Horizontal genetic transfer in asexual fungi

Authors

Blanca R. Cortes, Florida International University

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Biology

First Advisor's Name

David N. Kuhn

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Raymond Schnell

Third Advisor's Name

Randy C. Ploetz

Fourth Advisor's Name

Timothy M. Collins

Fifth Advisor's Name

Victor Apanius

Date of Defense

7-7-2000

Abstract

Four aspects of horizontal genetic transfer during heterokaryon formation were examined in the asexual pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foe): 1) variability based on method of heterokaryon formation 2) differences in nuclear and mitochondrial inheritance 3) the occurrence of recombination without nuclear fusion 4) the occurrence of horizontal genetic transfer between distantly related isolates. The use of non- pathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum as biocontrol agents warrants a closer examination at the reproductive life cycle of this fungus, particularly if drag resistance or pathogenicity genes can be transmitted horizontally. Experiments were divided into three phases. Phase I looked at heterokaryon formation by hyphal anastomosis and protoplast fusion. Phase II was a time course of heterokaryon formation to look at patterns of nuclear and mitochondrial inheritance. Phase III examined the genetic relatedness of the different vegetative compatibility groups using a multilocus analysis approach. Heterokaryon formation was evident within and between vegetative compatibility groups. Observation of non-parental genotypes after heterokaryon formation confirmed that, although a rare event, horizontal genetic transfer occurred during heterokaryon formation. Uniparental mitochondria inheritance was observed in heterokaryons formed either by hyphal anastomosis or protoplast fusion. Drag resistance was expressed during heterokaryon formation, even across greater genetic distances than those distances imposed by vegetative compatibility. Phytogenies inferred from different molecular markers were incongruent at a significant level, challenging the clonal origins of Foe. Mating type genes were identified in this asexual pathogen Polymorphisms were detected within a Vegetative Compatibility Group (VCG) suggesting non-clonal inheritance and/or sexual recombination in Foe. This research was funded in part by a NIH-NIGMS (National Institutes of Health-National Institute of General Medical Sciences) Grant through the MBRS (Minority Biomedical Research Support), the Department of Biological Sciences and the Tropical Biology Program at FIU.

Identifier

FI14061525

Comments

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Recommended Citation

Cortes, Blanca R., "Horizontal genetic transfer in asexual fungi" (2000). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2644.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/2644