Foret1, a reverse transcriptase-like sequence in the filamentous fungusFusarium Oxysporum

Abstract

We report here the isolation of Foreti, a repeated DNA sequence cloned from the fungal plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. This clone exhibits a high degree of sequence similarity with the retro viral pol genes. Sequences homologous to protease, reverse transcriptase, rlbonuclease H are found In that order. The overall structure is homologous to the 'gypsy' class of LTR-retrotransposons. Its similarity to elements present in widely different organisms may result from its horizontal transmission in recent evolutionary time. © 1992 Oxford University Press.