Comparative genomics-based markers: discrimination of host-specificity in Fusarium oxysporum.

Comparative genomics-based markers: discrimination of host-specificity in Fusarium oxysporum. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2017 Oct 13;: Authors: van Dam P, de Sain M, Ter Horst A, van der Gragt M, Rep M Abstract The polyphyletic nature of many formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum (Fo) prevents molecular identification of newly encountered strains based on conserved, vertically inherited genes. Alternative molecular detection methods that could replace labour- and time-intensive disease assays are therefore highly desired. Effectors are functional elements in the pathogen-host interaction and have been found to show very limited sequence diversity between strains of the same forma specialis, which makes them potential markers for host-specific pathogenicty. We therefore compared candidate effector genes extracted from 60 existing and 22 newly generated genome assemblies, specifically targeting strains affecting cucurbit plant species. Based on these candidate effector genes, in total eighteen PCR primer pairs were designed to discriminate between each of the seven Cucurbitaceae-affecting formae speciales. When tested on a collection of strains encompassing different clonal lineages of these formae speciales, non-pathogenic strains and strains of other formae speciales, they allowed clear recognition of the host range of each evaluated strain. Within Fo f. sp. melonis more genetic variability exists than anticipated, resulting in three m...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research