Eukaryotes Genomes - EREMOTHECIUM GOSSYPII (Ashbya gossypii)

Eremothecium gossypii is also known as Ashbya gossypii. It is a hemiascomycete that was first described in 1926 as a cotton pathogen transmitted by sucking insects and is responsible for causing dry rot in fruit. It has the smallest genome yet characterised among free-living eukaryotes.

Eremothecium gossypii naturally possesses enzymes that it uses to produce vitamin B2. In this process, the amount of vitamin B2 produced depends on the quantity of enzymes and the growth conditions of the fungus. Since 1990 vitamin B2 has been produced by means of biocatalytical fermentation with the help of the Eremothecium (Ashbya) gossypii. BASF produces more than 1,000 metric tons of vitamin B2 per year, which corresponds to a world market share of 25 percent.

Comparative studies between Eremothecium gossypii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae may give scientists more information on evolutionary studies. Two new studies report that the duplication of the genome of A. gossypii more than 100 million years ago gave rise to common baker's yeast. The studies may resolve an ongoing controversy over how S. cerevisiae evolved. The organism is widely studied because many of the genes that control the yeast's function are also important in humans. Researchers record that more than 90% of A. gossypii genes show both homology and a particular pattern of synteny with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analysis of this pattern revealed 300 inversions and translocations that have occurred since divergence of these two species. It also provided compelling evidence that the evolution of S. cerevisiae included a whole genome duplication or fusion of two related species and showed, through inferred ancient gene orders, which of the duplicated genes lost one copy and which retained both copies.

References:

http://amoebidia.bcm.umontreal.ca/pg-gobase/searches/taxon.php?Info=GetDetail&taxon_id=33169&colum=12
http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/resources/sequenced_genomes/genome_guide_p1.shtml