-
Population genomics revealed cryptic species within host-specific zombie-ant fungi (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis)
- Back
Document Title
Population genomics revealed cryptic species within host-specific zombie-ant fungi (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis)
Author
Kobmoo N, Mongkolsamrit S, Arnamnart N, Luangsa-ard JJ, Giraud T
Name from Authors Collection
Affiliations
National Science & Technology Development Agency - Thailand; National Center Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (BIOTEC); AgroParisTech; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS); UDICE-French Research Universities; Universite Paris Saclay
Type
Article
Source Title
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
ISSN
1055-7903
Year
2019
Volume
140
Page
-
Open Access
Green Published, Bronze
Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
DOI
10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106580
Format
Abstract
The identification and delimitation of species boundaries are essential for understanding speciation and adaptation processes and for the management of biodiversity as well as development for applications. Ophiocordyceps unilateralis sensu lato is a complex of fungal pathogens parasitizing Formicine ants, inducing zombie behaviors in their hosts. Previous taxonomic works with limited numbers of samples and markers led to the one ant-one fungus paradigm, resulting in the use of ant species as a proxy for fungal identification. Here, a population genomics study with sampling on three ant species across Thailand supported the existence of host-specific species in O. unilateralis s.l. with no footprints of long term introgression despite occasional host shifts and firstgeneration hybrids. We further detected genetic clusters within the previously delimited fungal species, with each little footprints of recombination, suggesting high levels of inbreeding. The clusters within each of O. camponoti-leonardi and O. camponoti-saundersi were supported by differentiation throughout the genome, suggesting they may constitute further cryptic species parasitizing the same host, challenging the one ant-one fungus paradigm. These genetic clusters had different geographical ranges, supporting different biogeographic influences between the north/center and the south of Thailand, reinforcing the scenario in which Thailand endured compartmentation during the latest Pleistocene glacial cycles.
Industrial Classification
Knowledge Taxonomy Level 1
Knowledge Taxonomy Level 2
Funding Sponsor
Marie-Sklodowska Curie Action [655278]; Biotec Fellow's Research Grant [P1950231]; National Science and Technology Development Agency, Cluster and Program Management Office [P1300854]
License
Copyright
Rights
Publisher
Publication Source
WOS