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Comparative genomics and transcriptomics depict ericoid mycorrhizal fungi as versatile saprotrophs and plant mutualists
Author(s) -
Martino Elena,
Morin Emmanuelle,
Grelet GwenAëlle,
Kuo Alan,
Kohler Annegret,
Daghino Stefania,
Barry Kerrie W.,
Cichocki Nicolas,
Clum Alicia,
Dockter Rhyan B.,
Hainaut Matthieu,
Kuo Rita C.,
LaButti Kurt,
Lindahl Björn D.,
Lindquist Erika A.,
Lipzen Anna,
Khouja HassineRadhouane,
Magnuson Jon,
Murat Claude,
Ohm Robin A.,
Singer Steven W.,
Spatafora Joseph W.,
Wang Mei,
VeneaultFourrey Claire,
Henrissat Bernard,
Grigoriev Igor V.,
Martin Francis M.,
Perotto Silvia
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.14974
Subject(s) - biology , symbiosis , mycorrhiza , botany , orchidaceae , ectomycorrhiza , gene , rhizophagus irregularis , biochemistry , bacteria , genetics , arbuscular mycorrhizal
Summary Some soil fungi in the Leotiomycetes form ericoid mycorrhizal ( ERM ) symbioses with Ericaceae. In the harsh habitats in which they occur, ERM plant survival relies on nutrient mobilization from soil organic matter ( SOM ) by their fungal partners. The characterization of the fungal genetic machinery underpinning both the symbiotic lifestyle and SOM degradation is needed to understand ERM symbiosis functioning and evolution, and its impact on soil carbon (C) turnover. We sequenced the genomes of the ERM fungi Meliniomyces bicolor , M. variabilis , Oidiodendron maius and Rhizoscyphus ericae , and compared their gene repertoires with those of fungi with different lifestyles (ecto‐ and orchid mycorrhiza, endophytes, saprotrophs, pathogens). We also identified fungal transcripts induced in symbiosis. The ERM fungal gene contents for polysaccharide‐degrading enzymes, lipases, proteases and enzymes involved in secondary metabolism are closer to those of saprotrophs and pathogens than to those of ectomycorrhizal symbionts. The fungal genes most highly upregulated in symbiosis are those coding for fungal and plant cell wall‐degrading enzymes ( CWDE s), lipases, proteases, transporters and mycorrhiza‐induced small secreted proteins (Mi SSP s). The ERM fungal gene repertoire reveals a capacity for a dual saprotrophic and biotrophic lifestyle. This may reflect an incomplete transition from saprotrophy to the mycorrhizal habit, or a versatile life strategy similar to fungal endophytes.