Killer action of Spok homologue in Fusarium vanattenii : Investigation through site directed mutagenesis

Abstract: The Spok genes are a group of selfish genetic elements in the fungus Podespora anserina which kills spores lacking them. These Spoks function through a toxin and resistance domain. Homologues of these have been found across other species such as in the Fusarium genus. Nechadraft_82228 is a Spok homologue present in the species Fusarium vanettenii, with uncertain killer action. In this study the killer action is examined through site directed mutagenesis (SDM) of the resistance domain in Nechadraft_82228. The site directed mutagenesis was performed successfully and showed negative results regarding whether the Nechadraft_82228 had functioning killer action and resistance. Growth pattern for spot assays hinted at the existence of a different underlying reason for the lack of growth, opposed to a functional toxin/killer action. Namely respiratory dysfunction in the transformed Saccharomyces. Cerevisiae, potentially due to unfit heat shock temperature.