High intraspecific genome diversity in the model arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiont Rhizophagus irregularis

• DOI: 10.1111/nph.14989
• Publication Date: 2018-01-22T16:58:05Z
• Authors: Eric C. H. Chen; Emmanuelle Morin; Denis Beaudet; Jessica Noel; Gokalp Yildirir; Steve Ndikumana; Philippe Charron; Camille St‐Onge; John Giorgi; Manuela Krüger; Timea Marton; Jeanne Ropars; Igor V. Grigoriev; Matthieu Hainaut; Bernard Henrissat; Christophe Roux; Francis Martin; Nicolas Corradi
• Keywords: Rhizophagus irregularis

Summary Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi ( AMF ) are known to improve plant fitness through the establishment of symbioses. Genetic and phenotypic variations among closely related isolates can significantly affect growth, but genomic changes underlying this variability unclear. To address issue, we improved genome assembly gene annotation model strain Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM 197198, compared its content with five R . sampled in same field. All harbor striking variations, large numbers isolate‐specific genes, family expansions, evidence interisolate genetic exchange. The observed affects all ontology terms PFAM protein domains, as well putative mycorrhiza‐induced small secreted effector‐like proteins other symbiosis differentially expressed genes. High is also found active transposable elements. Overall, these findings indicate a substantial divergence functioning capacity harvested from field, thus their potential for adaptation biotic abiotic changes. Our data provide first glimpse into diversity that resides within natural populations symbionts, open avenues future analyses plant– interactions link variation phenotype fitness.