Publications by authors named "Kelly Hrywkiw"
Comparative Genomic Analysis of 31 Genomes Reveals Genome Plasticity and Horizontal Gene Transfer.
Mol Plant Microbe Interact
January 2023
Article Synopsis
- Oomycete plant pathogens, which encompass over 180 species, significantly affect various plants, including important crops, leading to substantial economic and ecological consequences.
- The study sequenced genomes and transcriptomes of 31 species, revealing differences in genome size, gene counts, and the types of effector genes linked to their ability to infect various plant hosts.
- Using machine learning, researchers identified 44 horizontally transferred genes from bacteria or fungi across 36 species, suggesting these genetic exchanges are key to understanding the evolution and adaptability of oomycetes.
Article Synopsis
- Invasive exotic pathogens threaten global trees and forests, disrupting vital ecosystem services like carbon capture and water purification.
- A study examined Phytophthora ramorum, a pathogen that causes sudden oak and larch death, discovering hybrids formed from both North American and European lineages through sexual recombination.
- Genome sequencing revealed unique genotypes in these hybrids linked to host infection, suggesting they can effectively spread and impact forest health, underscoring the need for ongoing pathogen monitoring and management.
Global trade and climate change are responsible for a surge in foreign invasive species and emerging pests and pathogens across the world. Early detection and surveillance activities are essential to monitor the environment and prevent or mitigate future ecosystem impacts. Molecular diagnostics by DNA testing has become an integral part of this process.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF