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Schlagwörter:
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Zusammenfassung:
Genome structure and maintenance determine the evolvability of organisms. The genomes of fungal plant pathogens are often structured heterogeneously, harboring highly variable compartments and compartments of relative stability. Often, rapidly evolving, virulence-related genes are associated with dynamic regions that are rich in repetitive and transposable elements. In addition, recent advances in whole genome sequencing technologies and pangenome scale studies point towards large repertoires of accessory genomic regions. An extreme case of such a genome structure and genomic structural variation are supernumerary chromosomes, that are present in only some individuals of a species. These chromosomes are associated with intra- and inter-chromosomal rearrangements, copy number variation and horizontal transfer of genetic material that can ultimately increase genetic diversity and the adaptive potential of plant pathogens. Here, we will discuss recent insights into the biology of supernumerary mini-chromosomes in the blast fungus Magnaporthe (syn. Pyricularia) oryzae.
