Horizontal Gene Transfer of Secondary Metabolite Genes in Fungi
Author Information
Author(s): Khaldi Nora, Collemare Jérôme, Lebrun Marc-Henri, Wolfe Kenneth H
Primary Institution: Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
Hypothesis
Can secondary metabolite gene clusters be transferred horizontally between fungal species?
Conclusion
The ACE1 gene cluster in Magnaporthe grisea is likely transferred horizontally to Aspergillus clavatus, explaining its sporadic distribution among fungi.
Supporting Evidence
- The ACE1 cluster is shared by only a few fungal species.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicates that five of the six genes in the A. clavatus ACE1 cluster originated from horizontal transfer.
- Gene-by-gene phylogenetic analysis supports the hypothesis of horizontal gene transfer.
Takeaway
Some fungi can share genes with each other, which helps them make special chemicals. This study found that one fungus shared a gene cluster with another fungus.
Methodology
Phylogenetic and comparative genomic analysis of orthologs of the ACE1 cluster in various fungi.
Limitations
The study relies on phylogenetic analysis, which may not capture all instances of gene transfer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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