Within the framework of the Mycorrhizal Genomics Initiative (MGI), we are sequencing a phylogenetically and ecologically diverse suite of mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota, Basidiomycota and Ascomycota), which include the major clades of symbiotic species associating with plants. Analyses of these genomes will provide insight into the diversity of mechanisms for the mycorrhizal symbiosis, including arbuscular, ericoid-, orchid- and ectomycorrhizal associations.
The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), members of the Glomeromycota, are a diverse phylum of fungi that form important symbiosis with the roots of the majority of land plants. It facilitates uptakes of many essential nutrients by acting as extensions of the root; promoting plant growth. Experimentally, an increase of 20% in photosynthesis after colonization by AMF was reported in 2008, Smith & Read. Many ecologically and agriculturally important plants species can benefit from these symbiosis; giving significant interest in the research of AMF. However, the first reference genome Rhizophagus irregularis was not published until 2013, and it remained the only published AMF genome even today (2016 Jan).
Here we describe the assemble genome of Rhizophagus diaphanus (MUCL 43196), that we isolated and sequenced. This assembly is done using ALLPATHS and contains 2764 scaffolds with N50 scaffold length being 137499 basepairs and L50 scaffold count of 269. This genome, along with Glomus cerebriforme and Gigaspora rosea, are part of the broader efforts to unveil the diverse AMF.
The MGI is a large collaborative effort led by Francis Martin (INRA) aiming for master publication(s) describing the evolution of the mycorrhizal symbioses. Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished MGI genomes are respectfully required to contact the PIs and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the MGI master paper(s).
Genome Reference(s)
Morin E, Miyauchi S, San Clemente H, Chen ECH, Pelin A, de la Providencia I, Ndikumana S, Beaudet D, Hainaut M, Drula E, Kuo A, Tang N, Roy S, Viala J, Henrissat B, Grigoriev IV, Corradi N, Roux C, Martin FM
Comparative genomics of Rhizophagus irregularis, R. cerebriforme, R. diaphanus and Gigaspora rosea highlights specific genetic features in Glomeromycotina.
New Phytol. 2019 May;222(3):1584-1598. doi: 10.1111/nph.15687