology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Chromosomes are typically inherited vertically.
- Horizontal chromosome transfer (HCT) in fungi is poorly understood.
- HCT may influence fungal fitness and host specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the occurrence and mechanism of HCT in entomopathogenic fungi.
- Determine if HCT occurs between different species.
- Identify genes associated with HCT.
Main Methods:
- Experimental co-infection of Argentine ants with Metarhizium robertsii strains.
- Phylogenetic analysis of fungal isolates.
- Genomic analysis of transferred chromosomes.
Main Results:
- Multiple independent HCT events of the same accessory chromosome observed within Metarhizium robertsii.
- Recipient strains gained a competitive advantage under specific host conditions.
- Evidence of natural interspecies HCT between Metarhizium robertsii and Metarhizium guizhouense.
Conclusions:
- Horizontal chromosome transfer is more frequent than previously assumed, occurring both within and between species.
- Transferred accessory chromosomes can confer adaptive advantages.
- Genes involved in histone modification and virulence may facilitate HCT.
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