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Published on: September 29, 2023
Sequential evolution drives range expansion of Chinese caterpillar fungus across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Wei Deng1, Yongjie Zhang2, Tongyao Liu1
1State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, and Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Abstract:
The Chinese caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis has colonized the extreme high-elevation environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau despite severe cold, hypoxia and intense UV radiation. We analysed 305 whole genomes, including 69 newly sequenced genomes, and resolved nine phylogenetic clades with a mosaic geographic distribution, with the Hengduan Mountains acting as both a diversity centre and a corridor for gene flow. These clades represent three evolutionary regimes: early lineages (Clades 1-4) primarily shaped by incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), intermediate lineages (Clades 5-8) shaped by the combined effects of ILS and introgression, and the most recent lineage (Clade 9) associated with candidate signatures of selection. Functional analyses revealed that ILS retained pathogenicity-related genes, introgression introduced adaptations in RNA processing, mitochondrial transport and lipid metabolism and candidate regions under selection targeted UV-damage repair and DNA replication. Together, these results demonstrate how ILS, introgression and selection-associated genomic changes acted sequentially to maintain parasitic lifestyle, enable environmental adaptation and drive rapid radiation under extreme alpine conditions.
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