Two origins for the gene encoding alpha-isopropylmalate synthase in fungi.
BACKGROUND
The biosynthesis of leucine is a biochemical pathway common to prokaryotes, plants and fungi, but absent from humans and animals. The pathway is a proposed target for antimicrobial therapy.


RESULTS
Here we identified the leuA gene encoding alpha-isopropylmalate synthase in the zygomycete fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus using a genetic mapping approach with crosses between wild type and leucine auxotrophic strains. To confirm the function of the gene, Phycomyces leuA was used to complement the auxotrophic phenotype exhibited by mutation of the leu3+ gene of the ascomycete fungus Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the leuA gene in Phycomyces, other zygomycetes, and the chytrids is more closely related to homologs in plants and photosynthetic bacteria than ascomycetes or basidiomycetes, and suggests that the Dikarya have acquired the gene more recently.


CONCLUSIONS
The identification of leuA in Phycomyces adds to the growing body of evidence that some primary metabolic pathways or parts of them have arisen multiple times during the evolution of fungi, probably through horizontal gene transfer events.
Larson
Erica M
EM
Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America.
Idnurm
Alexander
A
D015079:2-Isopropylmalate Synthase / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics*; D005800:Genes, Fungal / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005816:Genetic Complementation Test; D010800:Phycomyces / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D010802:Phylogeny
D015079:2-Isopropylmalate Synthase