Gene Flow, Recombination, and Selection in Cyanobacteria: Population Structure of Geographically Related Planktothrix Freshwater Strains
ABSTRACTSeveralPlanktothrixstrains, each producing a distinct oligopeptide profile, have been shown to coexist within Lake Steinsfjorden (Norway). Using nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) genes as markers, it has been shown that thePlanktothrixcommunity comprises distinct genetic variants displaying differences in bloom dynamics, suggesting aPlanktothrixsubpopulation structure. Here, we investigate thePlanktothrixvariants inhabiting four lakes in southeast of Norway utilizing both NRPS and non-NRPS genes. Phylogenetic analyses showed similar topologies for both NRPS and non-NRPS genes, and the lakes appear to have similar structuring ofPlanktothrixgenetic variants. The structure of distinct variants was also supported by very low genetic diversity within variants compared to the between-variant diversity. Incongruent topologies and split decomposition revealed recombination events betweenPlanktothrixvariants. In several strains the gene variants seem to be a result of recombination. Both NRPS and non-NRPS genes are dominated by purifying selection; however, sites subjected to positive selection were also detected. The presence of similar and well-separatedPlanktothrixvariants with low internal genetic diversity indicates gene flow withinPlanktothrixpopulations. Further, the low genetic diversity found between lakes (similar range as within lakes) indicates gene flow also betweenPlanktothrixpopulations and suggests recent, or recurrent, dispersals. Our data also indicate that recombination has resulted in new genetic variants. Stability within variants and the development of new variants are likely to be influenced by selection patterns and within-variant homologous recombination.