# Three annotated chromosome-level de novo genome assemblies of Lomentospora prolificans provide evidence for a chromosomal translocation event

## TL;DR

This paper presents three detailed genome assemblies of a deadly fungus, revealing a chromosomal translocation in one strain.

## Contribution

The study provides the first complete genome assembly of Lomentospora prolificans and evidence for chromosomal translocation.

## Key findings

- The L. prolificans genome is organized into 11 nuclear and 1 mitochondrial chromosome.
- One strain's genome organization differs from the others, suggesting a chromosomal translocation event.
- The assemblies may aid in developing new antifungal drugs and understanding the fungus's evolution.

## Abstract

Lomentospora prolificans is a fungal pathogen responsible for serious, often fatal, illness in patients with compromised immune systems. Treatment is rarely successful because L. prolificans is inherently resistant to all major classes of antifungal drugs. In this study, we publish 3 chromosome-level de novo genome assemblies, including the first complete-level assembly of L. prolificans, along with genome annotations. The L. prolificans genome is packaged in 11 nuclear chromosomes and 1 mitochondrial chromosome, has 36.7–37.1 Mb, and encodes for a putative 7,357–7,640 genes. The length and composition of contigs in 1 strain varied from those of the other 2 strains, supporting the hypothesis that a chromosomal translocation took place. These assemblies were confirmed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The availability of more complete genomes will hopefully help the search for new antifungal drugs and provides insights into the evolutionary history of this pathogenic fungus.

Lomentospora prolificans is a fungal pathogen responsible for serious, often fatal, illness in patients with weakened immune systems. In this study Grossman et al. publish three genome assemblies of L. prolificans, along with the proteins believed to be transcribed from these genomes. The genome consists of 11 nuclear chromosomes and one mitochondrial chromosome, and encodes for more than 7300 genes. The contents of the genome of one of the three sequenced strains were organized differently from the other two, suggesting that at some point portions of this strain's chromosomes underwent a chromosomal translocation.