Combined Comparative Genomics and Gene Expression Analyses Provide Insights into the Terpene Synthases Inventory in <i>Trichoderma</i>

• Main Authors: Isabel Vicente, Riccardo Baroncelli, María Eugenia Morán-Diez, Rodolfo Bernardi, Grazia Puntoni, Rosa Hermosa, Enrique Monte, Giovanni Vannacci, Sabrina Sarrocco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-10-01
• Series: Microorganisms
• Subjects: functional gene differentiation; gene regulation; genomic characterization; terpene synthases; <i>Trichoderma</i>
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/10/1603

<i>Trichoderma</i> 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 produce. Terpenoid compounds are key players in the interaction of <i>Trichoderma</i> 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 <i>Trichoderma</i> spp., and gene expression studies on TSs using <i>T. gamsii</i> 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 <i>Trichoderma</i>. Expression studies provide a picture in which different TS genes are regulated in many ways, which is a strong indication of different biological functions.