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Narh Mensah DL, Wingfield BD, Coetzee MPA. Two distinct non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-independent siderophore synthetase gene clusters identified in Armillaria and other species in the Physalacriaceae. G3 (Bethesda) 2023; 13:jkad205. [PMID: 37843963 PMCID: PMC10700112 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Siderophores are important for ferric iron solubilization, sequestration, transportation, and storage, especially under iron-limiting conditions such as aerobic conditions at high pH. Siderophores are mainly produced by non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-dependent siderophore pathway, non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-independent siderophore synthetase pathway, or the hybrid non-ribosomal peptide synthetases/non-ribosomal peptide synthetases-independent siderophore pathway. Outcompeting or inhibition of plant pathogens, alteration of host defense mechanisms, and alteration of plant-fungal interactions have been associated with fungal siderophores. To understand these mechanisms in fungi, studies have been conducted on siderophore biosynthesis by ascomycetes with limited focus on the basidiomycetes. Armillaria includes several species that are pathogens of woody plants and trees important to agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases-independent siderophore synthetase gene cluster(s) in genomes of Armillaria species using a comparative genomics approach. Iron-dependent growth and siderophore biosynthesis in strains of selected Armillaria spp. were also evaluated in vitro. Two distinct non-ribosomal peptide synthetases-independent siderophore synthetase gene clusters were identified in all the genomes. All non-ribosomal peptide synthetases-independent siderophore synthetase genes identified putatively encode Type A' non-ribosomal peptide synthetases-independent siderophore synthetases, most of which have IucA_IucC and FhuF-like transporter domains at their N- and C-terminals, respectively. The effect of iron on culture growth varied among the strains studied. Bioassays using the CAS assay on selected Armillaria spp. revealed in vitro siderophore biosynthesis by all strains irrespective of added FeCl3 concentration. This study highlights some of the tools that Armillaria species allocate to iron homeostasis. The information generated from this study may in future aid in developing molecular based methods to control these phytopathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Narh Mensah
- Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- CSIR—Food Research Institute, Microbiology and Mushroom Research Division, P. O. Box, M20, Accra, Ghana
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
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Molina L, Rajchenberg M, de Errasti A, Vogel B, Coetzee MPA, Aime MC, Pildain MB. Sapwood mycobiome varies across host, plant compartment and environments in Nothofagus forests from Northern Patagonia. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:6599-6618. [PMID: 36345145 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Global forests are increasingly being threatened by altered climatic conditions and increased attacks by pests and pathogens. The complex ecological interactions among pathogens, microbial communities, tree hosts and the environment are important drivers of forest dynamics. Little is known about the ecology of forest pathology and related microbial communities in temperate forests of the southern hemisphere. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing to characterize sapwood-inhabiting fungal communities in North Patagonian Nothofagus forests and assessed patterns of diversity of taxa and ecological guilds across climatic, site and host variables (health condition and compartment) as a contribution to Nothofagus autecology. The diversity patterns inferred through the metabarcoding analysis were similar to those obtained through culture-dependent approaches. However, we detected additional heterogeneity and greater richness with culture-free methods. Host species was the strongest driver of fungal community structure and composition, while host health status was the weakest. The relative impacts of site, season, plant compartment and health status were different for each tree species; these differences can be interpreted as a matter of water availability. For Nothofagus dombeyi, which is distributed across a wide range of climatic conditions, site was the strongest driver of community composition. The microbiome of N. pumilio varied more with season and temperature, a relevant factor for forest conservation in the present climate change scenario. Both species carry a number of potential fungal pathogens in their sapwood, whether they exhibit symptoms or not. Our results provide insight into the diversity of fungi associated with the complex pathobiome of the dominant Nothofagus species in southern South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Molina
- Fitopatología y Microbiología Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y Extensión Forestal Andino Patagónico (CIEFAP), Esquel, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esquel, Argentina
| | - Mario Rajchenberg
- Fitopatología y Microbiología Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y Extensión Forestal Andino Patagónico (CIEFAP), Esquel, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esquel, Argentina
| | - Andrés de Errasti
- Fitopatología y Microbiología Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y Extensión Forestal Andino Patagónico (CIEFAP), Esquel, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esquel, Argentina
| | - Braian Vogel
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esquel, Argentina
- Centro de Estudios Ambientales Integrados (CEAI) Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco Sede Esquel, Pretoria, Argentina
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mary Catherine Aime
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - María Belén Pildain
- Fitopatología y Microbiología Aplicada, Centro de Investigación y Extensión Forestal Andino Patagónico (CIEFAP), Esquel, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esquel, Argentina
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Wilson AM, Coetzee MPA, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. Needles in fungal haystacks: Discovery of a putative a-factor pheromone and a unique mating strategy in the Leotiomycetes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292619. [PMID: 37824487 PMCID: PMC10569646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Leotiomycetes is a hugely diverse group of fungi, accommodating a wide variety of important plant and animal pathogens, ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, as well as producers of antibiotics. Despite their importance, the genetics of these fungi remain relatively understudied, particularly as they don't include model taxa. For example, sexual reproduction and the genetic mechanisms that underly this process are poorly understood in the Leotiomycetes. We exploited publicly available genomic and transcriptomic resources to identify genes of the mating-type locus and pheromone response pathway in an effort to characterize the mating strategies and behaviors of 124 Leotiomycete species. Our analyses identified a putative a-factor mating pheromone in these species. This significant finding represents the first identification of this gene in Pezizomycotina species outside of the Sordariomycetes. A unique mating strategy was also discovered in Lachnellula species that appear to have lost the need for the primary MAT1-1-1 protein. Ancestral state reconstruction enabled the identification of numerous transitions between homothallism and heterothallism in the Leotiomycetes and suggests a heterothallic ancestor for this group. This comprehensive catalog of mating-related genes from such a large group of fungi provides a rich resource from which in-depth, functional studies can be conducted in these economically and ecologically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi M. Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martin P. A. Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael J. Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Brenda D. Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Avontuur JR, Wilken PM, Palmer M, Coetzee MPA, Stępkowski T, Venter SN, Steenkamp ET. Complex evolutionary history of photosynthesis in Bradyrhizobium. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001105. [PMID: 37676703 PMCID: PMC10569730 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bradyrhizobium comprises a diverse group of bacteria with various lifestyles. Although best known for their nodule-based nitrogen-fixation in symbiosis with legumes, a select group of bradyrhizobia are also capable of photosynthesis. This ability seems to be rare among rhizobia, and its origin and evolution in these bacteria remain a subject of substantial debate. Therefore, our aim here was to investigate the distribution and evolution of photosynthesis in Bradyrhizobium using comparative genomics and representative genomes from closely related taxa in the families Nitrobacteraceae, Methylobacteriaceae, Boseaceae and Paracoccaceae . We identified photosynthesis gene clusters (PGCs) in 25 genomes belonging to three different Bradyrhizobium lineages, notably the so-called Photosynthetic, B. japonicum and B. elkanii supergroups. Also, two different PGC architectures were observed. One of these, PGC1, was present in genomes from the Photosynthetic supergroup and in three genomes from a species in the B. japonicum supergroup. The second cluster, PGC2, was also present in some strains from the B. japonicum supergroup, as well as in those from the B. elkanii supergroup. PGC2 was largely syntenic to the cluster found in Rhodopseudomonas palustris and Tardiphaga . Bayesian ancestral state reconstruction unambiguously showed that the ancestor of Bradyrhizobium lacked a PGC and that it was acquired horizontally by various lineages. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses of individual photosynthesis genes also suggested multiple acquisitions through horizontal gene transfer, followed by vertical inheritance and gene losses within the different lineages. Overall, our findings add to the existing body of knowledge on Bradyrhizobium ’s evolution and provide a meaningful basis from which to explore how these PGCs and the photosynthesis itself impact the physiology and ecology of these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita R. Avontuur
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - P. Markus Wilken
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marike Palmer
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Martin P. A. Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tomasz Stępkowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Warszawa, Poland
| | - Stephanus N. Venter
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Emma T. Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Narh Mensah DL, Wingfield BD, Coetzee MPA. Nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene clusters and characteristics of predicted NRPS-dependent siderophore synthetases in Armillaria and other species in the Physalacriaceae. Curr Genet 2023; 69:7-24. [PMID: 36369495 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-022-01256-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Fungal secondary metabolites are often pathogenicity or virulence factors synthesized by genes contained in secondary metabolite gene clusters (SMGCs). Nonribosomal polypeptide synthetase (NRPS) clusters are SMGCs which produce peptides such as siderophores, the high affinity ferric iron chelating compounds required for iron uptake under aerobic conditions. Armillaria spp. are mostly facultative necrotrophs of woody plants. NRPS-dependent siderophore synthetase (NDSS) clusters of Armillaria spp. and selected Physalacriaceae were investigated using a comparative genomics approach. Siderophore biosynthesis by strains of selected Armillaria spp. was evaluated using CAS and split-CAS assays. At least one NRPS cluster and other clusters were detected in the genomes studied. No correlation was observed between the number and types of SMGCs and reported pathogenicity of the species studied. The genomes contained one NDSS cluster each. All NDSSs were multi-modular with the domain architecture (ATC)3(TC)2. NDSS clusters of the Armillaria spp. showed a high degree of microsynteny. In the genomes of Desarmillaria spp. and Guyanagaster necrorhizus, NDSS clusters were more syntenic with NDSS clusters of Armillaria spp. than to those of the other Physalacriaceae species studied. Three A-domain orthologous groups were identified in the NDSSs, and atypical Stachelhaus codes were predicted for the A3 orthologous group. In vitro biosynthesis of mainly hydroxamate and some catecholate siderophores was observed. Hence, Armillaria spp. generally contain one highly conserved, NDSS cluster although some interspecific variations in the products of these clusters is expected. Results from this study lays the groundwork for future studies to elucidate the molecular biology of fungal phyto-pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Narh Mensah
- Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Food Research Institute (CSIR-FRI), P. O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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6
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Wingfield BD, Berger DK, Coetzee MPA, Duong TA, Martin A, Pham NQ, van den Berg N, Wilken PM, Arun-Chinnappa KS, Barnes I, Buthelezi S, Dahanayaka BA, Durán A, Engelbrecht J, Feurtey A, Fourie A, Fourie G, Hartley J, Kabwe ENK, Maphosa M, Narh Mensah DL, Nsibo DL, Potgieter L, Poudel B, Stukenbrock EH, Thomas C, Vaghefi N, Welgemoed T, Wingfield MJ. IMA genome‑F17 : Draft genome sequences of an Armillaria species from Zimbabwe, Ceratocystis colombiana, Elsinoë necatrix, Rosellinia necatrix, two genomes of Sclerotinia minor, short‑read genome assemblies and annotations of four Pyrenophora teres isolates from barley grass, and a long-read genome assembly of Cercospora zeina. IMA Fungus 2022; 13:19. [PMID: 36411457 PMCID: PMC9677705 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-022-00104-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda D. Wingfield
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Dave K. Berger
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa
| | - Martin P. A. Coetzee
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tuan A. Duong
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anke Martin
- grid.1048.d0000 0004 0473 0844Centre for Crop Health, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 Australia
| | - Nam Q. Pham
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa
| | - Noelani van den Berg
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - P. Markus Wilken
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Kiruba Shankari Arun-Chinnappa
- grid.1048.d0000 0004 0473 0844Centre for Crop Health, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 Australia ,PerkinElmer Pty Ltd., Level 2, Building 5, Brandon Business Park, 530‑540, Springvale Road, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150 Australia
| | - Irene Barnes
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sikelela Buthelezi
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Alvaro Durán
- Plant Health Program, Research and Development, Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd. (APRIL), Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau 28300 Indonesia
| | - Juanita Engelbrecht
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Alice Feurtey
- grid.419520.b0000 0001 2222 4708Environmental Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany ,grid.9764.c0000 0001 2153 9986Environmental Genomics, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Arista Fourie
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Gerda Fourie
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jesse Hartley
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Eugene N. K. Kabwe
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Mkhululi Maphosa
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Deborah L. Narh Mensah
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa ,grid.423756.10000 0004 1764 1672CSIR, Food Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - David L. Nsibo
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa
| | - Lizel Potgieter
- grid.419520.b0000 0001 2222 4708Environmental Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany ,grid.9764.c0000 0001 2153 9986Environmental Genomics, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Barsha Poudel
- grid.1048.d0000 0004 0473 0844Centre for Crop Health, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 Australia
| | - Eva H. Stukenbrock
- grid.419520.b0000 0001 2222 4708Environmental Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany ,grid.9764.c0000 0001 2153 9986Environmental Genomics, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Chanel Thomas
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Niloofar Vaghefi
- grid.1048.d0000 0004 0473 0844Centre for Crop Health, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of Agriculture and Food, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Tanya Welgemoed
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael J. Wingfield
- grid.49697.350000 0001 2107 2298Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0028 South Africa
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Soal NC, Coetzee MPA, van der Nest MA, Hammerbacher A, Wingfield BD. Phenolic degradation by catechol dioxygenases is associated with pathogenic fungi with a necrotrophic lifestyle in the Ceratocystidaceae. G3 (Bethesda) 2022; 12:jkac008. [PMID: 35077565 PMCID: PMC8896014 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Fungal species of the Ceratocystidaceae grow on their host plants using a variety of different lifestyles, from saprophytic to highly pathogenic. Although many genomes of fungi in the Ceratocystidaceae are publicly available, it is not known how the genes that encode catechol dioxygenases (CDOs), enzymes involved in the degradation of phenolic plant defense compounds, differ among members of the Ceratocystidaceae. The aim of this study was therefore to identify and characterize the genes encoding CDOs in the genomes of Ceratocystidaceae representatives. We found that genes encoding CDOs are more abundant in pathogenic necrotrophic species of the Ceratocystidaceae and less abundant in saprophytic species. The loss of the CDO genes and the associated 3-oxoadipate catabolic pathway appears to have occurred in a lineage-specific manner. Taken together, this study revealed a positive association between CDO gene copy number and fungal lifestyle in Ceratocystidaceae representatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C Soal
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Magriet A van der Nest
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
- Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Almuth Hammerbacher
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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8
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Phasha MM, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ, Coetzee MPA, Hammerbacher A, Steenkamp ET. Deciphering the effect of FUB1 disruption on fusaric acid production and pathogenicity in Fusarium circinatum. Fungal Biol 2021; 125:1036-1047. [PMID: 34776231 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fusarium circinatum is an important pathogen of pine trees. However, little is known regarding the molecular processes underlying its pathogenesis. We explored the potential role of the phytotoxin fusaric acid (FA) in the pathogenicity of the fungus. FA is produced by products of the FUB biosynthesis gene cluster, containing FUB1-12. Of these, FUB1 encodes the core polyketide synthase, which we disrupted. We used the resulting mutant strain to investigate whether FUB1 and FA production play a role in the virulence of F. circinatum on pine. Our results showed that FA production was abolished both in vitro and in planta. However, bikaverin production was increased in the knockout mutant. FUB1 disruption also corresponded with downregulation of a F. circinatum homologue of LaeA, a master transcriptional regulator of secondary metabolism. Lesion lengths produced by the FUB1 knockout mutant on inoculated Pinus patula seedlings were significantly smaller than those produced by the wild type strain. Collectively, these results show that FUB1 plays a role in FA production in F. circinatum, and that this gene contributes to the aggressiveness of F. circinatum on P. patula. This study will contribute to the limited knowledge we have about the molecular basis of pathogenicity in this fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Phasha
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - B D Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - M J Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - M P A Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - A Hammerbacher
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, FABI, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - E T Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
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Avontuur JR, Palmer M, Beukes CW, Chan WY, Tasiya T, van Zyl E, Coetzee MPA, Stepkowski T, Venter SN, Steenkamp ET. Bradyrhizobium altum sp. nov., Bradyrhizobium oropedii sp. nov. and Bradyrhizobium acaciae sp. nov. from South Africa show locally restricted and pantropical nodA phylogeographic patterns. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2021; 167:107338. [PMID: 34757168 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Africa is known for its rich legume diversity with a significant number of endemic species originating in South Africa. Many of these legumes associate with rhizobial symbionts of the genus Bradyrhizobium, of which most represent new species. Yet, none of the Bradyrhizobium species from South Africa have been described. In this study, phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences of fourteen strains isolated in southern Africa from root nodules of diverse legumes (i.e., from the tribes Crotalarieae, Acacieae, Genisteae, Phaseoleae and Cassieae) revealed that they belong to the Bradyrhizobium elkanii supergroup. The taxonomic position and possible novelty of these strains were further interrogated using genealogical concordance of five housekeeping genes (atpD, dnaK, glnII, gyrB and rpoB). These phylogenies consistently recovered four monophyletic groups and one singleton within Bradyrhizobium. Of these groups, two were conspecific with Bradyrhizobium brasilense UFLA 03-321T and Bradyrhizobium ivorense CI-1BT, while the remaining three represented novel taxa. Their existence was further supported with genome data, as well as metabolic and physiological traits. Analysis of nodA gene sequences further showed that the evolution of these bacteria likely involved adapting to local legume hosts and environmental conditions through the acquisition, via horizontal gene transfer, of optimal symbiotic loci. We accordingly propose the following names Bradyrhizobium acaciae sp. nov. 10BBT (SARCC 730T = LMG 31409T), Bradyrhizobium oropedii sp. nov. Pear76T (SARCC 731T = LMG 31408T), and Bradyrhizobium altum sp. nov. Pear77T (SARCC 754T = LMG 31407T) to accommodate three novel species, all of which are symbionts of legumes in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita R Avontuur
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marike Palmer
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| | - Chrizelle W Beukes
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Wai Y Chan
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; National Institute for Communicable Disease, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Taponeswa Tasiya
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Elritha van Zyl
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tomasz Stepkowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Poland
| | - Stephanus N Venter
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Emma T Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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10
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Abstract
The Capnodiales, which includes fungi known as the sooty moulds, represents the second largest order in Dothideomycetes, encompassing morphologically and ecologically diverse fungi with different lifestyles and modes of nutrition. They include saprobes, plant and human pathogens, mycoparasites, rock-inhabiting fungi (RIF), lichenised, epi-, ecto- and endophytes. The aim of this study was to elucidate the lifestyles and evolutionary patterns of the Capnodiales as well as to reconsider their phylogeny by including numerous new collections of sooty moulds, and using four nuclear loci, LSU, ITS, TEF-1α and RPB2. Based on the phylogenetic results, combined with morphology and ecology, Capnodiales s. lat. is shown to be polyphyletic, representing seven different orders. The sooty moulds are restricted to Capnodiales s. str., while Mycosphaerellales is resurrected, and five new orders including Cladosporiales, Comminutisporales, Neophaeothecales, Phaeothecales and Racodiales are introduced. Four families, three genera, 21 species and five combinations are introduced as new. Furthermore, ancestral reconstruction analysis revealed that the saprobic lifestyle is a primitive state in Capnodiales s. lat., and that several transitions have occurred to evolve lichenised, plant and human parasitic, ectophytic (sooty blotch and flyspeck) and more recently epiphytic (sooty mould) lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Abdollahzadeh
- Department of Plant Protection, Agriculture Faculty, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - J Z Groenewald
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 85167, Utrecht, 3508 AD, the Netherlands
| | - M P A Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - M J Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - P W Crous
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, P.O. Box 85167, Utrecht, 3508 AD, the Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Microbiology, Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR), Laboratory of Phytopathology, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen, 6708 PB, the Netherlands
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11
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Wingfield BD, Fourie A, Simpson MC, Bushula-Njah VS, Aylward J, Barnes I, Coetzee MPA, Dreyer LL, Duong TA, Geiser DM, Roets F, Steenkamp ET, van der Nest MA, van Heerden CJ, Wingfield MJ. IMA Genome-F 11: Draft genome sequences of Fusarium xylarioides, Teratosphaeria gauchensis and T. zuluensis and genome annotation for Ceratocystis fimbriata. IMA Fungus 2019; 10:13. [PMID: 32355613 PMCID: PMC7184890 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-019-0013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Draft genomes of the fungal species Fusarium xylarioides, Teratosphaeria gauchensis and T. zuluensis are presented. In addition an annotation of the genome of Ceratocystis fimbriata is presented. Overall these genomes provide a valuable resource for understanding the molecular processes underlying pathogenicity and potential management strategies of these economically important fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda D. Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
| | - Arista Fourie
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
| | - Melissa C. Simpson
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
| | - Vuyiswa S. Bushula-Njah
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
| | - Janneke Aylward
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
| | - Irene Barnes
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
| | - Martin P. A. Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
| | - Léanne L. Dreyer
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 South Africa
| | - Tuan A. Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
| | - David M. Geiser
- Fusarium Research Center, Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, 121 Buckhout Lab, University Park, State College, PA 16802 USA
| | - Francois Roets
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 South Africa
| | - E. T. Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
| | - Magriet A. van der Nest
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
- Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0002 South Africa
| | - Carel J. van Heerden
- Central Analytical Facilities, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 South Africa
| | - Michael J. Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P. A. Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Tree Pathology Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - Brenda D. Wingfield
- Department of Genetics, Tree Pathology Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - Teresa A. Coutinho
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Tree Pathology Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - Michael J. Wingfield
- Department of Genetics, Tree Pathology Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
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13
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Palmer M, Venter SN, McTaggart AR, Coetzee MPA, Van Wyk S, Avontuur JR, Beukes CW, Fourie G, Santana QC, Van Der Nest MA, Blom J, Steenkamp ET. The synergistic effect of concatenation in phylogenomics: the case in Pantoea. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6698. [PMID: 31024760 PMCID: PMC6474361 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increased availability of genome sequences for bacteria, it has become routine practice to construct genome-based phylogenies. These phylogenies have formed the basis for various taxonomic decisions, especially for resolving problematic relationships between taxa. Despite the popularity of concatenating shared genes to obtain well-supported phylogenies, various issues regarding this combined-evidence approach have been raised. These include the introduction of phylogenetic error into datasets, as well as incongruence due to organism-level evolutionary processes, particularly horizontal gene transfer and incomplete lineage sorting. Because of the huge effect that this could have on phylogenies, we evaluated the impact of phylogenetic conflict caused by organism-level evolutionary processes on the established species phylogeny for Pantoea, a member of the Enterobacterales. We explored the presence and distribution of phylogenetic conflict at the gene partition and nucleotide levels, by identifying putative inter-lineage recombination events that might have contributed to such conflict. Furthermore, we determined whether smaller, randomly constructed datasets had sufficient signal to reconstruct the current species tree hypothesis or if they would be overshadowed by phylogenetic incongruence. We found that no individual gene tree was fully congruent with the species phylogeny of Pantoea, although many of the expected nodes were supported by various individual genes across the genome. Evidence of recombination was found across all lineages within Pantoea, and provides support for organism-level evolutionary processes as a potential source of phylogenetic conflict. The phylogenetic signal from at least 70 random genes recovered robust, well-supported phylogenies for the backbone and most species relationships of Pantoea, and was unaffected by phylogenetic conflict within the dataset. Furthermore, despite providing limited resolution among taxa at the level of single gene trees, concatenated analyses of genes that were identified as having no signal resulted in a phylogeny that resembled the species phylogeny of Pantoea. This distribution of signal and noise across the genome presents the ideal situation for phylogenetic inference, as the topology from a ≥70-gene concatenated species phylogeny is not driven by single genes, and our data suggests that this finding may also hold true for smaller datasets. We thus argue that, by using a concatenation-based approach in phylogenomics, one can obtain robust phylogenies due to the synergistic effect of the combined signal obtained from multiple genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marike Palmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Stephanus N Venter
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Alistair R McTaggart
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.,Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Van Wyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Juanita R Avontuur
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Chrizelle W Beukes
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Gerda Fourie
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Quentin C Santana
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Magriet A Van Der Nest
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Jochen Blom
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig Universität Gießen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Emma T Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
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14
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Avontuur JR, Palmer M, Beukes CW, Chan WY, Coetzee MPA, Blom J, Stępkowski T, Kyrpides NC, Woyke T, Shapiro N, Whitman WB, Venter SN, Steenkamp ET. Genome-informed Bradyrhizobium taxonomy: where to from here? Syst Appl Microbiol 2019; 42:427-439. [PMID: 31031014 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bradyrhizobium is thought to be the largest and most diverse rhizobial genus, but this is not reflected in the number of described species. Although it was one of the first rhizobial genera recognised, its taxonomy remains complex. Various contemporary studies are showing that genome sequence information may simplify taxonomic decisions. Therefore, the growing availability of genomes for Bradyrhizobium will likely aid in the delineation and characterization of new species. In this study, we addressed two aims: first, we reviewed the availability and quality of available genomic resources for Bradyrhizobium. This was achieved by comparing genome sequences in terms of sequencing technologies used and estimated level of completeness for inclusion in genome-based phylogenetic analyses. Secondly, we utilized these genomes to investigate the taxonomic standing of Bradyrhizobium in light of its diverse lifestyles. Although genome sequences differed in terms of their quality and completeness, our data indicate that the use of these genome sequences is adequate for taxonomic purposes. By using these resources, we inferred a fully resolved, well-supported phylogeny. It separated Bradyrhizobium into seven lineages, three of which corresponded to the so-called supergroups known for the genus. Wide distribution of key lifestyle traits such as nodulation, nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis revealed that these traits have complicated evolutionary histories. We present the first robust Bradyrhizobium species phylogeny based on genome sequence information for investigating the evolution of this important assemblage of bacteria. Furthermore, this study provides the basis for using genome sequence information as a resource to make important taxonomic decisions, particularly at the species and genus levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita R Avontuur
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marike Palmer
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Chrizelle W Beukes
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Wai Y Chan
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (ARC-OVI), Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jochen Blom
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tomasz Stępkowski
- Autonomous Department of Microbial Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Poland
| | | | - Tanja Woyke
- DOE Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - Nicole Shapiro
- DOE Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - William B Whitman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Stephanus N Venter
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Emma T Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. http://emma.steenkamp.up.ac.za
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15
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Coetzee MPA, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. Armillaria Root-Rot Pathogens: Species Boundaries and Global Distribution. Pathogens 2018; 7:E83. [PMID: 30356027 PMCID: PMC6313743 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens7040083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review considers current knowledge surrounding species boundaries of the Armillaria root-rot pathogens and their distribution. In addition, a phylogenetic tree using translation elongation factor subunit 1-alpha (tef-1α) from isolates across the globe are used to present a global phylogenetic framework for the genus. Defining species boundaries based on DNA sequence-inferred phylogenies has been a central focus of contemporary mycology. The results of such studies have in many cases resolved the biogeographic history of species, mechanisms involved in dispersal, the taxonomy of species and how certain phenotypic characteristics have evolved throughout lineage diversification. Such advances have also occurred in the case of Armillaria spp. that include important causal agents of tree root rots. This commenced with the first phylogeny for Armillaria that was based on IGS-1 (intergenic spacer region one) DNA sequence data, published in 1992. Since then phylogenies were produced using alternative loci, either as single gene phylogenies or based on concatenated data. Collectively these phylogenies revealed species clusters in Armillaria linked to their geographic distributions and importantly species complexes that warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
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16
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Simpson MC, Coetzee MPA, van der Nest MA, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. Ceratocystidaceae exhibit high levels of recombination at the mating-type (MAT) locus. Fungal Biol 2018; 122:1184-1191. [PMID: 30449356 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mating is central to many fungal life cycles and is controlled by genes at the mating-type (MAT) locus. These genes determine whether the fungus will be self-sterile (heterothallic) or self-fertile (homothallic). Species in the ascomycete family Ceratocystidaceae have different mating strategies, making them interesting to consider with regards to their MAT loci. The aim of this study was to compare the composition of the MAT locus flanking regions in 11 species of Ceratocystidaceae representing four genera. Genome assemblies for each species were examined to identify the MAT locus and determine the structure of the flanking regions. Large contigs containing the MAT locus were then functionally annotated and analysed for the presence of transposable elements. Genes typically flanking the MAT locus in sordariomycetes were found to be highly conserved in the Ceratocystidaceae. The different genera in the Ceratocystidaceae displayed little synteny outside of the immediate MAT locus flanking genes. Even though species ofCeratocystis did not show much synteny outside of the immediate MAT locus flanking genes, species of Huntiella and Endoconidiophora were comparatively syntenic. Due to the high number of transposable elements present in Ceratocystis MAT flanking regions, we hypothesise that Ceratocystis species may have undergone recombination in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Simpson
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
| | - Magriet A van der Nest
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
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17
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Wingfield BD, Liu M, Nguyen HDT, Lane FA, Morgan SW, De Vos L, Wilken PM, Duong TA, Aylward J, Coetzee MPA, Dadej K, De Beer ZW, Findlay W, Havenga M, Kolařík M, Menzies JG, Naidoo K, Pochopski O, Shoukouhi P, Santana QC, Seifert KA, Soal N, Steenkamp ET, Tatham CT, van der Nest MA, Wingfield MJ. Nine draft genome sequences of Claviceps purpurea s.lat., including C. arundinis, C. humidiphila, and C. cf. spartinae, pseudomolecules for the pitch canker pathogen Fusarium circinatum, draft genome of Davidsoniella eucalypti, Grosmannia galeiformis, Quambalaria eucalypti, and Teratosphaeria destructans. IMA Fungus 2018; 9:401-418. [PMID: 30622889 PMCID: PMC6317589 DOI: 10.5598/imafungus.2018.09.02.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This genome announcement includes draft genomes from Claviceps purpurea s.lat., including C. arundinis, C. humidiphila and C. cf. spartinae. The draft genomes of Davidsoniella eucalypti, Quambalaria eucalypti and Teratosphaeria destructans, all three important eucalyptus pathogens, are presented. The insect associate Grosmannia galeiformis is also described. The pine pathogen genome of Fusarium circinatum has been assembled into pseudomolecules, based on additional sequence data and by harnessing the known synteny within the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex. This new assembly of the F. circinatum genome provides 12 pseudomolecules that correspond to the haploid chromosome number of F. circinatum. These are comparable to other chromosomal assemblies within the FFSC and will enable more robust genomic comparisons within this species complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda D Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Miao Liu
- Ottawa Research & Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Hai D T Nguyen
- Ottawa Research & Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Frances A Lane
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Seamus W Morgan
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Lieschen De Vos
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - P Markus Wilken
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Tuan A Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Janneke Aylward
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Kasia Dadej
- Ottawa Research & Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Z Wilhelm De Beer
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Wendy Findlay
- Ottawa Research & Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Minette Havenga
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Miroslav Kolařík
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jim G Menzies
- Morden Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 101 Route 100, Morden, Manitoba R6M 1Y5, Canada
| | - Kershney Naidoo
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Olivia Pochopski
- Ottawa Research & Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Parivash Shoukouhi
- Ottawa Research & Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Quentin C Santana
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Keith A Seifert
- Ottawa Research & Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 960 Carling Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Nicole Soal
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Emma T Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Catherine T Tatham
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Margriet A van der Nest
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag x20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
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Palmer M, Steenkamp ET, Coetzee MPA, Avontuur JR, Chan WY, van Zyl E, Blom J, Venter SN. Mixta gen. nov., a new genus in the Erwiniaceae. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2018; 68:1396-1407. [DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marike Palmer
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Emma T. Steenkamp
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martin P. A. Coetzee
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Juanita R. Avontuur
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Wai-Yin Chan
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Biotechnology Platform (BTP), Agricultural Research Council Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (ARC-OVI), Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Elritha van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jochen Blom
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stephanus N. Venter
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology (CTHB) and Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Viljoen E, Odeny DA, Coetzee MPA, Berger DK, Rees DJG. Application of Chloroplast Phylogenomics to Resolve Species Relationships Within the Plant Genus Amaranthus. J Mol Evol 2018; 86:216-239. [PMID: 29556741 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-018-9837-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amaranthus species are an emerging and promising nutritious traditional vegetable food source. Morphological plasticity and poorly resolved dendrograms have led to the need for well resolved species phylogenies. We hypothesized that whole chloroplast phylogenomics would result in more reliable differentiation between closely related amaranth species. The aims of the study were therefore: to construct a fully assembled, annotated chloroplast genome sequence of Amaranthus tricolor; to characterize Amaranthus accessions phylogenetically by comparing barcoding genes (matK, rbcL, ITS) with whole chloroplast sequencing; and to use whole chloroplast phylogenomics to resolve deeper phylogenetic relationships. We generated a complete A. tricolor chloroplast sequence of 150,027 bp. The three barcoding genes revealed poor inter- and intra-species resolution with low bootstrap support. Whole chloroplast phylogenomics of 59 Amaranthus accessions increased the number of parsimoniously informative sites from 92 to 481 compared to the barcoding genes, allowing improved separation of amaranth species. Our results support previous findings that two geographically independent domestication events of Amaranthus hybridus likely gave rise to several species within the Hybridus complex, namely Amaranthus dubius, Amaranthus quitensis, Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus. Poor resolution of species within the Hybridus complex supports the recent and ongoing domestication within the complex, and highlights the limitation of chloroplast data for resolving recent evolution. The weedy Amaranthus retroflexus and Amaranthus powellii was found to share a common ancestor with the Hybridus complex. Leafy amaranth, Amaranthus tricolor, Amaranthus blitum, Amaranthus viridis and Amaranthus graecizans formed a stable sister lineage to the aforementioned species across the phylogenetic trees. This study demonstrates the power of next-generation sequencing data and reference-based assemblies to resolve phylogenies, and also facilitated the identification of unknown Amaranthus accessions from a local genebank. The informative phylogeny of the Amaranthus genus will aid in selecting accessions for breeding advanced genotypes to satisfy global food demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Viljoen
- Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa.,Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield, 0083, South Africa
| | - Damaris A Odeny
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield, 0083, South Africa
| | - Dave K Berger
- Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield, 0083, South Africa.
| | - David J G Rees
- Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa.,Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, 1710, South Africa
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Palmer M, Steenkamp ET, Coetzee MPA, Blom J, Venter SN. Genome-Based Characterization of Biological Processes That Differentiate Closely Related Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:113. [PMID: 29467735 PMCID: PMC5808187 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriologists have strived toward attaining a natural classification system based on evolutionary relationships for nearly 100 years. In the early twentieth century it was accepted that a phylogeny-based system would be the most appropriate, but in the absence of molecular data, this approach proved exceedingly difficult. Subsequent technical advances and the increasing availability of genome sequencing have allowed for the generation of robust phylogenies at all taxonomic levels. In this study, we explored the possibility of linking biological characters to higher-level taxonomic groups in bacteria by making use of whole genome sequence information. For this purpose, we specifically targeted the genus Pantoea and its four main lineages. The shared gene sets were determined for Pantoea, the four lineages within the genus, as well as its sister-genus Tatumella. This was followed by functional characterization of the gene sets using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. In comparison to Tatumella, various traits involved in nutrient cycling were identified within Pantoea, providing evidence for increased efficacy in recycling of metabolites within the genus. Additionally, a number of traits associated with pathogenicity were identified within species often associated with opportunistic infections, with some support for adaptation toward overcoming host defenses. Some traits were also only conserved within specific lineages, potentially acquired in an ancestor to the lineage and subsequently maintained. It was also observed that the species isolated from the most diverse sources were generally the most versatile in their carbon metabolism. By investigating evolution, based on the more variable genomic regions, it may be possible to detect biologically relevant differences associated with the course of evolution and speciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marike Palmer
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Emma T Steenkamp
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetic, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jochen Blom
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Stephanus N Venter
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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21
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Palmer M, Steenkamp ET, Coetzee MPA, Chan WY, van Zyl E, De Maayer P, Coutinho TA, Blom J, Smits THM, Duffy B, Venter SN. Phylogenomic resolution of the bacterial genus Pantoea and its relationship with Erwinia and Tatumella. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2017; 110:1287-1309. [PMID: 28255640 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0852-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of the evolutionary relationships between related bacterial species and genera with a variety of lifestyles have gained popularity in recent years. For analysing the evolution of specific traits, however, a robust phylogeny is essential. In this study we examined the evolutionary relationships among the closely related genera Erwinia, Tatumella and Pantoea, and also attempted to resolve the species relationships within Pantoea. To accomplish this, we used the whole genome sequence data for 35 different strains belonging to these three genera, as well as nine outgroup taxa. Multigene datasets consisting of the 1039 genes shared by these 44 strains were then generated and subjected to maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses, after which the results were compared to those using conventional multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) and ribosomal MLSA (rMLSA) approaches. The robustness of the respective phylogenies was then explored by considering the factors typically responsible for destabilizing phylogenetic trees. We found that the nucleotide datasets employed in the MLSA, rMLSA and 1039-gene datasets contained significant levels of homoplasy, substitution saturation and differential codon usage, all of which likely gave rise to the observed lineage specific rate heterogeneity. The effects of these factors were much less pronounced in the amino acid dataset for the 1039 genes, which allowed reconstruction of a fully supported and resolved phylogeny. The robustness of this amino acid tree was also supported by different subsets of the 1039 genes. In contrast to the smaller datasets (MLSA and rMLSA), the 1039 amino acid tree was also not as sensitive to long-branch attraction. The robust and well-supported evolutionary hypothesis for the three genera, which confidently resolved their various inter- and intrageneric relationships, represents a valuable resource for future studies. It will form the basis for studies aiming to understand the forces driving the divergence and maintenance of lineages, species and biological traits in this important group of bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marike Palmer
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Emma T Steenkamp
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI),, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Wai-Yin Chan
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Elritha van Zyl
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Pieter De Maayer
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Teresa A Coutinho
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jochen Blom
- Computational Genomics, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Theo H M Smits
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Research Group, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zürich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Brion Duffy
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Research Group, Institute of Natural Resource Sciences, Zürich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Stephanus N Venter
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriaana Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Brenda D. Wingfield
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Michael J. Wingfield
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Coetzee MPA, Wingfield BD, Bloomer P, Ridley GS, Wingfield MJ. Molecular identification and phylogeny ofArmillariaisolates from South America and Indo-Malaysia. Mycologia 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/15572536.2004.11833113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Paulette Bloomer
- Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Geoff S Ridley
- New Zealand Forest Research Institute Ltd., Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, New Zealand
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Van der Nest MA, Steenkamp ET, McTaggart AR, Trollip C, Godlonton T, Sauerman E, Roodt D, Naidoo K, Coetzee MPA, Wilken PM, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. Saprophytic and pathogenic fungi in the Ceratocystidaceae differ in their ability to metabolize plant-derived sucrose. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:273. [PMID: 26643441 PMCID: PMC4672557 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0550-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proteins in the Glycoside Hydrolase family 32 (GH32) are carbohydrate-active enzymes known as invertases that hydrolyse the glycosidic bonds of complex saccharides. Fungi rely on these enzymes to gain access to and utilize plant-derived sucrose. In fungi, GH32 invertase genes are found in higher copy numbers in the genomes of pathogens when compared to closely related saprophytes, suggesting an association between invertases and ecological strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and evolution of GH32 invertases in the Ceratocystidaceae using a comparative genomics approach. This fungal family provides an interesting model to study the evolution of these genes, because it includes economically important pathogenic species such as Ceratocystis fimbriata, C. manginecans and C. albifundus, as well as saprophytic species such as Huntiella moniliformis, H. omanensis and H. savannae. Results The publicly available Ceratocystidaceae genome sequences, as well as the H. savannae genome sequenced here, allowed for the identification of novel GH32-like sequences. The de novo assembly of the H. savannae draft genome consisted of 28.54 megabases that coded for 7 687 putative genes of which one represented a GH32 family member. The number of GH32 gene family members appeared to be related to the ecological adaptations of these fungi. The pathogenic Ceratocystis species all contained two GH32 family genes (a putative cell wall and a putative vacuolar invertase), while the saprophytic Huntiella species had only one of these genes (a putative cell wall invertase). Further analysis showed that the evolution of the GH32 gene family in the Ceratocystidaceae involved transposable element-based retro-transposition and translocation. As an example, the activity of a Fot5-like element likely facilitated the assembly of the genomic regions harbouring the GH32 family genes in Ceratocystis. Conclusions This study provides insight into the evolutionary history of the GH32 gene family in Ceratocystidaceae. Our findings suggest that transposable elements shaped the evolution of the GH32 gene family, which in turn determines the sucrolytic activities and related ecological strategies of the Ceratocystidaceae species that harbour them. The study also provides insights into the role of carbohydrate-active enzymes in plant-fungal interactions and adds to our understanding of the evolution of these enzymes and their role in the life style of these fungi. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0550-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Van der Nest
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - E T Steenkamp
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - A R McTaggart
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - C Trollip
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - T Godlonton
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - E Sauerman
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - D Roodt
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - K Naidoo
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - M P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - P M Wilken
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - M J Wingfield
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - B D Wingfield
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
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Marincowitz S, Coetzee MPA, Wilken PM, Wingfield BD, Wingfield MJ. Phylogenetic placement of Itajahya: An unusual Jacaranda fungal associate. IMA Fungus 2015; 6:257-62. [PMID: 26734541 PMCID: PMC4681253 DOI: 10.5598/imafungus.2015.06.02.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Itajahya is a member of Phallales (Agaricomycetes), which, based on the presence of a calyptra and DNA sequence data for I. rosea, has recently been raised to generic status from a subgenus of Phallus. The type species of the genus, I. galericulata, is commonly known as the Jacaranda stinkhorn in Pretoria, South Africa, which is the only area where the fungus is known outside the Americas. The common name is derived from its association with the South American originating Jacaranda mimosifolia trees in the city. The aim of this study was to consider the unusual occurrence of the fungus in South Africa, to place it on the available Phallales phylogeny and to test whether it merits generic status. Fresh basidiomes were collected during the summer of 2015 and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were based on sequence data for the nuc-LSU-rDNA (LSU) and ATPase subunit 6 (ATP6) regions. The results showed that I. rosea and I. galericulata are phylogenetically related. They are also clearly distinguished from other members of Phallales such as Phallus spp. and Dictyophora spp., and so our new data supports the raising of Itajahya to the generic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonju Marincowitz
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa; Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - P Markus Wilken
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa; Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Brenda D Wingfield
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa; Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
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Coetzee MPA, Marincowitz S, Muthelo VG, Wingfield MJ. Ganoderma species, including new taxa associated with root rot of the iconic Jacaranda mimosifolia in Pretoria, South Africa. IMA Fungus 2015. [PMID: 26203427 PMCID: PMC4500087 DOI: 10.5598/imafungus.2015.06.01.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Jacaranda mimosifolia trees have been progressively dying due to Ganoderma root and butt rot disease in Pretoria (the “City of Jacarandas”) for many years. Ganoderma austroafricanum was described from these trees previously but this was based on a single collection. This study treats a substantially expanded collection of isolates of Ganoderma made from all dying trees where basidiomes were present in a Pretoria suburb. DNA sequences were obtained from the ITS and LSU region for the isolates and compared against sequences on GenBank. Phylogenetic analyses were used to compare sequences with those for other Ganoderma species. Based on sequence comparisons and morphological characters, two new Ganoderma species were discovered and these are described here as G. enigmaticum and G. destructans spp. nov. Interestingly, the previously described G. austroafricanum was not found, G. enigmaticum was found on only one Ceratonia siliqua tree and G. destructans was found on all other trees sampled. The latter species appears to be the primary cause of root rot of J. mimosifolia in the area sampled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Seonju Marincowitz
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Vuledzani G Muthelo
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, P.O. Box X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
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de Errasti A, de Beer ZW, Rajchenberg M, Coetzee MPA, Wingfield MJ, Roux J. Huntiella decorticans sp. nov. (Ceratocystidaceae) associated with dying Nothofagus in Patagonia. Mycologia 2015; 107:512-21. [PMID: 25661718 DOI: 10.3852/14-175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
During a survey of ophiostomatoid fungi in native forests of southern Argentina, several isolates of Huntiella species were obtained from Nothofagus trees. Sequences of multiple gene regions were used to identify these fungi, and their pathogenicity was tested on N. pumilio and N. dombeyi. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a novel taxon described here as H. decorticans sp. nov. Inoculations on N. dombeyi and N. pumilio in the forest showed that H. decorticans is able to produce localized lesions on healthy Nothofagus trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- A de Errasti
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro Forestal CIEFAP, Ruta 259 km 4 Esquel, Chubut, CP 9200, Argentina
| | - Z W de Beer
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - M Rajchenberg
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro Forestal CIEFAP, Ruta 259 km 4 Esquel, Chubut, CP 9200, Argentina
| | - M P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - M J Wingfield
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - J Roux
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
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Simpson MC, Wilken PM, Coetzee MPA, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. Analysis of microsatellite markers in the genome of the plant pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata. Fungal Biol 2013; 117:545-55. [PMID: 23931120 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2013.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Ceratocystis fimbriata sensu lato represents a complex of cryptic and commonly plant pathogenic species that are morphologically similar. Species in this complex have been described using morphological characteristics, intersterility tests and phylogenetics. Microsatellite markers have been useful to study the population structure and origin of some species in the complex. In this study we sequenced the genome of C. fimbriata. This provided an opportunity to mine the genome for microsatellites, to develop new microsatellite markers, and map previously developed markers onto the genome. Over 6000 microsatellites were identified in the genome and their abundance and distribution was determined. Ceratocystis fimbriata has a medium level of microsatellite density and slightly smaller genome when compared with other fungi for which similar microsatellite analyses have been performed. This is the first report of a microsatellite analysis conducted on a genome sequence of a fungal species in the order Microascales. Forty-seven microsatellite markers have been published for population genetic studies, of which 35 could be mapped onto the C. fimbriata genome sequence. We developed an additional ten microsatellite markers within putative genes to differentiate between species in the C. fimbriata s.l. complex. These markers were used to distinguish between 12 species in the complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Simpson
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute FABI, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene conversion is the mechanism proposed to be responsible for the homogenization of multigene families such as the nuclear ribosomal gene clusters. This concerted evolutionary process prevents individual genes in gene clusters from accumulating mutations. The mechanism responsible for concerted evolution is not well understood but recombination during meiosis has been hypothesized to play a significant role in this homogenization. In this study we tested the hypothesis of unequal crossing over playing a significant role in gene conversion events within the ribosomal RNA cistron during meiosis, mitosis or both life stages in the fungal tree pathogen Ceratocystis manginecans. METHODS Ceratocystis manginecans, a haploid ascomycete, reproduces homothallically and was found to have two distinct sequences within the internally transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA cistron. The different ITS types were scored using PCR-RFLP assays and chi-square analyses to determine the level of significance of the changes in the ratios of the ITS types. RESULTS The relative ratios of the two ITS sequence types changed when the fungal isolates were cultured vegetatively or allowed to produced sexual structures and spores. These active changes were shown to occur more frequently during meiosis than mitosis. CONCLUSION The evidence presented provides concrete support for homogenization in the rRNA gene clusters found in this fungus and that the most reasonable explanation for this process is unequal crossing over.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kershney Naidoo
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Emma T. Steenkamp
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martin P. A. Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michael J. Wingfield
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Brenda D. Wingfield
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Pretoria, South Africa
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The global movement and speciation of fungal plant pathogens is important, especially because of the economic losses they cause and the ease with which they are able to spread across large areas. Understanding the biogeography and origin of these plant pathogens can provide insights regarding their dispersal and current day distribution. We tested the hypothesis of a Gondwanan origin of the plant pathogenic mushroom genus Armillaria and the currently accepted premise that vicariance accounts for the extant distribution of the species. METHODS The phylogeny of a selection of Armillaria species was reconstructed based on Maximum Parsimony (MP), Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI). A timeline was then placed on the divergence of lineages using a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock approach. RESULTS Phylogenetic analyses of sequenced data for three combined nuclear regions provided strong support for three major geographically defined clades: Holarctic, South American-Australasian and African. Molecular dating placed the initial radiation of the genus at 54 million years ago within the Early Paleogene, postdating the tectonic break-up of Gondwana. CONCLUSIONS The distribution of extant Armillaria species is the result of ancient long-distance dispersal rather than vicariance due to continental drift. As these finding are contrary to most prior vicariance hypotheses for fungi, our results highlight the important role of long-distance dispersal in the radiation of fungal pathogens from the Southern Hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Armillaria root disease affects fruit and nut crops, timber trees and ornamentals in boreal, temperate and tropical regions of the world. The causal pathogens are members of the genus Armillaria (Basidiomycota, Physalacriaceae). This review summarizes the state of knowledge and highlights recent advances in Armillaria research. TAXONOMY Armillaria includes more than 40 morphological species. However, the identification and delineation of species on the basis of morphological characters are problematic, resulting in many species being undetected. Implementation of the biological species' concept and DNA sequence comparisons in the contemporary taxonomy of Armillaria have led to the discovery of a number of new species that are not linked to described morphological species. HOST RANGE Armillaria exhibits a range of symbioses with both plants and fungi. As plant pathogens, Armillaria species have broad host ranges, infecting mostly woody species. Armillaria can also colonize orchids Galeola and Gastrodia but, in this case, the fungus is the host and the plant is the parasite. Similar to its contrasting relationships with plants, Armillaria acts as either host or parasite in its interactions with other fungi. Disease control: Recent research on post-infection controls has revealed promising alternatives to the former pre-plant eradication attempts with soil fumigants, which are now being regulated more heavily or banned outright because of their negative effects on the environment. New study tools for genetic manipulation of the pathogen and characterization of the molecular basis of the host response will greatly advance the development of resistant rootstocks in a new stage of research. The depth of the research, regardless of whether traditional or genomic approaches are used, will depend on a clear understanding of where the different propagules of Armillaria attack a root system, which of the pathogen's diverse biolymer-degrading enzymes and secondary metabolites facilitate infection, and how the course of infection differs between resistant and susceptible hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Baumgartner
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), University of California, Davis, USA.
