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Zheng H, Chen T, Li W, Hong J, Xu J, Yu Z. Endosymbiotic bacteria within the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys musiformis and their potential roles in nitrogen cycling. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1349447. [PMID: 38348183 PMCID: PMC10860758 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1349447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Endosymbiotic bacteria (ESB) have important effects on their hosts, contributing to its growth, reproduction and biological functions. Although the effects of exogenous bacteria on the trap formation of nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) have been revealed, the effects of ESB on NTF remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the species diversity of ESB in the NTF Arthrobotrys musiformis using high-throughput sequencing and culture-dependent approaches, and compared bacterial profiles to assess the effects of strain source and culture media on A. musiformis. PICRUSt2 and FAPROTAX were used to predict bacterial function. Our study revealed that bacterial communities in A. musiformis displayed high diversity and heterogeneity, with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria as the dominant phyla. The ESB between A. musiformis groups isolated from different habitats and cultured in the same medium were more similar to each other than the other groups isolated from the same habitat but cultured in different media. Function analysis predicted a broad and diverse functional repertoire of ESB in A. musiformis, and unveiled that ESB have the potential to function in five modules of the nitrogen metabolism. We isolated nitrogen-fixing and denitrifying bacteria from the ESB and demonstrated their effects on trap formation of A. musiformis. Among seven bacteria that we tested, three bacterial species Bacillus licheniformis, Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were found to be efficient in inducing trap formation. In conclusion, this study revealed extensive ESB diversity within NTF and demonstrated that these bacteria likely play important roles in nitrogen cycling, including nematode trap formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zheng
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianan Hong
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Zefen Yu
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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2
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Zhao X, Fan Y, Zhang L, Zhang W, Xiang M, Kang S, Wang S, Liu X. Multiple Roles of the Low-Affinity Calcium Uptake System in Drechslerella dactyloides, a Nematode-Trapping Fungus That Forms Constricting Rings. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:975. [PMID: 37888231 PMCID: PMC10607529 DOI: 10.3390/jof9100975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: the low-affinity calcium uptake system (LACS) has been shown to play a crucial role in the conidiation and formation of adhesive nets and knobs by nematode-trapping fungi (NTF), but its involvement in the formation of constricting rings (CRs), mechanical traps to capture free-living nematodes, remains unexplored. (2) Methods: we investigated the function of two LACS genes (DdaFIG_1 and DdaFIG_2) in Drechslerella dactyloides, an NTF that forms CRs. We generated single (DdaFIG_1Ri and DdaFIG_2Ri) and double (DdaFIG_1,2Ri) knockdown mutants via the use of RNA interference (RNAi). (3) Results: suppression of these genes significantly affected conidiation, trap formation, vegetative growth, and response to diverse abiotic stresses. The number of CRs formed by DdaFIG_1Ri, DdaFIG_2Ri, and DdaFIG_1,2Ri decreased to 58.5%, 59.1%, and 38.9% of the wild-type (WT) level, respectively. The ring cell inflation rate also decreased to 73.6%, 60.6%, and 48.8% of the WT level, respectively. (4) Conclusions: the LACS plays multiple critical roles in diverse NTF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhou Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yani Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Meichun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Seogchan Kang
- Department of Plant Pathology & Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Shunxian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xingzhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Lei HM, Wang JT, Hu QY, Li CQ, Mo MH, Zhang KQ, Li GH, Zhao PJ. 2-Furoic acid associated with the infection of nematodes by Dactylellina haptotyla and its biocontrol potential on plant root-knot nematodes. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0189623. [PMID: 37754836 PMCID: PMC10580851 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01896-23] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Dactylellina haptotyla is a typical nematode-trapping fungus that has garnered the attention of many scholars for its highly effective lethal potential for nematodes. Secondary metabolites play an important role in D. haptotyla-nematode interactions, but which metabolites perform which function remains unclear. We report the metabolic functions based on high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly of wild D. haptotyla YMF1.03409. The results indicate that a large variety of secondary metabolites and their biosynthetic genes were significantly upregulated during the nematode-trapping stage. In parallel, we identified that 2-furoic acid was specifically produced during nematode trapping by D. haptotyla YMF1.03409 and isolated it from fermentation production. 2-Furoic acid demonstrated strong nematicidal activity with an LD50 value of 55.05 µg/mL against Meloidogyne incognita at 48 h. Furthermore, the pot experiment showed that the number of galls of tomato root was significantly reduced in the experimental group treated with 2-furoic acid. The considerable increase in the 2-furoic acid content during the infection process and its virulent nematicidal activity revealed an essential synergistic effect during the process of nematode-trapping fungal infection. IMPORTANCE Dactylellina haptotyla have significant application potential in nematode biocontrol. In this study, we determined the chromosome-level genome sequence of D. haptotyla YMF1.03409 by long-read sequencing technology. Comparative genomic analysis identified a series of pathogenesis-related genes and revealed significant gene family contraction events during the evolution of D. haptotyla YMF1.03409. Combining transcriptomic and metabolomic data as well as in vitro activity test results, a compound with important application potential in nematode biocontrol, 2-furoic acid, was identified. Our result expanded the genetic resource of D. haptotyla and identified a previously unreported nematicidal small molecule, which provides new options for the development of plant biocontrol agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Mei Lei
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jun-Tao Wang
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qian-Yi Hu
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chun-Qiang Li
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ming-He Mo
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Guo-Hong Li
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Pei-Ji Zhao
- State key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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4
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Wernet V, