Mating type genes in ascomycetes: a review

Abstract:

Sexual reproduction in fungi, including cell recognition, cell fusion, zygote production, meiosis and mitosis, and final formation of sexual spores, is one of the important reproductive cycles that provide the source of genetic recombination. The MAT loci determine the mating types in fungi and play a key role in fungal sexual reproduction. MAT loci differ in gene composition, sequences and arrangements in fungal species. In recent years, rapid progress has been made in the functions and regulatory networks of MAT loci and MAT genes. In the present paper, we review the advances in ascomycetes on the gene composition and distribution in MAT loci, the function of MAT genes, and the relationship between MAT loci and sexual signaling pathways.