Ancestral polymorphism and linkage disequilibrium at the het-6 region in pseudohomothallic Neurospora tetrasperma

Fungal Genet Biol. 2007 Sep;44(9):896-904. doi: 10.1016/j.fgb.2007.04.010. Epub 2007 May 10.

Abstract

In species of Neurospora, non-self recognition is mediated by at least 11 heterokaryon (het) incompatibility loci. Previously, we identified ancient allelic variation at het-c in pseudohomothallic N. tetrasperma, which confirmed outcrossing in this species. Here, we report distinct ancestral alleles at het-6 and un-24, two closely linked genes with het incompatibility function in N. crassa. The pattern of variation at het-6 and un-24 in N. tetrasperma is similar to that observed for N. crassa, where two ancestral allele specificities exist for each locus, Oak Ridge (het-6(OR), un-24(OR)) and Panama (het-6(PA), un-24(PA)). Only het-6(OR)/un-24(OR) and het-6(PA)/un-24(PA) allele combinations have been observed. The absence of recombinant haplotypes (e.g., het-6(OR)/un-24(PA)) appears to derive from an ancestral chromosomal rearrangement that limits recombination. Allelic variation at het-6 and un-24 in N. tetrasperma provides further evidence of outcrossing in this predominantly selfing species and indicates that selection maintains ancient allelic diversity at het loci.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Fungal Proteins / chemistry
  • Fungal Proteins / genetics
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Genes, Mating Type, Fungal
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Linkage Disequilibrium*
  • Neurospora / genetics*
  • Neurospora / physiology
  • Recombination, Genetic

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins