Evidence of evolution in a fungus

Understanding the genetics that underpin evolution and speciation is a fundamental goal of the biological sciences. Recent advances in high-throughput genetic sequencing are giving scientists an unprecedented understanding of these processes.

The 'Genomics of ecological divergence in the fungal species Neurospora discreta' (GEDINDIS) project is studying how the N. discreta fungus is separating into more than one species. The fungus is found on dead plant matter after fires.

Scientists collected 52 samples of N. discreta from 7 locations in Asia, Europe and North America. DNA was extracted from these samples and sequenced using new, high-throughput sequencing techniques.

Project researchers constructed a data analysis pipeline using free bioinformatics software and are using this to analyse the huge quantities of data generated by sequencing. They are looking for genetic evidence of speciation between different populations.

They found that samples from Alaska and the EU were closely related. More interestingly, there is evidence that two distinct populations exist in Washington, but they are not hybridising or interbreeding.

Researchers have also been able to work out that the differentiation happened around 600 000 generations ago in these populations. Scientists are still investigating whether these different populations can interbreed successfully, which would indicate whether the isolation is due to the environment or to genetic factors.

GEDINDIS has advanced the understanding of fungal genomics and shed light on the mechanics of speciation. This could have far-reaching impact on agriculture, forestry and conservation biology.