Natural selection on coding and noncoding DNA sequences is associated with virulence genes in a plant pathogenic fungus.

ABSTRACT: Natural selection leaves imprints on DNA, offering the opportunity to identify functionally important regions of the genome. Identifying the genomic regions affected by natural selection within pathogens can aid in the pursuit of effective strategies to control diseases. In this study, we analyzed genome-wide patterns of selection acting on different classes of sequences in a worldwide sample of eight strains of the model plant-pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum graminicola. We found evidence of selective sweeps, balancing selection, and positive selection affecting both protein-coding and noncoding DNA of pathogenicity-related sequences. Genes encoding putative effector proteins and secondary metabolite biosynthetic enzymes show evidence of positive selection acting on the coding sequence,

SUBMITTER: Rech GE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4202328 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature