1
|
Alcalá-Gómez J, Alcalá-Gómez G, Balleza-Díaz Barriga KG, Vite-Méndez GDJ, Reyes-Hernández M. Beauveria bassiana native strains affect the reproductive index of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 93:485-496. [PMID: 38980594 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus microplus poses a significant economic threat due to its role in transmitting Babesia bigemina, B. bovis and Anaplasma marginale. Chemical control methods, commonly employed, encounter challenges like resistance, high costs, and environmental concerns. Emerging as an alternative, entomopathogenic fungi, particularly Beauveria bassiana, present a promising avenue for biological control. Molecular identification using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8-ITS4) region ensures accurate species identification. This study investigated two B. bassiana strains, assessing their molecular characterization, impact on R. microplus mortality, and reproductive effects on adult females. The Reproductive Aptitude Index (RAI) is employed to evaluate tick egg viability post-treatment, providing insights into the potential of these fungi for tick control. Results indicate the BbLn2021-1 strain causes 96% mortality, and BbSf2021-1 induces 100% mortality. The commercial strain exhibited 28% mortality, while the control treatment showed 12%. Statistical analysis reveals a significant difference between treatments (p < 0.01). The Reproductive Efficiency Index (REI) underscores BbSf2021-1is superiority, yielding lower egg weights than other treatments. Regarding the RAI, BbLn2021-1 and BbSf2021-1 show no significant differences but differ significantly from the commercial and control (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that strains isolated and characterized from the natural environment could have potential applications in field trials, serving as a biocontrol alternative for R. microplus ticks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Alcalá-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Departamento de Biotecnológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan, 45129, México
| | - Gabriela Alcalá-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Departamento de Biotecnológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan, 45129, México
| | - Karol Georgina Balleza-Díaz Barriga
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Departamento de Biotecnológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan, 45129, México
| | - Ghierana de Jesus Vite-Méndez
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Departamento de Biotecnológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan, 45129, México
| | - Martha Reyes-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Departamento de Biotecnológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan, 45129, México.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou J, Wang S, Xia Y, Peng G. MaAzaR, a Zn 2Cys 6/Fungus-Specific Transcriptional Factor, Is Involved in Stress Tolerance and Conidiation Pattern Shift in Metarhizium acridum. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:468. [PMID: 39057353 PMCID: PMC11278141 DOI: 10.3390/jof10070468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi are valuable sources of biological pesticides, with conidial yield and quality being pivotal factors determining their broad applications. AzaR, a fungus-specific zinc-cluster transcription factor, is known to regulate the biosynthesis of polyketone secondary metabolites in Aspergillus niger; however, its role in pathogenic fungi remains unclear. This study investigated the role of MaAzaR in the growth, development, and environmental tolerance of Metarhizium acridum. MaAzaR deletion slowed down conidial germination rate, caused reduction in conidial yield, lowered fungal tolerance to UV radiation, did not affect fungal heat-shock tolerance, and increased fungal sensitivity to the cell-wall-destructive agent calcofluor white. Furthermore, MaAzaR deletion transformed microcycle conidiation to normal conidiation on the microcycle conidiation medium. Transcription profile analysis demonstrated that MaAzaR could regulate transformation of the conidiation pattern by controlling the expression of genes related to cell division, mycelium growth and development, and cell wall integrity. Thus, this study identified a new gene related to fungal conidiation and environmental tolerance, enriching our understanding of the molecular mechanism of microcycle conidiation and providing theoretical support and genetic resources for the development of high-yielding strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Zhou
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies Under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Siqin Wang
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies Under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yuxian Xia
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies Under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Guoxiong Peng
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies Under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo J, Zhang P, Wu N, Liu W, Liu Y, Jin H, Francis F, Wang X. Transfection of entomopathogenic Metarhizium species with a mycovirus confers hypervirulence against two lepidopteran pests. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320572121. [PMID: 38885380 PMCID: PMC11214047 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320572121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Although most known viruses infecting fungi pathogenic to higher eukaryotes are asymptomatic or reduce the virulence of their host fungi, those that confer hypervirulence to entomopathogenic fungus still need to be explored. Here, we identified and studied a novel mycovirus in Metarhizium flavoviride, isolated from small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus). Based on molecular analysis, we tentatively designated the mycovirus as Metarhizium flavoviride partitivirus 1 (MfPV1), a species in genus Gammapartitivirus, family Partitiviridae. MfPV1 has two double-stranded RNAs as its genome, 1,775 and 1,575 bp in size respectively, encapsidated in isometric particles. When we transfected commercial strains of Metarhizium anisopliae and Metarhizium pingshaense with MfPV1, conidiation was significantly enhanced (t test; P-value < 0. 01), and the significantly higher mortality rates of the larvae of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), two important lepidopteran pests were found in virus-transfected strains (ANOVA; P-value < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that transcript levels of pathogenesis-related genes in MfPV1-infected M. anisopliae were obviously altered, suggesting increased production of metarhizium adhesin-like protein, hydrolyzed protein, and destruxin synthetase. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism whereby MfPV1 enhances the expression of pathogenesis-related genes and virulence of Metarhizium to lepidopteran pests. This study presents experimental evidence that the transfection of other entomopathogenic fungal species with a mycovirus can confer significant hypervirulence and provides a good example that mycoviruses could be used as a synergistic agent to enhance the biocontrol activity of entomopathogenic fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiashu Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing100193, China
- Functional & Evolutionary Entomology, University of Liège, Gembloux Agro-BioTech, 5030Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Peipei Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Langfang Normal University, Langfang065000, China
| | - Nan Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing100193, China
| | - Wenwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing100193, China
| | - Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing100193, China
| | - Huaibing Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing100193, China
| | - Frederic Francis
- Functional & Evolutionary Entomology, University of Liège, Gembloux Agro-BioTech, 5030Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Xifeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing100193, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences,Changji831100, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu SY, Mohamed RA, Yu L, Ying SH, Feng MG. Cla4A, a Novel Regulator of Gene Expression Networks Required for Asexual and Insect-Pathogenic Lifecycles of Beauveria bassiana. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6410. [PMID: 38928117 PMCID: PMC11203800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cla4, an orthologous p21-activated kinase crucial for non-entomopathogenic fungal lifestyles, has two paralogs (Cla4A/B) functionally unknown in hypocrealean entomopathogens. Here, we report a regulatory role of Cla4A in gene expression networks of Beauveria bassiana required for asexual and entomopathogenic lifecycles while Cla4B is functionally redundant. The deletion of cla4A resulted in severe growth defects, reduced stress tolerance, delayed conidiation, altered conidiation mode, impaired conidial quality, and abolished pathogenicity through cuticular penetration, contrasting with no phenotype affected by cla4B deletion. In ∆cla4A, 5288 dysregulated genes were associated with phenotypic defects, which were restored by targeted gene complementation. Among those, 3699 genes were downregulated, including more than 1300 abolished at the transcriptomic level. Hundreds of those downregulated genes were involved in the regulation of transcription, translation, and post-translational modifications and the organization and function of the nuclear chromosome, chromatin, and protein-DNA complex. DNA-binding elements in promoter regions of 130 dysregulated genes were predicted to be targeted by Cla4A domains. Samples of purified Cla4A extract were proven to bind promoter DNAs of 12 predicted genes involved in multiple stress-responsive pathways. Therefore, Cla4A acts as a novel regulator of genomic expression and stability and mediates gene expression networks required for insect-pathogenic fungal adaptations to the host and environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ming-Guang Feng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hong S, Shang J, Sun Y, Tang G, Wang C. Fungal infection of insects: molecular insights and prospects. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:302-316. [PMID: 37778923 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) distribute in different fungal phyla with variable host ranges and play essential role in regulating insect populations by infecting hosts via cuticle penetration. The representative ascomycete EPF of Metarhizium and Beauveria species have been widely used in mechanistic investigations of fungus-insect interactions and as ecofriendly mycoinsecticides. Here, we review the function of diverse genes, pathways, and secondary metabolites associated with EPF stepwise infections. In particular, emerging evidence has shown that EPF have to outcompete insect ectomicrobiotas prior to penetrating cuticles, and subvert or evade host antifungal immunity by using effector-like proteins and chemicals like plant pathogens. Future prospects are discussed for a better understanding of fungal pathobiology, which will provide novel insights into microbe-animal interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Hong
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junmei Shang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yaneli Sun
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guirong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ramezani Awal Riabi H, Ghazavi M. Evaluation of the effectiveness of two Iranian su-strains of Metarhizium anisopliae (ascomycota: hypocreales) on the mortality rate of American cockroach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:1763-1775. [PMID: 37549248 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2243846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The cockroach is one of the most important disease vectors in world. Entomopathogenic fungi, as three concentrations of spores were taken 1.1 × 105, 1.1 × 107, and 1.1 × 109 conidia/mL from two isolates of Nour and Saravan-Iranian. In this study, the immersion method caused about 13% mortality only in isolation (1 × 109 conidia/mL) of Saravan isolates. Inoculation of isolates below the pronotum did not significantly differ the mortality rate between the two genera (P = 0.8), compared to the pathogenicity of three isolates of M. anisopliae (1.1 × 105, 1.1 × 107, and 1.1 × 109 conidia/mL). In total, Saravan and Nour isolates were 66%, 73%, and 93%, respectively, indicating a significant difference (P < 0.001). Mortality of male and female cockroaches with Saravan isolates respectively occurred 3 and 4 days after inoculation (LT50 = 4.3d), while for Nour isolates, in both sexes, mortality was observed within four days after the test (LT50 = 5.5d). Considering the results M. anisopliae can be one benefit methods for control American cockroach in the future. .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Ramezani Awal Riabi
- Office disease control, Deputy Health, Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Teacher of Biology in schools, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehran Ghazavi
- Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang N, Wu H, Tong Y, Liu Z, Li X, Huang B. The homeobox transcription factor MrHOX7 contributes to stress tolerance and virulence in the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 203:108071. [PMID: 38286328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi, including Metarhizium species, represent promising environmentally friendly biopesticides. Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing their infection processes is vital for enhancing their effectiveness. Transcription factors (TFs) play critical roles in gene regulation, yet the functions of many TFs in M. robertsii remain unknown. Homeobox transcription factors, implicated in diverse cellular processes, have received limited attention in entomopathogenic fungi. Here, we identify and characterize, a homeobox TF, MrHOX7, in the model entomopathogenic fungus M. robertsii. Subcellular localization and transcriptional profiling revealed MrHOX7's nuclear localization and high expression during conidia and appressoria formation. Deletion of Mrhox7 (ΔMrhox7) enhanced conidial tolerance to heat and UV-B stress, accompanying with upregulated stress-related gene expression. Intriguingly, ΔMrhox7 exhibits inhibited virulence exclusively through topical inoculation. Further investigations unveiled reduced conidial adhesion and appressorium formation, with downregulation of the adhesion gene Mad1 and appressorium-related genes, as the underlying causes of the reduced fungal virulence. Our findings illuminate the role of MrHOX7 in stress tolerance and virulence, providing insights into the molecular basis of fungal biopesticides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Yang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Youmin Tong
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zhenbang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration on Prevention and Control of Pine Wood Nematode Disease, Anhui Academy of Forestry, Hefei 230088, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shang J, Hong S, Wang C. Fights on the surface prior to fungal invasion of insects. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011994. [PMID: 38386619 PMCID: PMC10883574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) infect insects by landing on and penetrating cuticles. Emerging evidence has shown that, prior to the invasion of insects, fungal cells have to battle and overcome diverse challenges, including the host behavioral defenses, colonization resistance mediated by ectomicrobiotas, host recognition, and generation of enough penetration pressure. The ascomycete EPF such as Metarhizium and Beauveria can thus produce adhesive proteins and/or the exopolysaccharide mucilage to tightly glue fungal cells on cuticles. Producing antimicrobial peptides and chemical compounds can enable EPF to outcompete cuticular defensive microbes. The use of divergent membrane receptors, accumulation, and quick degradation of lipid droplets in conidial cells can help EPF recognize proper hosts and build up cellular turgor to breach cuticles for systematic invasion. Further investigations are still required to unveil the multifaceted and intricate relationships between EPF and insect hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Shang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Song Hong
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lu M, Wei D, Shang J, Li S, Song S, Luo Y, Tang G, Wang C. Suppression of Drosophila antifungal immunity by a parasite effector via blocking GNBP3 and GNBP-like 3, the dual receptors for β-glucans. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113642. [PMID: 38175756 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The tactics used by animal pathogens to combat host immunity are largely unclear. Here, we report the depiction of the virulence-required effector Tge1 deployed by the entomopathogen Metarhizium robertsii to suppress Drosophila antifungal immunity. Tge1 can target both GNBP3 and GNBP-like 3 (GL3), and the latter can bind to β-glucans like GNBP3, whereas the glucan binding by both receptors can be attenuated by Tge1. As opposed to the surveillance GNBP3, GL3 is inducible in Drosophila depending on the Toll pathway via a positive feedback loop mechanism. Losses of GNBP3 and GL3 genes result in the deregulations of protease cascade, Spätzle maturation, and antimicrobial gene expressions in Drosophila upon fungal challenges. Fly survival assays confirm that GL3 plays a more essential role than GNBP3 in combating fungal infections. In addition to evidencing the gene-for-gene interactions between fungi and insects, our data advance insights into Drosophila antifungal immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Lu
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dongxiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junmei Shang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shiqin Li
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Shuangxiu Song
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yujuan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Guirong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ma M, Luo J, Li C, Eleftherianos I, Zhang W, Xu L. A life-and-death struggle: interaction of insects with entomopathogenic fungi across various infection stages. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1329843. [PMID: 38259477 PMCID: PMC10800808 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1329843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects constitute approximately 75% of the world's recognized fauna, with the majority of species considered as pests. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are parasitic microorganisms capable of efficiently infecting insects, rendering them potent biopesticides. In response to infections, insects have evolved diverse defense mechanisms, prompting EPF to develop a variety of strategies to overcome or circumvent host defenses. While the interaction mechanisms between EPF and insects is well established, recent findings underscore that their interplay is more intricate than previously thought, especially evident across different stages of EPF infection. This review primarily focuses on the interplay between EPF and the insect defense strategies, centered around three infection stages: (1) Early infection stage: involving the pre-contact detection and avoidance behavior of EPF in insects, along with the induction of behavioral responses upon contact with the host cuticle; (2) Penetration and intra-hemolymph growth stage: involving the initiation of intricate cellular and humoral immune functions in insects, while symbiotic microbes can further contribute to host resistance; (3) Host insect's death stage: involving the ultimate confrontation between pathogens and insects. Infected insects strive to separate themselves from the healthy population, while pathogens rely on the infected insects to spread to new hosts. Also, we discuss a novel pest management strategy underlying the cooperation between EPF infection and disturbing the insect immune system. By enhancing our understanding of the intricate interplay between EPF and the insect, this review provides novel perspectives for EPF-mediated pest management and developing effective fungal insecticides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ioannis Eleftherianos
- Infection and Innate Immunity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Wei Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Letian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sare I, Baldini F, Viana M, Badolo A, Djigma F, Diabate A, Bilgo E. Adhesion and virulence properties of native Metarhizium fungal strains from Burkina Faso for the control of malaria vectors. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:406. [PMID: 37936204 PMCID: PMC10629044 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05831-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium pingshaense in Burkina Faso have demonstrated remarkable virulence against malaria vectors, positioning them as promising candidates for inclusion in the future arsenal of malaria control strategies. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this virulence remain unknown. To comprehend the fungal infection process, it is crucial to investigate the attachment mechanisms of fungal spores to the mosquito cuticle and explore the relationship between virulence and attachment kinetics. This study aims to assess the adhesion and virulence properties of native Metarhizium fungal strains from Burkina Faso for controlling malaria vectors. METHODS Fungal strains were isolated from 201 insects and 1399 rhizosphere samples, and four strains of Metarhizium fungi were selected. Fungal suspensions were used to infect 3-day-old female Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes at three different concentrations (106, 107, 108 conidia/ml). The survival of the mosquitoes was measured over 14 days, and fungal growth was quantified after 1 and 24 h to assess adhesion of the fungal strains onto the mosquito cuticle. RESULTS All four fungi strains increased mosquito mortality compared to control (Chi-square test, χ2 = 286.55, df = 4, P < 0.001). Adhesion of the fungal strains was observed on the mosquito cuticle after 24 h at high concentrations (1 × 108 conidia/ml), with one strain, having the highest virulent, showing adhesion after just 1 h. CONCLUSION The native strains of Metarhizium spp. fungi found in Burkina Faso have the potential to be effective biocontrol agents against malaria vectors, with some strains showing high levels of both virulence and adhesion to the mosquito cuticle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Issiaka Sare
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, BP 545, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique / Centre Muraz, BP 390, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie Fondamentale et Appliquée (LEFA), Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et de Génétique (LABIOGENE), Ecole Doctorale Sciences et Technologie, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
- Centre de Recherche Biomoléculaire Piétro Annigoni (CERBA), BP 364, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Francesco Baldini
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Mafalda Viana
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Athanase Badolo
- Laboratoire d'Entomologie Fondamentale et Appliquée (LEFA), Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso
| | - Florencia Djigma
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et de Génétique (LABIOGENE), Ecole Doctorale Sciences et Technologie, Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, BP 7021, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
- Centre de Recherche Biomoléculaire Piétro Annigoni (CERBA), BP 364, Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoulaye Diabate
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, BP 545, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
- Institut National de Santé Publique / Centre Muraz, BP 390, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
| | - Etienne Bilgo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, BP 545, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
- Institut National de Santé Publique / Centre Muraz, BP 390, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xie X, Wang Y, Jin S, He L, Jia Z, Huang B. MrCreC, a carbon catabolite repression gene, is required for the growth, conidiation, stress tolerance and virulence of Metarhizium robertsii. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 201:108009. [PMID: 37863281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.108009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
As a key component of carbon source metabolism in fungi, CreC WD40 repeat protein is regulated by carbon catabolite repression (CCR). However, the understanding of the functions of CreC in entomopathogenic fungi is currently limited. Here, CreC in Metarhizium robertsii (MrCreC) was identified, and its roles in fungal development, conidiation, environmental stress response, and insecticidal virulence were explored. MrCreC is localized to cytoplasm, and MrCreC deletion affects fungal growth on various nutrients. Compared to the wild type, the sporulation of ΔMrCreC strain was significantly decreased by 60.3%. Further qPCR analysis found that deletion of MrCreC resulted in repression of sporulation-related genes such as AbaA, FlbA, Flbc, MedA, FlbD, FluG, and wetA. In addition, MrCreC loss did not alter heat stress tolerance but resulted in enhanced tolerance to UV-B. Interestingly, bioassays showed that the virulence following exposures to topical applications or injection of conidial suspensions of both infection and injection was impaired compared with that of the wild type. Further analysis showed that the adhesion and cuticle penetration genes in ΔMrCreC was down-regulated during infection, and the appressorial formation rate was significantly reduced. A deletion of MrCreC significantly also reduced immune escape and nutrient utilization genes in insect hemocoel. In conclusion, MrCreC is involved in the growth, development and virulence of M. robertsii. These findings advance our understanding of the function of CCR pathway-related genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyun Xie
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
| | - Yulong Wang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Shaoxia Jin
- Taiyuan City Road Green Maintenance Center, Taiyuan 030000, China
| | - Lili He
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zefeng Jia
- College of Life Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China.
| | - Bo Huang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bamisile BS, Afolabi OG, Siddiqui JA, Xu Y. Endophytic insect pathogenic fungi-host plant-herbivore mutualism: elucidating the mechanisms involved in the tripartite interactions. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:326. [PMID: 37776438 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Various techniques used by crop plants to evade insect pests and pathogen attacks have been documented. Among these, plant defense strategies induced by endophytic insect pathogenic fungi are arguably one of the most discussed. Endophytic fungi frequently colonize plants and inhabit their internal tissues for a portion of their lifespan without producing visible symptoms of the disease. This phenomenon is widespread and diverse in both natural and agricultural ecosystems, and is present in almost all plant organs. Many fungi can obtain nutrients by infecting and killing insects, and this ability has been developed numerous times in different fungal lineages. These species mainly consist of those in the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota), where the generalist insect pathogens, Beauveria sp. (Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium sp. (Clavicipitaceae) are two of the most studied endophytic entomopathogenic fungal genera. However, most fungi that kill insects do not survive in the tissues of living plants. The data published thus far show a high degree of variability and do not provide consistent explanations for the underlying mechanisms that may be responsible for these effects. This implies that available knowledge regarding the colonization of plant tissues by endophytic insect pathogenic fungi, the effects of colonization on plant metabolism, and how this contributes to a decrease in herbivore and pathogens damage is limited. To adequately utilize fungal-based products as biological control agents, these products must be effective and the reduction of pests and infection must be consistent and similar to that of chemical insecticides after application. This article discusses this possibility and highlights the benefits and the specific techniques utilized by endophytically challenged plants in invading insect pests and disease pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bamisope Steve Bamisile
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Henry Fok School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, 512005, China
| | | | - Junaid Ali Siddiqui
- College of Agriculture, College of Tobacco Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yijuan Xu
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Apirajkamol NB, Hogarty TM, Mainali B, Taylor PW, Walsh TK, Tay WT. Virulence of Beauveria sp. and Metarhizium sp. fungi towards fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:328. [PMID: 37676308 PMCID: PMC10495518 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03669-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of effective pest management strategies for Spodoptera frugiperda is a high priority for crop protection across its invasive ranges. Here, we examined six Beauveria and five Metarhizium fungal isolates against this pest. Two Beauveria isolates (B-0571, B-1311) induced high mortality toward 3rd and 6th instar caterpillars and adults. For B-0571 mortality was 82.81 ± 5.75%, 61.46 ± 6.83%, and 93.75 ± 3.61%, and 73.72 ± 2.51%, 71.88 ± 5.41%, and 97.92 ± 2.08% for B-1311, with deaths in caterpillars largely occurring under 24 h (3rd instar control 0.74 ± 0.33%, B-0571 73.96 ± 7.85% and B-1311 62.08 ± 3.67%; 6th instar control 0%, B-0571 66.67% ± 11.02% and B-1311 62.5% ± 9.55%). Infection from both Beauveria isolates fully prevented reproduction in surviving S. frugiperda females. In contrast, all five Metarhizium isolates tested and the remaining four Beauveria isolates exhibited lower virulence. The discovery of two highly virulent Beauveria fungal isolates to S. frugiperda opens avenues to develop novel biological control tools against this highly invasive pest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nonthakorn Beatrice Apirajkamol
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
- Black Mountain Laboratories, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Timothy Michael Hogarty
- Black Mountain Laboratories, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Bishwo Mainali
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Kieran Walsh
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Black Mountain Laboratories, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Wee Tek Tay
- Applied BioSciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
- Black Mountain Laboratories, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhao X, He Z, Gao Y, Kan Y, Jiao Y, Liu Y, Huang S, Luo Z, Zhang Y. Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein, BbSre1, Controls Oxidative Stress Response, Peroxisome Division, and Lipid Homeostasis in an Insect Fungal Pathogen. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:12250-12263. [PMID: 37493643 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c02568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Sterol regulatory element-binding protein, Sre1, regulates sterol biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, hypoxia adaptation, and virulence in some fungi, even though its roles are varied in fungal species. However, few studies report its other functions in fungi. Here, we report novel roles of Sre1 homolog, BbSre1, in the insect fungal pathogen, Beauveria bassiana, that regulates oxidative stress response, peroxisome division, and redox homeostasis. The gene disruption stain showed increased sensitivity to oxidative stress, which was in line with oxidative stress-induced-BbSre1 nuclear import and control of antioxidant and detoxification-involved genes. The gene mutation also inhibited peroxisome division, affected redox homeostasis, and impaired lipid/fatty acid metabolism and sterol biosynthesis, which was verified by downregulation of their associated genes. These data broaden our understanding of role of Sre1, which regulates peroxisome division, antioxidant, and detoxification-involved genes for control of redox homeostasis and oxidative stress response that links to lipid/fatty acid metabolism and sterol biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Zhangjiang He
- Biochemical Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang 50025, China
| | - Yifei Gao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Yanze Kan
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Yufei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Yunxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Shuaishuai Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Zhibing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhao X, Jiang Y, Wang H, Lu Z, Huang S, Luo Z, Zhang L, Lv T, Tang X, Zhang Y. Fus3/Kss1-MAP kinase and Ste12-like control distinct biocontrol-traits besides regulation of insect cuticle penetration via phosphorylation cascade in a filamentous fungal pathogen. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:2611-2624. [PMID: 36890107 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homolog of the yeast Fus3/Kss1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and its target transcription factor, Ste12-like, are involved in penetration of host cuticle/pathogenicity in many ascomycete pathogens. However, details of their interaction during fungal infection, as well as their controlled other virulence-associated traits, are unclear. RESULTS Ste12-like (BbSte12) and Fus3/Kss1 MAPK homolog (Bbmpk1) interacted in nucleus, and phosphorylation of BbSte12 by Bbmpk1 was essential for penetration of insect cuticle in an insect fungal pathogen, Beauveria bassiana. However, some distinct biocontrol-traits were found to be mediated by Ste12 and Bbmpk1. In contrast to ΔBbmpk1 colony that grew more rapid than wild-type strain, inactivation of BbSte12 resulted in the opposite phenotype, which was consistent with their different proliferation rates in insect hemocoel after direct injection of conidia bypass the cuticle. Reduced conidial yield with decreased hydrophobicity was examined in both mutants, however they displayed distinct conidiogenesis, accompanying with differently altered cell cycle, distinct hyphal branching and septum formation. Moreover, ΔBbmpk1 showed increased tolerance to oxidative agent, whereas the opposite phenotype was seen for ΔBbSte12 strain. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that Bbmpk1 controlled 356 genes depending on BbSte12 during cuticle penetration, but 1077 and 584 genes were independently controlled by Bbmpk1 and BbSte12. CONCLUSION BbSte12 and Bbmpk1 separately participate in additional pathways for control of conidiation, growth and hyphal differentiation, as well as oxidative stress response besides regulating cuticle penetration via phosphorylation cascade. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yahui Jiang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Huifang Wang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zhuoyue Lu
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Shuaishuai Huang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zhibing Luo
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Liuyi Zhang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Ting Lv
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohan Tang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hong S, Sun Y, Chen H, Zhao P, Wang C. Fungus-insect interactions beyond bilateral regimes: the importance and strategy to outcompete host ectomicrobiomes by fungal parasites. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 74:102336. [PMID: 37320866 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fungus-insect interactions have long been investigated at the bilateral level to unveil the factors involved in mediating fungal entomopathogenicity and insect antifungal immunity. Emerging evidence has shown that insect cuticles are inhabited by different bacteria that can delay and deter fungal parasite infections. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), however, have evolved strategies to combat the colonization resistance mediated by insect ectomicrobiomes by producing antimicrobial peptides or antibiotic compounds. Deprivation of micronutrients may also be employed by EPF to counteract the ectomicrobiome antagonism. Further investigations of insect ectomicrobiome assemblage and fungal factors involved in outcompeting cuticular microbiomes may benefit the development of cost-effective mycoinsecticides while protecting ecologically and economically important insect species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Hong
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanlei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haimin Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Pengfei Zhao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang P, Yang G, Shi N, Zhao C, Hu F, Coutts RHA, Kotta-Loizou I, Huang B. A novel partitivirus orchestrates conidiation, stress response, pathogenicity, and secondary metabolism of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium majus. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011397. [PMID: 37216409 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoviruses are widely present in all major groups of fungi but those in entomopathogenic Metarhizium spp. remain understudied. In this investigation, a novel double-stranded (ds) RNA virus is isolated from Metarhizium majus and named Metarhizium majus partitivirus 1 (MmPV1). The complete genome sequence of MmPV1 comprises two monocistronic dsRNA segments (dsRNA 1 and dsRNA 2), which encode an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and a capsid protein (CP), respectively. MmPV1 is classified as a new member of the genus Gammapartitivirus in the family Partitiviridae based on phylogenetic analysis. As compared to an MmPV1-free strain, two isogenic MmPV1-infected single-spore isolates were compromised in terms of conidiation, and tolerance to heat shock and UV-B irradiation, while these phenotypes were accompanied by transcriptional suppression of multiple genes involved in conidiation, heat shock response and DNA damage repair. MmPV1 attenuated fungal virulence since infection resulted in reduced conidiation, hydrophobicity, adhesion, and cuticular penetration. Additionally, secondary metabolites were significantly altered by MmPV1 infection, including reduced production of triterpenoids, and metarhizins A and B, and increased production of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. However, expression of individual MmPV1 proteins in M. majus had no impact on the host phenotype, suggesting insubstantive links between defective phenotypes and a single viral protein. These findings indicate that MmPV1 infection decreases M. majus fitness to its environment and its insect-pathogenic lifestyle and environment through the orchestration of the host conidiation, stress tolerance, pathogenicity, and secondary metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Guogen Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Najie Shi
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Fenglin Hu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Robert H A Coutts
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ioly Kotta-Loizou
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bo Huang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ayilara MS, Adeleke BS, Akinola SA, Fayose CA, Adeyemi UT, Gbadegesin LA, Omole RK, Johnson RM, Uthman QO, Babalola OO. Biopesticides as a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides: A case for microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1040901. [PMID: 36876068 PMCID: PMC9978502 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1040901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the years, synthetic pesticides like herbicides, algicides, miticides, bactericides, fumigants, termiticides, repellents, insecticides, molluscicides, nematicides, and pheromones have been used to improve crop yield. When pesticides are used, the over-application and excess discharge into water bodies during rainfall often lead to death of fish and other aquatic life. Even when the fishes still live, their consumption by humans may lead to the biomagnification of chemicals in the body system and can cause deadly diseases, such as cancer, kidney diseases, diabetes, liver dysfunction, eczema, neurological destruction, cardiovascular diseases, and so on. Equally, synthetic pesticides harm the soil texture, soil microbes, animals, and plants. The dangers associated with the use of synthetic pesticides have necessitated the need for alternative use of organic pesticides (biopesticides), which are cheaper, environment friendly, and sustainable. Biopesticides can be sourced from microbes (e.g., metabolites), plants (e.g., from their exudates, essential oil, and extracts from bark, root, and leaves), and nanoparticles of biological origin (e.g., silver and gold nanoparticles). Unlike synthetic pesticides, microbial pesticides are specific in action, can be easily sourced without the need for expensive chemicals, and are environmentally sustainable without residual effects. Phytopesticides have myriad of phytochemical compounds that make them exhibit various mechanisms of action, likewise, they are not associated with the release of greenhouse gases and are of lesser risks to human health compared to the available synthetic pesticides. Nanobiopesticides have higher pesticidal activity, targeted or controlled release with top-notch biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this review, we examined the different types of pesticides, the merits, and demerits of synthetic pesticides and biopesticides, but more importantly, we x-rayed appropriate and sustainable approaches to improve the acceptability and commercial usage of microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides for plant nutrition, crop protection/yield, animal/human health promotion, and their possible incorporation into the integrated pest management system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Modupe S. Ayilara
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kings University, Ode-Omu, Nigeria
| | - Bartholomew S. Adeleke
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Microbiology Unit, School of Science, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Nigeria
| | - Saheed A. Akinola
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda
| | - Chris A. Fayose
- Department of Agricultural Technology, Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Uswat T. Adeyemi
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Lanre A. Gbadegesin
- Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Richard K. Omole
- Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Applied Sciences, Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Nigeria
| | | | - Qudus O. Uthman
- Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Olubukola O. Babalola
- Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Karuppiah V, Zhang C, Liu T, Li Y, Chen J. Transcriptome Analysis of T. asperellum GDFS 1009 Revealed the Role of MUP1 Gene on the Methionine-Based Induction of Morphogenesis and Biological Control Activity. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020215. [PMID: 36836329 PMCID: PMC9963050 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichoderma spp. are biological control agents extensively used against various plant pathogens. However, the key genes shared for the growth, development and biological activity are unclear. In this study, we explored the genes responsible for the growth and development of T. asperellum GDFS 1009 under liquid-shaking culture compared to solid-surface culture. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2744 differentially expressed genes, and RT-qPCR validation showed that the high-affinity methionine permease MUP1 was the key gene for growth under different media. Deletion of the MUP1 inhibited the transport of amino acids, especially methionine, thereby inhibiting mycelial growth and sporulation, whereas inhibition could be mitigated by adding methionine metabolites such as SAM, spermidine and spermine. The MUP1 gene responsible for the methionine-dependent growth of T. asperellum was confirmed to be promoted through the PKA pathway but not the MAPK pathway. Furthermore, the MUP1 gene also increased the mycoparasitic activity of T. asperellum against Fusarium graminearum. Greenhouse experiments revealed that MUP1 strengthens the Trichoderma-induced crop growth promotion effect and SA-induced pathogen defense potential in maize. Our study highlights the effect of the MUP1 gene on growth and morphological differentiation and its importance for the agricultural application of Trichoderma against plant diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valliappan Karuppiah
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Germplasm Innovation of Tropical Special Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yi Li
- Shanghai Dajing Biotec. Ltd., Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Jie Chen
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Samal I, Bhoi TK, Majhi PK, Murmu S, Pradhan AK, Kumar D, Saini V, Paschapur AU, Raj MN, Ankur, Manik S, Behera PP, Mahanta DK, Komal J, Alam P, Balawi TA. Combatting insects mediated biotic stress through plant associated endophytic entomopathogenic fungi in horticultural crops. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1098673. [PMID: 36743574 PMCID: PMC9894630 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1098673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Horticultural production is a vital catalyst for economic growth, yet insect infestations reduce horticultural crop yield and quality. Pesticides and other pest control methods are used during planting to eliminate pests that cause direct and indirect losses. In such situations, endophytic entomo-pathogenic fungi (EEPF) can act as a potential tools for biological control. They protect plants by boosting growth, nutrition, morpho-physiology and salt or iron tolerance. Antixenosis, antibiosis and plant tolerance change insect performance and preferences. EEPF- plant colonisation slows herbivore development, food consumption, oviposition and larval survival. EEPF changes plant physio-chemical properties like volatile emission profile and secondary metabolite production to regulate insect pest defences. EEPF produces chitinases, laccases, amylases, and cellulases for plant defence. Recent studies focused on EEPF species' significance, isolation, identification and field application. Realizing their full potential is difficult due to insufficient mass production, storage stability and formulation. Genetic-molecular and bioinformatics can help to build EEPF-based biological control systems. Metagenomics helps study microbial EEPF taxonomy and function. Multi-omics and system biology can decode EEPF interactions with host plants and microorganisms. NGS (Next Generation Sequencing), comparative genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, metatranscriptomics and microarrays are used to evaluate plant-EEPF relationships. IPM requires understanding the abiotic and biotic elements that influence plant-EEPF interaction and the physiological mechanisms of EEPF colonisation. Due to restricted research, there are hundreds of unexplored EEPFs, providing an urgent need to uncover and analyse them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ipsita Samal
- Department of Entomology, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Tanmaya Kumar Bhoi
- Forest Protection Division, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) - Arid Forest Research Institute (AFRI), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Majhi
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sneha Murmu
- Division of Agricultural Bio-informatics, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Asit Kumar Pradhan
- Division, Social Science Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack, Odisha, India
| | - Dilip Kumar
- Division of Computer Application and IT, National Institute for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NIAP), New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi, India
| | - Varun Saini
- Department of Entomology, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India
| | - Amit Umesh Paschapur
- Crop Protection Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - M Nikhil Raj
- Department of Entomology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar, India
| | - Ankur
- Division of Entomology, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR-IARI)- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Suryakant Manik
- Department of Seed Science and Technology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Partha Pratim Behera
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Mahanta
- Department of Entomology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar, India
| | - J. Komal
- Department of Entomology, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India
| | - Pravej Alam
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer Al Balawi
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
de Menezes TA, Aburjaile FF, Quintanilha-Peixoto G, Tomé LMR, Fonseca PLC, Mendes-Pereira T, Araújo DS, Melo TS, Kato RB, Delabie JHC, Ribeiro SP, Brenig B, Azevedo V, Drechsler-Santos ER, Andrade BS, Góes-Neto A. Unraveling the Secrets of a Double-Life Fungus by Genomics: Ophiocordyceps australis CCMB661 Displays Molecular Machinery for Both Parasitic and Endophytic Lifestyles. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010110. [PMID: 36675931 PMCID: PMC9864599 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ophiocordyceps australis (Ascomycota, Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) is a classic entomopathogenic fungus that parasitizes ants (Hymenoptera, Ponerinae, Ponerini). Nonetheless, according to our results, this fungal species also exhibits a complete set of genes coding for plant cell wall degrading Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes), enabling a full endophytic stage and, consequently, its dual ability to both parasitize insects and live inside plant tissue. The main objective of our study was the sequencing and full characterization of the genome of the fungal strain of O. australis (CCMB661) and its predicted secretome. The assembled genome had a total length of 30.31 Mb, N50 of 92.624 bp, GC content of 46.36%, and 8,043 protein-coding genes, 175 of which encoded CAZymes. In addition, the primary genes encoding proteins and critical enzymes during the infection process and those responsible for the host-pathogen interaction have been identified, including proteases (Pr1, Pr4), aminopeptidases, chitinases (Cht2), adhesins, lectins, lipases, and behavioral manipulators, such as enterotoxins, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases (PTPs), and Glycoside Hydrolases (GHs). Our findings indicate that the presence of genes coding for Mad2 and GHs in O. australis may facilitate the infection process in plants, suggesting interkingdom colonization. Furthermore, our study elucidated the pathogenicity mechanisms for this Ophiocordyceps species, which still is scarcely studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Almeida de Menezes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Av. Transnordestina, s/n, Novo Horizonte, Feira de Santana 44036-900, BA, Brazil
| | - Flávia Figueira Aburjaile
- Laboratory of Integrative Bioinformatics, Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Quintanilha-Peixoto
- Laboratory of Molecular and Computational Biology of Fungi, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiz Marcelo Ribeiro Tomé
- Laboratory of Molecular and Computational Biology of Fungi, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Paula Luize Camargos Fonseca
- Laboratory of Molecular and Computational Biology of Fungi, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Thairine Mendes-Pereira
- Laboratory of Molecular and Computational Biology of Fungi, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniel Silva Araújo
- Program in Bioinformatics, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Tarcisio Silva Melo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Av. Transnordestina, s/n, Novo Horizonte, Feira de Santana 44036-900, BA, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Bentes Kato
- Laboratory of Molecular and Computational Biology of Fungi, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Jacques Hubert Charles Delabie
- Laboratory of Myrmecology, Centro de Pesquisa do Cacau, Ilhéus 45600-000, BA, Brazil
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus 45600-970, BA, Brazil
| | - Sérvio Pontes Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Ecology of Diseases and Forests, Nucleus of Biological Science, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35402-163, MG, Brazil
| | - Bertram Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Burckhardtweg, University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Genetics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Silva Andrade
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Sudoeste da Bahia, Av. José Moreira Sobrinho, s/n, Jequiezinho, Jequié 45205-490, BA, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Laboratory of Molecular and Computational Biology of Fungi, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-31-3409-3050
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Vidhate RP, Dawkar VV, Punekar SA, Giri AP. Genomic Determinants of Entomopathogenic Fungi and Their Involvement in Pathogenesis. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:49-60. [PMID: 34977966 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01936-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi offer an effective and eco-friendly alternative to curb insect populations in biocontrol strategy. The evolutionary history of selected entomopathogenic fungi indicates their ancestral relationship with plant endophytes. During this host shifting, entomopathogenic fungi must have acquired multiple mechanisms, including a combination of various biomolecules that make them distinguishable from other fungi. In this review, we focus on understanding various biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in entomopathogenesis. In particular, we attempt to explain the indispensable role of enlarged gene families of various virulent factors, viz. chitinases, proteases, lipases, specialized metabolites, and cytochrome P450, in entomopathogenesis. Our analysis suggests that entomopathogenic fungi recruit a different set of gene products during the progression of pathogenesis. Knowledge of these bio-molecular interactions between fungi and insect hosts will allow researchers to execute pointed efforts towards the development of improved entomopathogenic fungal strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra P Vidhate
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vishal V Dawkar
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sachin A Punekar
- Biospheres, Eshwari, 52/403, Lakshminagar, Parvati, Pune, 411009, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashok P Giri
- Plant Molecular Biology Unit, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008, Maharashtra, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Peng ZY, Huang ST, Chen JT, Li N, Wei Y, Nawaz A, Deng SQ. An update of a green pesticide: Metarhizium anisopliae. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2147224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Yu Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, the Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Ting Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-Ting Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ni Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, the Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Wei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Asad Nawaz
- Department of Pathogen Biology, the Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Qun Deng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, the Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Couceiro JDC, De Fine Licht HH, Delalibera I, Meyling NV. Comparative gene expression and genomics reflect geographical divergence in the plant symbiotic and entomopathogenic fungal genus Metarhizium. FUNGAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2022.101190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
26
|
Peng H, Zhang GH, Lu HQ, Kong XW, Zha XD, Wang YZ. A Putative Adhesin-encoding Gene AOL_s00007g5 is involved in the Mycelial Growth and Development of Nematode-trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s000368382205012x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
27
|
Entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae play roles of maize (Zea mays) growth promoter. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15706. [PMID: 36127502 PMCID: PMC9489797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19899-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are two of the most important and widely used entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) to control insect pests. Recent studies have revealed their function in promoting plant growth after artificial inoculation. To better assess fungal colonization and growth-promoting effects of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae on crops, maize Zea mays seedlings were treated separately with 13 B. bassiana and 73 M. anisopliae as rhizosphere fungi in a hydroponic cultural system. Plant growth indexes, including plant height, root length, fresh weight, etc., were traced recorded for 35 days to prove the growth promoting efficiency of the EPFs inoculation. Fungal recovery rate (FRR) verified that both B. bassiana and M. anisopliae could endophytically colonize in maize tissues. The recovery rates of B. bassiana in stems and leaves were 100% on the 7th day, but dropped to 11.1% in the stems and 22.2% in the leaves on the 28th day. Meanwhile, B. bassiana was not detected in the roots until the 28th day, reaching a recovery rate of 33.3%. M. anisopliae strains were isolated from the plant roots, stems and leaves throughout the tracing period with high recovery rates. The systematical colonization of B. bassiana and M. anisopliae in different tissues were further corroborated by PCR amplification of fungus-specified DNA band, which showed a higher detection sensitivity of 100% positive reaction. Fungal density comparing to the initial value in the hydroponic solution, dropped to be well below 1% on the 21st day. Thus, the two selected entomopathogenic fungal strains successfully established endophytic colonization rather than rhizospheric colonization in maize, and significantly promoted its growth in a hydroponic cultural system. Entomopathogenic fungi have great application potential in eco-agricultural fields including biopesticides and biofertilizers.
Collapse
|
28
|
Leite MOG, Alves DA, Lecocq A, Malaquias JB, Delalibera I, Jensen AB. Laboratory Risk Assessment of Three Entomopathogenic Fungi Used for Pest Control toward Social Bee Pollinators. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091800. [PMID: 36144402 PMCID: PMC9501116 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of fungal-based biopesticides to reduce pest damage and protect crop quality is often considered a low-risk control strategy. Nevertheless, risk assessment of mycopesticides is still needed since pests and beneficial insects, such as pollinators, co-exist in the same agroecosystem where mass use of this strategy occurs. In this context, we evaluated the effect of five concentrations of three commercial entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Cordyceps fumosorosea, by direct contact and ingestion, on the tropical stingless bees Scaptotrigona depilis and Tetragonisca angustula, temperate bee species, the honey bee Apis mellifera, and the bumble bee Bombus terrestris, at the individual level. Furthermore, we studied the potential of two infection routes, either by direct contact or ingestion. In general, all three fungi caused considerable mortalities in the four bee species, which differed in their response to the different fungal species. Scaptotrigona depilis and B. terrestris were more susceptible to B. bassiana than the other fungi when exposed topically, and B. terrestris and A. mellifera were more susceptible to M. anisopliae when exposed orally. Interestingly, increased positive concentration responses were not observed for all fungal species and application methods. For example, B. terrestris mortalities were similar at the lowest and highest fungal concentrations for both exposure methods. This study demonstrates that under laboratory conditions, the three fungal species can potentially reduce the survival of social bees at the individual level. However, further colony and field studies are needed to elucidate the susceptibility of these fungi towards social bees to fully assess the ecological risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana O. G. Leite
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-19-34478883
| | - Denise A. Alves
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Antoine Lecocq
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - José Bruno Malaquias
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Rua Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin 250, Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Italo Delalibera
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Avenida Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba 13418-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Annette B. Jensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wu P, Qin Q, Zhang J, Zhang H, Li X, Wang H, Meng Q. The invasion process of the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis into the larvae of ghost moths (Thitarodes xiaojinensis) using a GFP-labeled strain. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:974323. [PMID: 36118238 PMCID: PMC9479185 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.974323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chinese cordyceps is a well-known and valuable traditional Chinese medicine that forms after Ophiocordyceps sinensis parasitizes ghost moth larvae. The low natural infection rate of O. sinensis limits large-scale artificial cultivation of Chinese cordyceps, and the invasion process is unclear. To investigate the temporal and spatial regulation when O. sinensis enters ghost moths, we constructed an O. sinensis transformant that stably expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP). Inoculating Thitarodes xiaojinensis larvae with a high concentration of GFP-labeled O. sinensis, we observed that O. sinensis conidia could adhere to the host cuticle within 2 days, germinate penetration pegs within 4 days, and produce blastospores in the host hemocoel within 6 days. The reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) structures of the invasion sites showed that penetration pegs germinated directly from O. sinensis conidia at the joining site with the larval cuticle. Differentiated appressoria or hyphae along the host epicuticle are not required for O. sinensis to invade ghost moths. Overall, the specific invasion process of O. sinensis into its host is clarified, and we provided a new perspective on the invasion process of entomopathogenic fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qilian Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jihong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qian Meng
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Baek S, Noh MY, Mun S, Lee SJ, Arakane Y, Kim JS. Ultrastructural analysis of beetle larva cuticles during infection with the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3356-3364. [PMID: 35509233 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beauveria bassiana is one of the commercially available entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), and a number of isolates with high virulence and broad host spectrum have been used to control agricultural and forest pests. Although the functional importance of genes in EPFs' pathogenesis have been extensively studied, the precise ultrastructural mechanism of the fungal infection, particularly penetration of the host insect cuticles, is not well understood. RESULTS In this study, we investigated the morphology and ultrastructure of the larval cuticle of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, after treatment with B. bassiana ERL1170 expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein (Bb-eGFP). The Bb-eGFP showed high virulence against the larvae, with approximately 90% mortality at 48 h after treatment (HAT) and 100% at 72 HAT under our infection conditions. In these larvae, the regions of the body wall with flexible cuticles, such as the ventral and ventrolateral thorax and abdomen, became darkly melanized, but there was little to no melanization in the rigid dorsal cuticular structures. Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that germinated conidia on the surface of the larval cuticle were evident at 6 HAT, which formed penetration pegs and began to penetrate the several cuticle layers/laminae by 12 HAT. The penetration pegs then developed invading hyphae, some of which passed through the cuticle and reached the epidermal cells by 24 HAT. The larval cuticle was aggressively and extensively disrupted by 48 HAT, and a number of outgrowing hyphae were observed at 72 HAT. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that Bb-eGFP is capable of infection and penetrating T. castaneum larvae shortly after inoculation (~24 HAT) at the body regions with apparently flexible and membranous cuticles, such as the ventral intersegmental regions and the ventrolateral pleura. This study provides details on the histopathogenesis of the host cuticle by infection and penetration of EPFs, which can facilitate the management of insect pests. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sehyeon Baek
