Combined comparative genomics and molecular biology approaches provide
insights into the terpene synthases inventory in Trichoderma
Abstract
Trichoderma is a fungal genus comprising species used as biocontrol
agents in crop plant protection and with high value for industry. The
beneficial effects of these species are supported by the secondary
metabolites they produced. Terpenoid compounds are key players in the
interaction of Trichoderma spp. with the environment and with their
fungal and plant hosts, however most of the terpene synthase (TS) genes
involved in their biosynthesis have yet not been characterized. Here, we
combined comparative genomics of TSs of 21 strains belonging to 17
Trichoderma spp., and gene expression studies on TSs using T. gamsii
T6085 as a model. An overview of the diversity within the TS-gene family
and the regulation of TS genes is provided. We identified 15 groups of
TSs, and the presence of clade-specific enzymes revealed a variety of
terpenoid chemotypes evolved to cover different ecological demands. We
propose that functional differentiation of gene family members is the
driver for the high number of TS genes found in the genomes of
Trichoderma. Expression studies provide a picture in which different TS
genes are regulated in many ways, a strong indication of different
biological functions.