Population Genomics of the Maize PathogenUstilago maydis: Demographic History and Role of Virulence Clusters in Adaptation

• DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab073
• Publication Date: 2021-04-08T20:08:39Z
• Authors: Gabriel Schweizer; Muhammad Bilal Ha...; Gustavo V Barroso; Nicole Rössel; Karin Münch; Regine Kahmann; Julien Y Dutheil
• Keywords: Ustilago; Population genomics; Fungal pathogen; Comparative Genomics; Local adaptation

The tight interaction between pathogens and their hosts results in reciprocal selective forces that impact the genetic diversity of interacting species. footprints this selection differ pathosystems because distinct life-history traits, demographic histories, or genome architectures. Here, we studied genome-wide patterns 22 isolates causative agent corn smut disease, Ustilago maydis, originating from five locations Mexico, presumed center origin In species, many genes encoding secreted effector proteins reside so-called virulence clusters genome, an arrangement is so far not found other filamentous plant pathogens. Using a combination population genomic statistical analyses, assessed geographical, historical, variation fungal pathogen. We report evidence two partially admixed subpopulations are only loosely associated with geographic origin. multiple sequentially Markov coalescent model, inferred history pathogen over last 0.5 Myr. show both populations experienced recent strong bottleneck starting around 10,000 years ago, coinciding assumed time maize domestication. Although average low compared pathogens, estimated rate nonsynonymous adaptive substitutions three times higher located within nonclustered genes, including genes. These highlight role these singular regions play evolution