Characterization of Translation Elongation Factor Methyltransferase 7 (EFM7) Gene Reveals Genetic Variations and Post-Translational Modifications in Sordaria fimicola

Abstract Background Post-translational modifications (PTMs) play a crucial role in modulating protein structure and function. Stressed ecological conditions induce genetic variations at the microscale level and gradually help them to change their genetic makeup. This study aimed to identify and characterize the translation elongation factor methyltransferase 7 (EFM7) gene in six strains of Sordaria fimicola. Methods Molecular, genetic and in silico analysis of the EFM7 gene of S. fimicola collected from different north and south slopes of Evolution Canyon valley. Results Analysis of genetic variations revealed 54 sites with differences, resulting in amino acid changes at 16 sites across 9 positions in the protein sequence compared to the consensus sequence. An active domain associated with Sadenosyl-L-methionine methylations and a putative active receptor site for poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase were identified. We predicted 70 potential sites for important PTMs within the EFM7 domain that could enhance its catalytic activity. Acetylation was predicted at 10 sites and methylation was predictedat 13 sites in the south-facing slope (SFS) and north-facing slope (NFS) strains of S. fimicola, respectively. Furthermore, phosphorylation was noticed at 22 sites (including 7 shared sites), O-glycosylation at 21 sites and N-glycosylation at 3 sites in both SFS and NFS strains. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the application of molecular and proteomic approaches in unraveling the genetic and post-translational complexity of the EFM7 gene in S. fimicola. Despite the conservation of the EFM7 domain sequence, the observed heterogeneity among strains indicates a potential gradual evolutionary process driven by these variations and modifications.