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Genomic insights into the ecological versatility of Tetracladium spp

Summary

Researchers sequenced the genomes of two fungal species called Tetracladium that live in different environments – one found in plant roots and one from freshwater. These fungi have special enzymes that allow them to break down plant cell walls and materials, enabling them to survive in multiple habitats. The study revealed these fungi can also produce compounds with potential medical properties like antifungal and antibacterial effects.

Background

Tetracladium spp. are fungi that inhabit diverse ecological niches including soil, aquatic environments, and plant roots as endophytes. Limited genomic data has previously hindered understanding of their metabolic potential and ecological interactions. This study aimed to sequence and analyze genomes of aquatic saprotrophic and endophytic Tetracladium strains.

Objective

To elucidate genetic differences between aquatic saprotrophic and endophytic strains of Tetracladium spp. by sequencing and analyzing genomes of T. maxilliforme and T. marchalianum alongside 41 publicly available ascomycete genomes.

Results

T. maxilliforme possessed a 35.5 Mbp genome with 9,657 genes while T. marchalianum had 33.2 Mbp with 15,230 genes. Both genomes contained complete enzymatic machinery for cellulose and plant cell wall degradation but lacked lignin-degrading enzymes. T. maxilliforme clustered with endophytic species while T. marchalianum grouped with saprotrophic species based on enzyme profiles. Secondary metabolite gene clusters included those homologous to bioactive compounds with antifungal, antibiotic, and antimicrobial activities.

Conclusion

Tetracladium spp. genomes reveal enzymatic adaptations for carbohydrate degradation supporting their ecological versatility in multiple niches. Their ability to degrade plant cell walls and fungal cell walls, combined with production of bioactive secondary metabolites, highlights their potential roles in plant-fungal interactions and fungal community dynamics. The findings provide insights into how these fungi thrive in diverse terrestrial and aquatic environments.
  • Published in:BMC Genomics,
  • Study Type:Comparative Genomics Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41193996, DOI: 10.1186/s12864-025-12146-z
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