Global population genomics redefines domestication and clinical diversity in the <i>Aspergillus flavus-oryzae</i> complex.

ABSTRACT: Aspergillus flavus is a globally important human pathogen and agricultural contaminant, while its domesticated relative A. oryzae is widely used in food fermentation and biotechnology. Despite their importance, the evolutionary relationship, population structure and domestication history of these fungi remain unresolved. Here, we present the first global population genomic analysis of 639 A. flavus and A. oryzae isolates from clinical, environmental and food-fermentation sources across multiple continents. Our analyses reveal a complex evolutionary landscape comprising well-separated clades interspersed with highly admixed mosaic groups and potential evidence for multiple independent domestication events giving rise to A. oryzae. Clinical A. flavus

SUBMITTER: Pfliegler WP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12780890 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature