Evolution of Multicopper Oxidase Genes in Coprophilous and Non-Coprophilous Members of the Order Sordariales
2011
Evolution of Multicopper Oxidase Genes in Fungi
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Pöggeler Stefanie
Primary Institution: Georg-August University Göttingen
Hypothesis
The study investigates whether the increased variety of multicopper oxidase (MCO) genes in coprophilous fungi is linked to their lifestyle.
Conclusion
The study found that coprophilous fungi have a larger laccase gene family due to gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer.
Supporting Evidence
- Coprophilous fungi like Podospora anserina and Sordaria macrospora have more MCO genes than their non-coprophilous relatives.
- The increase in MCO genes is likely due to gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer.
- Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the close relationship between coprophilous and non-coprophilous fungi.
Takeaway
Some fungi that grow on animal dung have more special genes that help them break down tough materials, which they got from other fungi or by copying their own genes.
Methodology
The study involved genomic sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis of multicopper oxidase genes in various fungi.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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