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Van Zuydam NR, Paciura D, Jacobs K, Wingfield MJ, Coetzee MPA, Wingfield BD. Barcoding and microcoding using "identiprimers" with Leptographium species. Mycologia 2010; 102:1274-87. [PMID: 20943562 DOI: 10.3852/09-291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Leptographium species provide an ideal model to test the applications of a PCR microcoding system for differentiating species of other genera of ascomycetes. Leptographium species are closely related and share similar gross morphology. Probes designed for a PhyloChip for Leptographium have been transferred and tested as primers for PCR diagnostic against Leptographium species. The primers were combined with complementary universal primers to identify known and suspected undescribed species of Leptographium. The primer set was optimized for 56 species, including the three varieties of L. wageneri, then blind-tested against 10 random DNA samples. The protocols established in this study successfully identified species from the blind test as well as eight previously undescribed isolates of Leptographium. The undescribed isolates were identified as new species of Leptographium with the aid of the microcoding PCR identification system established in this study. The primers that were positive for each undescribed isolate were used to determine close relatives of these species and some of their biological characteristics. The transfer of oligonucleotides from a micro-array platform to a PCR diagnostic was successful, and the identification system is robust for both known and unknown species of Leptographium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie R Van Zuydam
- Department of Genetics, University of Pretoria, 23 Lunnon Street, Hillcrest, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
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Keyser M, Witthuhn RC, Lamprecht C, Coetzee MPA, Britz TJ. PCR-based DGGE fingerprinting and identification of methanogens detected in three different types of UASB granules. Syst Appl Microbiol 2006; 29:77-84. [PMID: 16423659 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2005.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Methane is produced by various methanogenic bacteria present in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) bioreactors. Methane can be used to predict and improve UASB bioreactor efficiency. The methanogen population in the granules can be influenced by the composition of the substrate. The aim of this study was to fingerprint and identify the methanogens present in three different types of UASB granules that had been used to treat winery, brewery and peach-lye canning effluents. This was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and DNA sequence analysis. The DGGE fingerprints obtained from the methanogen reference cultures of Methanosaeta concilii, Methanosaeta thermophila, Methanosarcina barkeri, Methanosarcina mazeii and Methanobacterium formicicum were compared to the DGGE profiles of the Archaea in the different granules. The positions of the DGGE bands that did not correspond well to the bands of the known species were sequenced and compared to sequences available on GenBank using the Blastn search option. The aligned DNA sequences were used to construct a phylogenetic tree. Based on the data obtained, a DGGE marker was constructed which was used to provide a quick method to identify the Archaeal members of the microbial consortium in UASB granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Keyser
- Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
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Roux J, Coetzee MPA. First Report of Pink Disease on Native Trees in South Africa and Phylogenetic Placement of Erythricium salmonicolor in the Homobasidiomycetes. Plant Dis 2005; 89:1158-1163. [PMID: 30786437 DOI: 10.1094/pd-89-1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Erythricium salmonicolor causes a canker and die-back disease, commonly known as pink disease, on many tree species. During an investigation of diseases of Podocarpus henkellii and P. latifolius in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, typical symptoms of pink disease were observed on the branches of these trees. Stem and branch cankers covered with cracked bark and abundant pink mycelial growth were common on the affected trees. In subsequent surveys, the disease was also found on native Dais cotonifolia in the same area, as well as on native Ekebergia capensis and Maesa lanceolata in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Phylogenetic analyses of ribosomal large subunit DNA sequence data were used to confirm the identity of the pathogen and obtain an indication of its phylogenetic placement within the Homobasidiomycetes. Isolates from all the native hosts recorded in this study, as well as from exotic Eucalyptus sp. and Acacia mearnsii, formed a strongly supported clade together with isolates from other parts of the world. Results confirmed that the pathogen in South Africa is Erythricium salmonicolor. Isolates from South Africa and Ethiopia grouped closely together, slightly different from E. salmonicolor isolates from the rest of the world. Our data also suggest that the genus name for E. salmonicolor possibly should be reconsidered because it groups separately from E. laetum or Corticium roseum. Phylogenetic analyses further indicated that the genus Erythricium is most closely related to Marchandiomyces aurantiacus, M. lignicola, C. roseum, E. laetum, Dendrothele maculata, D. roseacarneum, Vuilleminia comedens, V. macrospora, Punctularia strigoso-zonata and Galzinia incrustans. These genera form a separate subclade, the corticioid clade, within the Homobasidiomycetes. Pink disease is potentially important in South Africa because it affects a wide range of native and exotic tree species, and this study provides a foundation for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Roux
- Department of Genetics, DST/NRF Centre for Tree Health Biotechnology & Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - M P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, DST/NRF Centre for Tree Health Biotechnology & Tree Protection Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
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Coetzee MPA, Wingfield BD, Bloomer P, Wingfield MJ. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences reveal species partitions amongst isolates of Armillaria from Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 109:1223-34. [PMID: 16279415 DOI: 10.1017/s095375620500393x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The basidiomycete genus Armillaria causes root rot and death to woody plants in boreal, temperate and tropical regions of the world. Armillaria root rot has been described from various parts of Africa on many different hosts. However, very little is known regarding the evolutionary relationships among Armillaria species in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the phylogenetic relationships between isolates originating from different regions in Africa using nDNA sequences from two non-coding gene regions. The ITS and the IGS-1 regions of the ribosomal DNA operon were sequenced and analysed using different phylogenetic tree searching methods. Phylogenetic trees grouped the African taxa in two strongly supported clades. One of these represented A. fuscipes and the other an undescribed but distinct species.
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MESH Headings
- Africa
- Agaricales/classification
- Agaricales/genetics
- Agaricales/isolation & purification
- Base Sequence
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA, Fungal/chemistry
- DNA, Fungal/genetics
- DNA, Intergenic/chemistry
- DNA, Intergenic/genetics
- Evolution, Molecular
- Genetic Variation
- Phylogeny
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/genetics
- Sequence Alignment
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P A Coetzee
- Department of Genetics, Tree Protection Co-operative Programme, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Jacobs A, Coetzee MPA, Wingfield BD, Jacobs K, Wingfield MJ. Phylogenetic Relationships among Phialocephala Species and Other Ascomycetes. Mycologia 2003. [DOI: 10.2307/3761940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Coetzee MPA, Wingfield BD, Bloomer P, Ridley GS, Wingfield MJ. Molecular Identification and Phylogeny of Armillaria Isolates from South America and Indo-Malaysia. Mycologia 2003. [DOI: 10.2307/3762039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Barnes I, Roux J, Wingfield MJ, Coetzee MPA, Wingfield BD. Characterization of Seiridium spp. Associated with Cypress Canker Based on ß-Tubulin and Histone Sequences. Plant Dis 2001; 85:317-321. [PMID: 30832049 DOI: 10.1094/pdis.2001.85.3.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cypress canker is a serious disease that has devastated Cupressus spp. in many parts of the world. In Mediterranean Europe it has caused the deaths of millions of trees. Three species of Seiridium, S. cardinale, S. cupressi, and S. unicorne, are associated with cypress canker. Considerable debate surrounds the taxonomic status of these fungi. They have been viewed as a single morphologically variable species, three distinct taxa; or two species based on the presence or absence of conidial appendages. Studies based on ribosomal DNA (ITS1, ITS2, and 5.8S gene) sequence failed to separate the cypress canker fungi. In an attempt to distinguish between the species associated with cypress canker we used histone and partial ß-tubulin sequences of fourteen isolates of Seiridium spp. from cypress. Analysis of sequence data showed Seiridium isolates from Cupressus spp., residing in two major clades. One clade accommodated S. unicorne isolates from Portugal and South Africa. The other major clade consisted of two subclades containing non-appendaged S. cardinale isolates. We believe the larger second clade, represents the cypress canker pathogens while the other clade contains the less pathogenic S. unicorne, which has a host range beyond Cupressus. This study thus provides strong evidence to support previous morphological data suggesting three distinct species are associated with cypress canker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Barnes
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Tree Pathology Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - Jolanda Roux
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Tree Pathology Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - Michael J Wingfield
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Tree Pathology Co-operative Programme (TPCP), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
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Coetzee MPA, Wingfield BD, Coutinho TA, Wingfield MJ. Identification of the Causal Agent of Armillaria Root Rot of Pinus Species in South Africa. Mycologia 2000. [DOI: 10.2307/3761435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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