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Mi Young Noh
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Seulgi Mun
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Se Jin Lee
- Department of Agricultural Life Science, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, South Korea
| | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jae Su Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
- Department of Agricultural Convergence Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Song D, Jin Y, Shi Y, Xia Y, Peng G. The carbon catabolite repressor CreA is an essential virulence factor of Metarhizium acridum against Locusta migratoria. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3676-3684. [PMID: 35613131 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CreA has been proved to be a core gene in asexual conidiation in Metarhizium acridum, which regulates the shift of normal conidiation and microcycle conidiation. At present, research on CreA in fungi has focused on carbon source metabolism. There is a lack of research on the effect of CreA in virulence of pathogenic fungi. RESULTS The virulence of the MaCreA disrupted strain (ΔMaCreA) for Locusta migratoria was lost by topical inoculation bioassay. The formation rate and turgor pressure of the appressoria decreased. Growth of ΔMaCreA in host hemolymph was delayed, and the number of hyphal bodies was significantly reduced. The conidial cell wall of ΔMaCreA became thicker, the mannan content decreased, and the chitin content increased significantly, and it was more sensitive to calcofluor white and Congo Red. α-1,3-Glucan and β-1,3-glucan are more exposed on the surface of ΔMaCreA conidia than on the wild type. Lmspätzle and Lmcactus, the immune response genes in the host Toll pathway, showed stronger transcriptional activities at the early stage of ΔMaCreA invasion. The phenoloxidase activity assay also showed stronger immunostimulation by ΔMaCreA in vitro. CONCLUSION The main reasons for the loss of virulence of ΔMaCreA in the topical inoculation were the reduced penetration ability of appressoria, limited growth in hemolymph and stronger insect immunostimulation of ΔMaCreA. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Song
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing, China
| | - Yumei Jin
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing, China
| | - Youhui Shi
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuxian Xia
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoxiong Peng
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zhang G, Zhang J, Yao Z, Shi Y, Xu C, Shao L, Jiang L, Li M, Tong Y, Wang Y. Time-series gene expression patterns and their characteristics of Beauveria bassiana in the process of infecting pest insects. J Basic Microbiol 2022; 62:1274-1286. [PMID: 35781725 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202200155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana has been widely used as an important biological control fungus for agricultural and forest pests, and clarifying the interaction mechanism between B. bassiana and its host will help to better exert the efficacy of the mycoinsecticide. Here, we proposed a novel pattern analysis (PA) method for analyzing time-series data and applied it to a transcriptomic data set of B. bassiana infecting Galleria mellonella. We screened out 14 patterns including 868 genes, which had some characteristics that were not inferior to differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Compared with the previous analysis of this data set, we had three novel discoveries during B. bassiana infection, including overall downregulation of gene expression, the more critical first 24 h, and enrichment of regulatory functions of downregulated genes. Our new PA method promises to be an important complement to DEGs analysis for time-series transcriptomic data, and our findings enrich our knowledge of molecular mechanisms of fungal-host interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guochao Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China.,School of Biological Engineering/Institute of Digital Ecology and Health, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, Anhui, China.,Shandong Tobacco Research Institute Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- School of Biological Engineering/Institute of Digital Ecology and Health, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes/School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Health and Safety, Ministry of Education, Huainan, China.,Anhui Shanhe Pharmaceutical Excipients Co., Ltd., Huainan, China
| | - Zhuo Yao
- Jinan Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, Jinan, China
| | - Yong Shi
- School of Computer Science/School of Electronic Engineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, China
| | - Chenxi Xu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Lvyi Shao
- School of Biological Engineering/Institute of Digital Ecology and Health, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes/School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Maoye Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes/School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Tong
- School of Computer Science/School of Electronic Engineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, China
| | - Yujun Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Comparative Analysis of Transcriptomes of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi ssp. americana Colonizing Resistant or Sensitive Genotypes of American Elm. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8060637. [PMID: 35736120 PMCID: PMC9224576 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ascomycete Ophiostoma novo-ulmi threatens elm populations worldwide. The molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenicity and virulence are still largely uncharacterized. As part of a collaborative study of the O. novo-ulmi-elm interactome, we analyzed the O. novo-ulmi ssp. americana transcriptomes obtained by deep sequencing of messenger RNAs recovered from Ulmus americana saplings from one resistant (Valley Forge, VF) and one susceptible (S) elm genotypes at 0 and 96 h post-inoculation (hpi). Transcripts were identified for 6424 of the 8640 protein-coding genes annotated in the O. novo-ulmi nuclear genome. A total of 1439 genes expressed in planta had orthologs in the PHI-base curated database of genes involved in host-pathogen interactions, whereas 472 genes were considered differentially expressed (DEG) in S elms (370 genes) and VF elms (102 genes) at 96 hpi. Gene ontology (GO) terms for processes and activities associated with transport and transmembrane transport accounted for half (27/55) of GO terms that were significantly enriched in fungal genes upregulated in S elms, whereas the 22 GO terms enriched in genes overexpressed in VF elms included nine GO terms associated with metabolism, catabolism and transport of carbohydrates. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified three modules that were significantly associated with higher gene expression in S elms. The three modules accounted for 727 genes expressed in planta and included 103 DEGs upregulated in S elms. Knockdown- and knockout mutants were obtained for eight O. novo-ulmi genes. Although mutants remained virulent towards U. americana saplings, we identified a large repertoire of additional candidate O. novo-ulmi pathogenicity genes for functional validation by loss-of-function approaches.
Collapse
|
34
|
Host–Pathogen Interactions between Metarhizium spp. and Locusts. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8060602. [PMID: 35736085 PMCID: PMC9224550 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The progress in research on the interactions between Metarhizium spp. and locusts has improved our understanding of the interactions between fungal infection and host immunity. A general network of immune responses has been constructed, and the pathways regulating fungal pathogenicity have also been explored in depth. However, there have been no systematic surveys of interaction between Metarhizium spp. and locusts. The pathogenesis of Metarhizium comprises conidial attachment, germination, appressorial formation, and colonization in the body cavity of the host locusts. Meanwhile, the locust resists fungal infection through humoral and cellular immunity. Here, we summarize the crucial pathways that regulate the pathogenesis of Metarhizium and host immune defense. Conidial hydrophobicity is mainly affected by the contents of hydrophobins and chitin. Appressorial formation is regulated by the pathways of MAPKs, cAMP/PKA, and Ca2+/calmodulin. Lipid droplets degradation and secreted enzymes contributed to fungal penetration. The humoral response of locust is coordinated by the Toll pathway and the ecdysone. The regulatory mechanism of hemocyte differentiation and migration is elusive. In addition, behavioral fever and density-dependent population immunity have an impact on the resistance of hosts against fungal infection. This review depicts a prospect to help us understand host–pathogen interactions and provides a foundation for the engineering of entomopathogenic fungi and the discovery of insecticidal targets to control insect pests.
Collapse
|
35
|
Liu Z, Liu FF, Li H, Zhang WT, Wang Q, Zhang BX, Sun YX, Rao XJ. Virulence of the Bio-Control Fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum Against Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:462-473. [PMID: 35089348 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toab270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Eco-friendly entomopathogenic fungi are widely used to control agricultural insect pests. Purpureocillium lilacinum (Thom.) Luangsa-ard et al. (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) is a nematophagous fungus used for the bio-control of destructive root-knot nematodes. However, its insecticidal activities against agricultural insect pests haven't been widely studied. In this study, P. lilacinum PL-1 was isolated from soil (Hefei, China) and identified by molecular and morphological analyses. The growth rate, spore production, proteinase, and chitinase activities of the isolate were analyzed. Virulence tests against green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were performed. The median lethal concentration (LC50) and median lethal time (LT50) against aphids (via immersion) and LT50 against FAW (via injection) were determined. FAW eggs immersed in aqueous conidia suspension were infected after 60 h. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the infection of FAW larvae by P. lilacinum were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The significantly upregulated DEGs include FAW immune genes (antimicrobial peptides, C-type lectins, lysozymes, prophenoloxidase, and peptidoglycan recognition proteins) and fungal pathogenic genes (ligase, chitinase, and hydrophobin). Our data demonstrate that P. lilacinum can be used as an entomopathogenic fungus against agricultural insect pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei, China
| | - Fang-Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei, China
| | - Wen-Ting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei, China
| | - Bang-Xian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei, China
- Department of science and technology, Chuzhou University, Chuzhou, China
| | - Yan-Xia Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Rao
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Adhesion as a Focus in Trichoderma–Root Interactions. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040372. [PMID: 35448603 PMCID: PMC9026816 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal spores, germlings, and mycelia adhere to substrates, including host tissues. The adhesive forces depend on the substrate and on the adhesins, the fungal cell surface proteins. Attachment is often a prerequisite for the invasion of the host, hence its importance. Adhesion visibly precedes colonization of root surfaces and outer cortex layers, but little is known about the molecular details. We propose that by starting from what is already known from other fungi, including yeast and other filamentous pathogens and symbionts, the mechanism and function of Trichoderma adhesion will become accessible. There is a sequence, and perhaps functional, homology to other rhizosphere-competent Sordariomycetes. Specifically, Verticillium dahliae is a soil-borne pathogen that establishes itself in the xylem and causes destructive wilt disease. Metarhizium species are best-known as insect pathogens with biocontrol potential, but they also colonize roots. Verticillium orthologs of the yeast Flo8 transcription factor, Som1, and several other relevant genes are already under study for their roles in adhesion. Metarhizium encodes relevant adhesins. Trichoderma virens encodes homologs of Som1, as well as adhesin candidates. These genes should provide exciting leads toward the first step in the establishment of beneficial interactions with roots in the rhizosphere.
Collapse
|
37
|
Nishi O, Sushida H, Higashi Y, Iida Y. Entomopathogenic fungus Akanthomyces muscarius (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) strain IMI 268317 colonises on tomato leaf surface through conidial adhesion and general and microcycle conidiation. Mycology 2022; 13:133-142. [PMID: 35711329 PMCID: PMC9196654 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2021.1944929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Oumi Nishi
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Mie, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Sushida
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Mie, Japan
| | - Yumiko Higashi
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Mie, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Iida
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Mie, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Vasselli JG, Shaw BD. Fungal spore attachment to substrata. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
39
|
MaSln1, a Conserved Histidine Protein Kinase, Contributes to Conidiation Pattern Shift Independent of the MAPK Pathway in Metarhizium acridum. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0205121. [PMID: 35343772 PMCID: PMC9045129 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02051-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As a conserved sensor kinase in the HOG-MAPK pathway, Sln1 plays distinct functions in different fungi. In this study, the roles of MaSln1 in Metarhizium acridum were analyzed using gene knockout and rescue strategies. Deletion of MaSln1 did not affect conidial germination, conidial yield, or resistance to chemical agents. However, fungal tolerance to heat shock and UV-B were significantly reduced after deletion of MaSln1. Insect bioassays showed that fungal pathogenicity was significantly impaired when MaSln1 was deleted. Further studies showed that MaSln1 did not affect either germination or appressorium formation of M. acridum on locust wings, but it significantly increased appressorium turgor pressure. In addition, disruption of MaSln1 resulted in a conidiation pattern shift in M. acridum. Microscopic observation revealed, however, that some genes located in the MAPK signaling pathway, including MaSho1, MaHog1, MaMk1, and MaSlt2, were not involved in the conidiation pattern shift on SYA medium (microcycle medium). Meanwhile, of the 143 differently expressed genes (DEGs) identified by RNA-seq, no genes related to the MAPK pathway were found, suggesting that MaSln1 regulation of the conidiation pattern shift was probably independent of the conserved MAPK signaling pathway. It was found that 22 of the 98 known DEGs regulated by MaSln1 were involved in mycelial growth, cell division, and cytoskeleton formation, indicating that MaSln1 likely regulates the expression of genes related to cell division and morphogenesis, thus regulating the conidiation pattern shift in M. acridum. IMPORTANCE The productivity and quality of conidia are both crucial for mycopesticides. In this study, we systematically analyzed the roles of MaSln1 in fungal pathogens. Most importantly, our results revealed that deletion of MaSln1 resulted in a conidiation pattern shift in M. acridum. However, some other genes, located in the MAPK signaling pathway, were not involved in the conidiation pattern shift. RNA-seq revealed no genes related to the MAPK pathway, suggesting that the regulation of the conidiation pattern shift by MaSln1 was probably independent of the conserved MAPK signaling pathway. This study provided a new insight into the functions of Sln1 and laid a foundation for exploring the mechanisms of conidiation pattern shifts in M. acridum.
Collapse
|
40
|
Vera M, Zuern S, Henríquez-Valencia C, Loncoman C, Canales J, Waller F, Basoalto E, Garnica S. Exploring interactions between Beauveria and Metarhizium strains through co-inoculation and responses of perennial ryegrass in a one-year trial. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12924. [PMID: 35341038 PMCID: PMC8944343 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) possesses a high level of nutritional quality and is widely used as a forage species to establish permanent pastures in southern Chile. However, the productivity of most such pastures is limited by various environmental agents, such as insect pests and drought. In this context, our work stresses the need for elucidating the ability of fungal endophytes to establish interactions with plants, and to understand how these processes contribute to plant performance and fitness. Therefore, we evaluated the colonization and impact of two native strains of the endophytic insect-pathogenic fungus (EIPF) group isolated from permanent ryegrass pastures in southern Chile. Roots and seeds of ryegrass and scarabaeid larvae were collected from nine different ryegrass pastures in the Los Ríos region of southern Chile to specifically isolate EIPFs belonging to the genera Beauveria and Metarhizium. Fungal isolations were made on 2% water agar with antibiotics, and strains were identified by analyzing the entire internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA region. Four strains of Beauveria and 33 strains of Metarhizium were isolated only in scarabaeid larvae from ryegrass pastures across four sites. Experimental mini-pastures that were either not inoculated (control) or co-inoculated with conidia of the strains Beauveria vermiconia NRRL B-67993 (P55_1) and Metarhizium aff. lepidiotae NRRL B-67994 (M25_2) under two soil humidity levels were used. Ryegrass plants were randomly collected from the mini-pastures to characterize EIPF colonization in the roots by real-time PCR and fluorescence microscopy. Aboveground biomass was measured to analyze the putative impact of colonization on the mini-pastures' aboveground phenotypic traits with R software using a linear mixed-effects model and the ANOVA statistical test. Seasonal variation in the relative abundance of EIPFs was observed, which was similar between both strains from autumn to spring, but different in summer. In summer, the relative abundance of both EIPFs decreased under normal moisture conditions, but it did not differ significantly under water stress. The aboveground biomass of ryegrass also increased from autumn to spring and decreased in summer in both the inoculated and control mini-pastures. Although differences were observed between moisture levels, they were not significant between the control and inoculated mini-pastures, except in July (fresh weight and leaf area) and October (dry weight). Our findings indicate that native strains of B. vermiconia NRRL B-67993 (P55_1) and M. aff. lepidiotae NRRL B-67994 (M25_2) colonize and co-exist in the roots of ryegrass, and these had little or no effect on the mini-pastures' aboveground biomass; however, they could have other functions, such as protection against root herbivory by insect pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milena Vera
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Sarah Zuern
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carlos Henríquez-Valencia
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carlos Loncoman
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Javier Canales
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile,ANID–Millennium Science Initiative Program, Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
| | - Frank Waller
- Pharmaceutical Biology, Julius-von-Sachs Institute for Biosciences, Julius-Maximilians Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Esteban Basoalto
- Instituto de Producción y Sanidad Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Alimentarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Sigisfredo Garnica
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Iwanicki NS, Botelho ABRZ, Klingen I, Júnior ID, Rossmann S, Lysøe E. Genomic signatures and insights into host niche adaptation of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium humberi. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:6449448. [PMID: 34865006 PMCID: PMC9210286 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The genus Metarhizium is composed of species used in biological control programs of agricultural pests worldwide. This genus includes common fungal pathogen of many insects and mites and endophytes that can increase plant growth. Metarhizium humberi was recently described as a new species. This species is highly virulent against some insect pests and promotes growth in sugarcane, strawberry, and soybean crops. In this study, we sequenced the genome of M. humberi, isolate ESALQ1638, and performed a functional analysis to determine its genomic signatures and highlight the genes and biological processes associated with its lifestyle. The genome annotation predicted 10633 genes in M. humberi, of which 92.0% are assigned putative functions, and ∼17% of the genome was annotated as repetitive sequences. We found that 18.5% of the M. humberi genome is similar to experimentally validated proteins associated with pathogen-host interaction. Compared to the genomes of eight Metarhizium species, the M. humberi ESALQ1638 genome revealed some unique traits that stood out, e.g., more genes functionally annotated as polyketide synthases (PKSs), overrepresended GO-terms associated to transport of ions, organic and amino acid, a higher percentage of repetitive elements, and higher levels of RIP-induced point mutations. The M. humberi genome will serve as a resource for promoting studies on genome structure and evolution that can contribute to research on biological control and plant biostimulation. Thus, the genomic data supported the broad host range of this species within the generalist PARB clade and suggested that M. humberi ESALQ1638 might be particularly good at producing secondary metabolites and might be more efficient in transporting amino acids and organic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Sant′Anna Iwanicki
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
- Corresponding author: (N.S.I.); (E.L.)
| | | | - Ingeborg Klingen
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Ås 1431, Norway
| | - Italo Delalibera Júnior
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Simeon Rossmann
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Ås 1431, Norway
| | - Erik Lysøe
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Ås 1431, Norway
- Corresponding author: (N.S.I.); (E.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Enhancing the Biocontrol Potential of the Entomopathogenic Fungus in Multiple Respects via the Overexpression of a Transcription Factor Gene MaSom1. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020105. [PMID: 35205860 PMCID: PMC8879238 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi play important roles in the control of populations of agricultural and disease vector pests in nature. The shortcomings of mycoinsecticides for pest management in the field cannot be completely overcome by improving single biocontrol properties of fungi. Therefore, enhancing the biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic fungi in multiple respects by genetic engineering is desirable. Transcription factors are usually involved in various important processes during fungal growth and pathogenesis via regulating a series of genes, and are important candidates for fungal improvement via genetic engineering. Herein, overexpression of MaSom1, a key transcription factor gene in the cAMP/PKA pathway, improves the biocontrol traits of Metarhizium acridum in multiple respects. When compared with WT, the MaSom1-overexpression strains exhibit enhanced tolerances to UV-B and heat shock, with increased mean 50% inhibition times by 66.9% and 155.2%, respectively. Advanced conidiation emerged accompanied by increased conidial yield up to 3.89 times after 3-day incubation for the MaSom1-overexpression strains compared to WT. Furthermore, when compared with WT, the virulence of the MaSom1-overexpression strains was also increased with the mean 50% lethality times reduced by 21.8% to 23.8%. Taken together, the MaSom1-overexpression improved the biocontrol potential of M. acridum in multiple respects. Our results provide insights into the application of key transcription factors for genetic engineering and offer a credible way to further improve the biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic fungi.
