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


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides new insights into the evolution of the SLP superfamily in filamentous fungi.
Bryant
Michelle K
MK
Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. m.k.bryant@massey.ac.nz
Schardl
Christopher L
CL
Hesse
Uljana
U
Scott
Barry
B
D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D017124:Conserved Sequence; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000235:genetics; D055329:Epichloe / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D020440:Gene Duplication; D005800:Genes, Fungal; D016681:Genome, Fungal; D015698:Genomic Library; D007438:Introns; D005810:Multigene Family; D010802:Phylogeny; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013381:Subtilisins / Q000235:genetics*; D026801:Synteny
D004271:DNA, Fungal; D013381:Subtilisins