Combinations of Spok genes create multiple meiotic drivers in Podospora.

ABSTRACT: Meiotic drive is the preferential transmission of a particular allele during sexual reproduction. The phenomenon is observed as spore killing in multiple fungi. In natural populations of Podospora anserina, seven spore killer types (Psks) have been identified through classical genetic analyses. Here we show that the Spok gene family underlies the Psks. The combination of Spok genes at different chromosomal locations defines the spore killer types and creates a killing hierarchy within a population. We identify two novel Spok homologs located within a large (74-167 kbp) region (the Spok block) that resides in different chromosomal locations in different strains. We confirm that the SPOK protein performs both killing and resistance functions a

SUBMITTER: Vogan AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6660238 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature