Mitochondrial Genome Dynamics in Fungal Systems
Summary
Fungal mitochondrial genomes, or mitogenomes, display remarkable diversity in size, structure and gene content. These circular DNA molecules encode core components of the respiratory chain, ribosomal RNAs and transfer RNAs, yet their architecture is highly plastic. Frequent intron gain, loss and transfer events reshape sequence composition, while mobile elements such as homing endonucleases drive proliferation of group I introns. Recombination between repeats and interaction with nuclear-encoded factors further contribute to rearrangements of gene order and the expansion or contraction of intergenic regions. Comparative analyses across Ascomycota and Basidiomycota reveal lineage-specific intron repertoires and varying rates of sequence evolution, reflecting adaptation to ecological niches, pathogenic lifestyles and symbiotic associations. Decoding these dynamics yields insights into fungal evolution, mitochondrial function and potential targets for antifungal strategies.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Mitochondrial Genome Dynamics in Fungal Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in mitochondrial genome dynamics in fungal systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Mitogenome: The complete mitochondrial genome, typically a circular DNA molecule encoding proteins for oxidative phosphorylation, rRNAs and tRNAs.
Intron: A non-coding sequence within a gene that is removed during RNA splicing to produce a mature transcript.
Group I intron: A self-splicing intron with a conserved RNA secondary structure capable of catalysing its own excision without protein cofactors.
Homing endonuclease: A site-specific nuclease encoded within some introns that promotes intron mobility by cleaving intron-less alleles and facilitating intron transfer.
Gene rearrangement: A change in the linear order of genes within a genome, often resulting from recombination events, inversions or transpositions.
References
- The first two mitochondrial genomes from Apiotrichum reveal mitochondrial evolution and different taxonomic assignment of Trichosporonales. IMA Fungus (2023).
- The First Five Mitochondrial Genomes for the Family Nidulariaceae Reveal Novel Gene Rearrangements, Intron Dynamics, and Phylogeny of Agaricales. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Highly Reactive Group I Introns Ubiquitous in Pathogenic Fungi. Journal of Molecular Biology (2024).
About these summaries
This Nature Research Intelligence Topic summary is created with the cited references and a large language model. We take care to ground generated text with facts, and have systems in place to gain human feedback on the overall quality of the process in line with our AI principles. We strive to create accurate and useful summaries for people unfamiliar with the research topic and that supports this goal. These pages are a beta release and will be updated as we learn how best to help people gain value from a research topic summary.
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.