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Evolutionary Dynamics and Functional Bifurcation of the C2H2 Gene Family in Basidiomycota

Summary

Researchers analyzed genetic instructions for zinc finger proteins across 30 species of basidiomycete fungi (including mushrooms and fungal pathogens). They found that different fungal species evolved different versions of these proteins based on their lifestyle: fungi that break down wood kept complex gene versions with lots of regulatory switches, while parasitic fungi streamlined their genes for efficiency. By studying when and where these genes are active during mushroom development, scientists discovered they orchestrate different stages from cold adaptation to mature fruiting body formation, revealing how fungi adapt to diverse ecological roles.

Background

C2H2 zinc finger proteins are essential transcription factors in eukaryotes regulating cellular differentiation, stress response, and secondary metabolism. In fungi, these proteins regulate host-pathogen interactions, lignocellulose degradation, and morphological development. However, systematic studies on Basidiomycota remain scarce despite their greater species diversity and complex ecological functions.

Objective

This study performed the first phylogenomic analysis of the C2H2 gene family across 30 Basidiomycota species to determine evolutionary structure, subphylum-specific gene architectures, regulatory elements, and expression dynamics. The analysis aimed to clarify evolutionary principles governing fungal transcriptional networks and how genomic plasticity drives ecological niche differentiation.

Results

Analysis identified 1032 C2H2 genes distributed across six evolutionary clades (Groups I-VI), with Group II forming a conserved core (37.1%). Saprotrophs exhibited longer genes with abundant introns while pathogens showed genomic streamlining. Synteny analysis revealed ancestral clusters under strong purifying selection (Ka/Ks=0.18-0.22) and peripheral clusters approaching neutral evolution (Ka/Ks=0.73). Stage-specific expression of 17 C2H2 genes in S. edulis coordinated developmental transitions including low-temperature adaptation, primordia initiation, and fruiting body maturation.

Conclusion

The study reveals C2H2 genes sustain conserved regulatory networks while facilitating ecological adaptation through functional bifurcation. Distinct evolutionary trajectories between saprotrophs and pathogens reflect divergent survival strategies. These findings provide insights into fungal genome evolution and offer a framework for applications in crop disease management and lignocellulosic bioconversion engineering.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Phylogenomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11070487, PMID: 40985387
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