Genome Sequence, Comparative Genome Analysis and Expression Profiling of Chitinase GH18 Gene Family in Cordyceps javanica Bd01

The fungus Cordyceps javanica is known for entomopathogenicity and effective in control of various arthropods. Here, we aimed to reveal chitinase GH18 gene family expansion through high put sequencing of genome of C. javanica strain Bd01 isolated from Xylotrechus quadripes larvae. The genome was 34 Mb in size with 9,590 protein-coding genes. By comparative genome analysis, it was found that family GH18 of chitinase genes was expanded in C. javanica Bd01. Phylogenetic analysis of twenty-seven GH18 genes with those of 4 other species showed that genes were clustered into three groups based on their conserved domains. The GH18 genes clustered in same group had the same protein motifs and orthologs. The molecular mass of GH18 genes varied from 14.03 kDa - 81.41 kDa, and theoretical pI from 4.40 - 7.92. Most of the chitinases were extracellular, hydrophilic, thermostable and negatively charged with good in vivo half-life. Furthermore, a three-dimensional model of GH18 was constructed using SWISS-MODEL server. These findings provide comprehensive insights into pathogenicity-related genes, their role and conservatism.