Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 29, 2026

CRISPR-mediated Genome Editing of the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
09:56

CRISPR-mediated Genome Editing of the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans

Published on: November 14, 2018

12.6K

The dynamics of transposable element content in the genome of the human pathogen Histoplasma

Tania Kurbessoian1, David A Turissini1, Patrick W Kelly1

  • 1Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599 Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|January 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Transposable elements (TEs) in the fungal pathogen Histoplasma show diverse evolutionary patterns, largely influenced by phylogenetic relationships. These mobile genetic elements do not correlate with genome size, highlighting their complex role in fungal evolution.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Genomics
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Histoplasma is a fungal pathogen affecting immunocompromised individuals.
  • Genetic studies often overlook complex mutations like transposable elements (TEs).
  • TEs are mobile genetic elements impacting genome size, adaptation, and speciation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the content and evolutionary dynamics of TEs in the genus Histoplasma.
  • To analyze TE heterogeneity across eight phylogenetic species of Histoplasma.
  • To understand the constraints on TE evolution within this fungal genus.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized existing genome assemblies of Histoplasma species.
  • Quantified transposable element (TE) content across the genus.
  • Analyzed TE orders and superfamilies for phylogenetic signals.

Main Results:

  • Revealed significant heterogeneity in TE family evolution within Histoplasma.
  • Demonstrated that phylogenetic relatedness strongly constrains TE content.
  • Found no correlation between RNA or DNA TEs and overall genome size.

Conclusions:

  • The evolutionary landscape of TEs in Histoplasma is diverse and phylogenetically constrained.
  • Future research should explore the impact of TEs on Histoplasma genome evolution, fitness, and virulence.
  • Understanding TE dynamics is crucial for studying fungal pathogen adaptation and pathogenicity.
Keywords:
Comparative phylogeneticsGenome sizeHistoplasmaTransposable elements

More Related Videos

Genome-wide Determination of Mammalian Replication Timing by DNA Content Measurement08:06

Genome-wide Determination of Mammalian Replication Timing by DNA Content Measurement

Published on: January 19, 2017

8.8K
Human Colonoid Monolayers to Study Interactions Between Pathogens, Commensals, and Host Intestinal Epithelium07:20

Human Colonoid Monolayers to Study Interactions Between Pathogens, Commensals, and Host Intestinal Epithelium

Published on: April 9, 2019

9.7K

Related Concept Videos

Genomics02:02

Genomics

Genomics is the science of genomes: it is the study of all the genetic material of an organism. In humans, the genome consists of information carried in 23 pairs of chromosomes in the nucleus, as well as mitochondrial DNA. In genomics, both coding and non-coding DNA is sequenced and analyzed. Genomics allows a better understanding of all living things, their evolution, and their diversity. It has a myriad of uses: for example, to build phylogenetic trees, to improve productivity and...
40.4K
Elements and Compounds01:27

Elements and Compounds

Pure substances consist of only one type of matter. A pure substance can be an element or a compound. An element consists of only one type of atom, while a compound consists of two or more types of atoms held together by a chemical bond.
Elements
Elements are classified as atomic or molecular based on the nature of their basic units. They are unique forms of matter with specific chemical and physical properties that cannot break down into smaller substances by ordinary chemical reactions. There...
104.2K
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition02:35

Key Elements for Plant Nutrition

Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the...
24.2K
Periodic Classification of the Elements04:00

Periodic Classification of the Elements

The periodic table arranges atoms based on increasing atomic number so that elements with the same chemical properties recur periodically. When their electron configurations are added to the table, a periodic recurrence of similar electron configurations in the outer shells of these elements is observed. Because they are in the outer shells of an atom, valence electrons play the most important role in chemical reactions. The outer electrons have the highest energy of the electrons in an atom...
58.9K
The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements00:57

The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements

Overview
202.3K
Classification of Elements and Compounds02:54

Classification of Elements and Compounds

Pure substances consist of only one type of matter. A pure substance can be an element or a compound. An element consists of only one type of atom, while a compound consists of two or more types of atoms held together by a chemical bond. Elements are classified as atomic or molecular based on the nature of their basic units.
Compounds are pure substances composed of two or more elements in fixed, definite proportions. Compounds are classified as ionic or molecular (covalent) based on the bonds...
73.1K