Within the framework of the Mycorrhizal Genomics Initiative (MGI), we are sequencing a phylogenetically and ecologically diverse suite of mycorrhizal fungi, which include the major clades of symbiotic species associating with plants. Analyses of these genomes will provide insights into the diversity of mechanisms for the mycorrhizal symbiosis, including arbuscular, ericoid-, orchid- and ectomycorrhizal associations.
Suillus luteus, so-called Slippery Jack, belongs to the Boletales, a well studied order of Basidiomycota, with recently sequenced genomes within the genera Serpula, Paxillus and Pisolithus. The large genus Suillus is a sister group of the genus Rhizopogon. Both genera are differentiated by a distinct ontogeny of the reproductive organs. Comparative analysis of these Boletales genomes will contribute to the exploration of the intra-clade variability in symbiosis-related gene repertoire.
Suillus luteus is a cosmopolitan ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungus whose natural range of distribution matches the range of distribution of its host plants, the Pinus species. It is particularly abundant in young pine forest or planted stands, from the Andes to the Boreal forests. The species is a pioneer, which quickly starts sexual reproduction from large edible sporocarps that produce massive quantities of basidiospores, spread by wind and mammals. It forms conspicuous, though relatively few mycorrhizas from which an extensive external mycelium (long distance exploration type) develops into the mineral soil. It appears frequently on man-disturbed sites wherever pines are planted or start primary succession. It grows easily in culture, rapidly colonizes roots and can be used for inoculation of containerized pine seedlings.
An attractive feature of S. luteus is its ability to evolve metal-tolerant ecotypes. On severely heavy metal-contaminated soils, adaptive metal-tolerant populations develop. These adaptations are metal-specific (Zn, Cd, Cu), genetically stable and result in a physiological adjustment of the ion levels. The genome sequence will facilitate the identification of the mechanisms regulating the metal homeostatic processes and metal detoxification in this species. This will be of interest to a large scientific community exploring the phytoremediation potential of metal-adapted plants and their associated microorganisms.
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)
Kohler A, Kuo A, Nagy LG, Morin E, Barry KW, Buscot F, Canbäck B, Choi C, Cichocki N, Clum A, Colpaert J, Copeland A, Costa MD, Doré J, Floudas D, Gay G, Girlanda M, Henrissat B, Herrmann S, Hess J, Högberg N, Johansson T, Khouja HR, LaButti K, Lahrmann U, Levasseur A, Lindquist EA, Lipzen A, Marmeisse R, Martino E, Murat C, Ngan CY, Nehls U, Plett JM, Pringle A, Ohm RA, Perotto S, Peter M, Riley R, Rineau F, Ruytinx J, Salamov A, Shah F, Sun H, Tarkka M, Tritt A, Veneault-Fourrey C, Zuccaro A, Tunlid A, Grigoriev IV, Hibbett DS, Martin F
Convergent losses of decay mechanisms and rapid turnover of symbiosis genes in mycorrhizal mutualists.
Nat Genet. 2015 Apr;47(4):410-5. doi: 10.1038/ng.3223