The poplar pathogen <i>Sphaerulina musiva</i> has a dynamic genome architecture marked by chromosomal inversions and changes in transposable element abundance.

ABSTRACT: Fungal plant pathogens possess dynamic genomes, frequently shaped by transposable elements, that enable rapid adaptation to adverse conditions and host resistance mechanisms. However, assessing the adaptive significance of these genomic features remains challenging, in part due to the lack of high-quality genome assemblies for multiple members of a given species. To gain insights into genomic factors shaping pathogen evolution, we sequenced and assembled near-chromosome-scale genomes of 18 geographically diverse North American isolates of Sphaerulina musiva, a significant, important pathogen causing Septoria leaf spot and stem canker disease of poplar trees. Comparative genomic analyses indicated that all isolates possess 13 chromosomes with no evidence of accessory chromosomes. Tra

SUBMITTER: Zaccaron AZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12778737 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature