Evolution of a subtilisin-like protease gene family in the grass endophytic fungus Epichloë festucae.

BMC Evol Biol

Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Published: July 2009

Background: Subtilisin-like proteases (SLPs) form a superfamily of enzymes that act to degrade protein substrates. In fungi, SLPs can play either a general nutritive role, or may play specific roles in cell metabolism, or as pathogenicity or virulence factors.

Results: Fifteen different genes encoding SLPs were identified in the genome of the grass endophytic fungus Epichloë festucae. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these SLPs belong to four different subtilisin families: proteinase K, kexin, pyrolysin and subtilisin. The pattern of intron loss and gain is consistent with this phylogeny. E. festucae is exceptional in that it contains two kexin-like genes. Phylogenetic analysis in Hypocreales fungi revealed an extensive history of gene loss and duplication.

Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the evolution of the SLP superfamily in filamentous fungi.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2717940PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2148-9-168DOI Listing

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