Genetic characterization of Mortierella alpina by sequencing the 18S-28S ribosomal gene internal transcribed spacer region

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to establish a genetic background of Mortierella alpina, which is a cosmopolitan, soil-inhabiting Zygomycete that also has important biotechnology potential. Methods and Results: A total of 44 18S-28S ribosomal gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2 DNA) regions of M. alpina from three diverse locations (Far East Asia, North America and West-Central Europe) were sequenced and investigated. The sequences between M. alpina and the three closely related species (Mortierella macrocystis, Mortierella gamsii and Mortierella humilis) showed 74-84% sequence identity. When a phylogenetic tree was constructed with a neighbour-joining algorithm, four clades of M. alpina isolates were clearly distinct with high bootstrap values. In addition, isolates from the West-Central Europe were found to have the highest gene and nucleotide diversities. Conclusions: The ITS region was a suitable tool for distinguishing M. alpina from other closely related species. The region also provided information of the diversity of M. alpina. Significance and Impact of the Study: The study established a genetic background of M. alpina for identification and the diversity of M. alpina provided information for further isolation and screening of the fungus. © 2008 The Authors.