Unexpected placement of the MAT1-1-2 gene in the MAT1-2 idiomorph of Thielaviopsis

Abstract

Sexual reproduction in the Ascomycota is controlled by genes encoded at the mating-type or MAT1 locus. The two allelic versions of this locus in heterothallic species, referred to as idiomorphs, are defined by the MAT1-1-1 (for the MAT1-1 idiomorph) and MAT1-2-1 (for the MAT1-2 idiomorph) genes. Both idiomorphs can contain additional genes, although the contents of each is typically specific to and conserved within particular Pezizomycotina lineages. Using full genome sequences, complemented with conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing, we compared the mating-type idiomorphs in heterothallic species of Thielaviopsis (Ceratocystidaceae). The analyses showed that the MAT1-1 idiomorph of T. punctulata, T. paradoxa, T. euricoi, T. ethacetica and T. musarum harboured only the expected MAT1-1-1 gene. In contrast, the MAT1-2 idiomorph of T. punctulata, T. paradoxa and T. euricoi encoded the MAT1-2-1, MAT1-2-7 and MAT1-1-2 genes. Of these, MAT1-2-1 and MAT1-2-7 are genes previously reported in this idiomorph, while MAT1-1-2 is known only in the MAT1-1 idiomorph. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Thielaviopsis MAT1-1-2 groups with the known homologues of this gene in other Microascales, thus confirming its annotation. Previous work suggests that MAT1-1-2 is involved in fruiting body development, a role that would be unaffected by its idiomorphic position. This notion is supported by our findings for the MAT1 locus structure in Thielaviopsis species. This also serves as the first example of a MAT1-1-specific gene restricted to only the MAT1-2 idiomorph.

Keywords: Heterothallic; MAT1-1-2; Mating-type (MAT) locus; Sexual reproduction; Thielaviopsis.