gene duplication – mycolab.ai

Intraspecies sequence-graph analysis of the Phytophthora theobromicola genome reveals a dynamic structure and variable effector repertoires

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Researchers sequenced the genome of Phytophthora theobromicola, a newly discovered fungal pathogen that causes serious cacao plant disease. They found the pathogen’s genome is highly variable among different isolates and contains many genes that help it attack cacao plants. By studying which of these harmful genes are active during infection, they identified specific virulence factors unique to this cacao pathogen that could be important targets for future disease control strategies.

Genome-wide identification and transcriptome analysis of the cytochrome P450 genes revealed its potential role in the growth of Flammulina filiformis

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Scientists identified 59 cytochrome P450 genes in the golden needle mushroom (Flammulina filiformis), an economically important edible fungus. These genes appear to control the mushroom’s growth and development, particularly the elongation of the stalk. By understanding how these genes work, researchers can potentially improve mushroom cultivation and develop new varieties with better growth characteristics. This research provides valuable insights into the genetics of mushroom growth and development.

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

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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.

Classification of polyphenol oxidases shows ancient gene duplication leading to two distinct enzyme types

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Scientists performed a comprehensive study organizing thousands of similar enzymes called polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) found across all living organisms into 12 distinct groups based on their evolutionary relationships. They discovered that a major gene duplication event in ancient times created two main types of these enzymes with different structural features and functions. This new classification system shows that fungal enzymes called o-methoxy phenolases are particularly abundant in certain fungi, likely helping them break down plant materials like lignin.

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

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Researchers studied C2H2 genes, which are master regulators controlling important processes in fungal cells, across 30 different mushroom and fungal species. They found that these genes evolved differently depending on whether fungi were decomposers (saprotrophs) or pathogens, with decomposers maintaining more complex gene structures. During mushroom development in Sarcomyxa edulis, different C2H2 genes became active at different stages, controlling temperature adaptation, fruiting body formation, and other developmental processes.

Identification of two metallothioneins in Agaricus crocodilinus reveals gene duplication and domain expansion, a pattern conserved across fungal species

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A common edible mushroom called A. crocodilinus can accumulate dangerous levels of cadmium from soil without being harmed. Scientists discovered this mushroom produces two different proteins called metallothioneins that work together to safely trap and store the toxic cadmium. One protein handles constant, everyday cadmium storage in the mushroom fruiting body, while the other activates quickly when the roots encounter sudden heavy metal stress. This same protective strategy appears in other mushroom species, showing it’s an important evolutionary adaptation.

Gene duplication, horizontal gene transfer, and trait trade-offs drive evolution of postfire resource acquisition in pyrophilous fungi

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Scientists studied fungi that thrive in burned soils after wildfires. They discovered these ‘fire-loving’ fungi have special genes for breaking down charcoal and acquiring nutrients, but this specialization comes at a cost—they grow more slowly than other fungi. The research identified three main evolutionary strategies these fungi use: duplicating useful genes, sexually reproducing to create genetic diversity, and occasionally borrowing genes from bacteria. These findings could help develop treatments to restore polluted or fire-damaged soils.

Research Keyword: gene duplication

Intraspecies sequence-graph analysis of the Phytophthora theobromicola genome reveals a dynamic structure and variable effector repertoires

Genome-wide identification and transcriptome analysis of the cytochrome P450 genes revealed its potential role in the growth of Flammulina filiformis

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

Classification of polyphenol oxidases shows ancient gene duplication leading to two distinct enzyme types

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

Identification of two metallothioneins in Agaricus crocodilinus reveals gene duplication and domain expansion, a pattern conserved across fungal species

Gene duplication, horizontal gene transfer, and trait trade-offs drive evolution of postfire resource acquisition in pyrophilous fungi