A divergent RWP‐RK transcription factor determines mating type in heterothallic Closterium

• DOI: 10.1111/nph.18662
• Publication Date: 2022-12-19T13:46:55Z
• Authors: Hiroyuki Sekimoto; Ayumi Komiya; Natsumi Tsuyuki; Junko Kawai; Naho Kanda; Ryo Ootsuki; Yutaka Suzuki; Atsushi Toyoda; Asao Fujiyama; Masahiro Kasahara; Jun Abe; Yuki Tsuchikane; Tomoaki Nishiyama
• Keywords: Heterothallic; Lineage (genetic)

Summary The Closterium peracerosum–strigosum–littorale complex (Closterium, Zygnematophyceae) has an isogamous mating system. Members of the Zygnematophyceae are closest relatives to extant land plants and distantly related chlorophytic models, for which a genetic basis type (MT) determination been reported. We thus investigated MT in Closterium. sequenced genomes representing two MTs, mt + −, identified CpMinus1 , gene linked mt− phenotype. analyzed its function using reverse genetics methods. encodes divergent RWP‐RK domain‐containing‐like transcription factor is specifically expressed during gamete differentiation. Introduction into strain was sufficient convert it phenotypically strain, while ‐knockout − strains were mt+. propose that major determinant acts by evoking phenotype suppressing mt+ heterothallic likely evolved independently lineage, lost egg–sperm anisogamous specific regions possibly constitute locus flanked common sequences undergo some recombination.