Collapse
|
43
|
Fungi: Essential Elements in the Ecosystems. Fungal Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89664-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
44
|
Wu CY, Meng J, Merchant A, Zhang YX, Li MW, Zhou XG, Wang Q. Microbial Response to Fungal Infection in a Fungus-Growing Termite, Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki). Front Microbiol 2021; 12:723508. [PMID: 34880836 PMCID: PMC8645866 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.723508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The crosstalk between gut microbiota and host immunity has emerged as one of the research foci of microbiome studies in recent years. The purpose of this study was to determine how gut microbes respond to fungal infection in termites, given their reliance on gut symbionts for food intake as well as maintaining host health. Here, we used Metarhizium robertsii, an entomopathogenic fungus, to infect Odontotermes formosanus, a fungus-growing termite in the family Termitidae, and documented changes in host gut microbiota via a combination of bacterial 16S rDNA sequencing, metagenomic shotgun sequencing, and transmission electron microscopy. Our analyses found that when challenged with Metarhizium, the termite gut showed reduced microbial diversity within the first 12 h of fungal infection and then recovered and even surpassed pre-infection flora levels. These combined results shed light on the role of gut flora in maintaining homeostasis and immune homeostasis in the host, and the impact of gut flora dysbiosis on host susceptibility to infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yu Wu
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jing Meng
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Austin Merchant
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Yi-Xiang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mu-Wang Li
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xu-Guo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Qian Wang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mr-AbaA Regulates Conidiation by Interacting with the Promoter Regions of Both Mr-veA and Mr-wetA in Metarhizium robertsii. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0082321. [PMID: 34494863 PMCID: PMC8557821 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00823-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conidiation is a pivotal strategy for fungi to resist adverse environments and disperse to new habitats, which is especially important for entomopathogenic fungi whose conidia are infective as fungal pesticide propagules. However, the molecular mechanism for regulating conidiation in entomopathogenic fungi is not fully understood. Here, we characterized the regulatory mechanism of the key developmental transcription factor Mr-AbaA. Bioinformatic analysis, transcriptional profiles, and subcellular localization of Mr-abaA indicated that AbaA functioned as a transcription factor in the conidiophore development and conidium stages. Microscopic examination showed that the null mutant of Mr-abaA differentiated into defective phialides to produce an abacus structure instead of conidia. Loss of Mr-abaA resulted in the inhibition of submerged blastospore separation in vitro. Moreover, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) one-hybrid assays of interactions between genes and deletion of Mr-veA showed that Mr-AbaA regulates conidiation by interacting with the promoter regions of Mr-veA and Mr-wetA. These results demonstrate that Mr-AbaA positively regulates conidiation in Metarhizium robertsii by regulating the velvet family ortholog gene Mr-veA and contributes to the separation of blastospores in submerged culture. IMPORTANCE Metarhizium robertsii is an emerging model entomopathogenic fungus for developing biopesticides; therefore, a comprehensive understanding of its conidiation is very important for its application. In this study, we revealed that the transcription factor Mr-AbaA is involved in the control of aerial conidiation and blastospore separation in submerged culture. Further yeast one-hybrid assays demonstrated that Mr-AbaA interacts with the promoter regions of Mr-veA and Mr-wetA, which code for proteins involved in the control of conidiation. This finding provides new insight into the regulation of the conidiation of this important entomopathogenic fungi.
Collapse
|
46
|
Insect-fungal-interactions: A detailed review on entomopathogenic fungi pathogenicity to combat insect pests. Microb Pathog 2021; 159:105122. [PMID: 34352375 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Global food security is threatened by insect pests of economically important crops. Chemical pesticides have been used frequently for the last few decades to manage insect pests throughout the world. However, these chemicals are hazardous for human health as well as the ecosystem. In addition, several pests have evolved resistance to many chemicals. Finding environment friendly alternatives lead the researchers to introduce biocontrol agents such as entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). These fungi include various genera that can infect and kill insects efficiently. Moreover, EPFs have considerable host specificity with a mild effect on non-target organisms and can be produced in bulk quantity quickly. However, insights into the biology of EPF and mechanism of action are of prime significance for their efficient utilization as a biocontrol agent. This review focuses on EPF-mediated insect management by explaining particular EPF strains and their general mode of action. We have comprehensively discussed which criteria should be used for the selection of pertinent EPF, and which aspects can impact the EPF efficiency. Finally, we have outlined various advantages of EPF and their limitations. The article summarizes the prospects related to EPF utilization as biocontrol agents. We hope that future strategies for the management of insects will be safer for our planet.
Collapse
|
47
|
de Sousa NA, Rodrigues J, Arruda W, Humber RA, Luz C. Development of Metarhizium humberi in Aedes aegypti eggs. J Invertebr Pathol 2021; 184:107648. [PMID: 34331911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium humberi affects Aedes aegypti adults, larvae and eggs, but its ovicidal activity is not yet well documented. Conidia of this fungus adhered to the chorion, initiated germination within 12 h, and germinating conidia were detected for up to 10 d after contact with the egg. Germ tubes either penetrated the chorion directly or formed appressoria at the end of a short hypha (<5 μm) or, subsequently, on longer, branched hyphae. Thin layers of what was most probably a fungal mucilaginous excretion were detected on the chorion adjacent to germ tubes, appressoria and hyphae. After 5 d eggs frequently appeared shriveled with ruptures in the chorion, and with the interior filled with hyphae that eventually produced mycelium and new conidia on the egg surfaces. Findings demonstrated that this fungus can infect A. aegypti eggs and subsequently recycle on their surface by producing large numbers of new conidia that should be infective for further generations of eggs, larvae and adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathália A de Sousa
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Juscelino Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Walquíria Arruda
- Laboratório de Estudos Morfológicos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFG, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Richard A Humber
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; USDA-ARS Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Christian Luz
- Laboratório de Patologia de Invertebrados, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública (IPTSP), Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Dipeptidase PEPDA is required for the conidiation pattern shift in Metarhizium acridum. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e0090821. [PMID: 34288712 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00908-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi conduct two types of conidiation, typical conidiation from mycelia and microcycle conidiation (MC). Fungal conidiation can shift between the two patterns, which involved a large number of genes in the regulation of this process. In this study, we investigated the role of a dipeptidase gene pepdA in conidiation pattern shift in Metarhizium acridum, which is upregulated in MC pattern compared to typical conidiation. Results showed that disruption of the pepdA resulted in a shift of conidiation pattern from MC to typical conidiation. Metabolomic analyses of amino acids showed that the levels of 19 amino acids significantly changed in ΔpepdA mutant. The defect of MC in ΔpepdA can be rescued when nonpolar amino acids, α-alanine, β-alanine or proline, were added into sucrose yeast extract agar (SYA) medium. Digital gene expression profiling analysis revealed that PEPDA mediated transcription of sets of genes which were involved in hyphal growth and development, sporulation, cell division, and amino acid metabolism. Our results demonstrated that PEPDA played important roles in the regulation of MC by manipulating the levels of amino acids in M. acridum. IMPORTANCE Conidia, as the asexual propagules in many fungi, are start and end of fungal lifecycle. In entomopathogenic fungi, conidia are the infective form essential for their pathogenicity. Filamentous fungi conduct two types of conidiation, typical conidiation from mycelia and microcycle conidiation. The mechanisms of the shift between the two conidiation patterns remain to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that the dipeptidase PEPDA, a key enzyme from the insect-pathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum for the hydrolysis of dipeptides, is associated with a shift of conidiation pattern. The conidiation pattern of the ΔpepdA mutant was restored when supplemented with the nonpolar amino acids rather than polar amino acids. Therefore, this report highlights that the dipeptidase PEPDA regulates MC by manipulating the levels of amino acids in M. acridum.
Collapse
|
49
|
Zhou Q, Yu L, Ying SH, Feng MG. Comparative roles of three adhesin genes (adh1-3) in insect-pathogenic lifecycle of Beauveria bassiana. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:5491-5502. [PMID: 34169325 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11420-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adherence of conidia to insect integument is crucial for initiation of fungal infection through cuticular penetration and was previously reported to rely upon the Metarhizium-type adhesin Mad1 rather than Mad2, another adhesin crucial for conidial adherence of Metarhizium anisopliae to plant root surface. Mad1 and Mad2 have since been considered to function in fungal insect pathogenesis and plant root colonization respectively. Here, three adhesins were characterized in Beauveria bassiana, including Adh1/Mad1, Adh2/Mad2, and Adh3 known as filamentous hemagglutinin/adhesin and virulence factor in animal-pathogenic bacteria. Among those, only Adh2 was found to play a substantial role in sustaining the fungal virulence and some phenotypes associated with biological control potential. Disruption of adh2 resulted in decreased conidial adherence to insect wing cuticle, attenuated virulence via normal cuticle infection or cuticle-bypassing infection (injection), reduced blastospore production in an insect hemolymph-mimicking broth, largely reduced conidiation capacity, impaired conidial quality indicative of lowered viability, hydrophobicity, and UV resistance, but no growth defects on rich and scant media under normal or stressful culture conditions. The main phenotypic changes correlated well with repressed expression of developmental activator genes required for aerial conidiation and submerged blastospore production and of key hydrophobin genes essential for hydrophobin synthesis and assembly into rodlet bundles of conidial coat crucial for conidial adherence. In contrast, either adh1 or adh3 disruption caused insignificant changes in all phenotypes examined. These findings offer novel insight into a significance of Adh2, but a dispensability of Adh1 or Adh3, for insect-pathogenic lifecycle of B. bassiana. KEY POINTS: • Three adhesins (Adh1-3) of Beauvera bassiana are functionally characterized. • Adh2 plays a role in sustaining virulence and lifecycle-related cellular events. • Either Adh1 or Adh3 is dispensable for insect-pathogenic lifecycle of B. bassiana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Yu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sheng-Hua Ying
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ming-Guang Feng
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Essen LO, Vogt MS, Mösch HU. Diversity of GPI-anchored fungal adhesins. Biol Chem 2021; 401:1389-1405. [PMID: 33035180 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Selective adhesion of fungal cells to one another and to foreign surfaces is fundamental for the development of multicellular growth forms and the successful colonization of substrates and host organisms. Accordingly, fungi possess diverse cell wall-associated adhesins, mostly large glycoproteins, which present N-terminal adhesion domains at the cell surface for ligand recognition and binding. In order to function as robust adhesins, these glycoproteins must be covalently linkedto the cell wall via C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors by transglycosylation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the structural and functional diversity of so far characterized protein families of adhesion domains and set it into a broad context by an in-depth bioinformatics analysis using sequence similarity networks. In addition, we discuss possible mechanisms for the membrane-to-cell wall transfer of fungal adhesins by membrane-anchored Dfg5 transglycosidases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lars-Oliver Essen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, D-35043Marburg, Germany.,Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 6, D-35043Marburg, Germany
| | - Marian Samuel Vogt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, D-35043Marburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Mösch
- Department of Genetics, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, D-35043Marburg, Germany.,Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 6, D-35043Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|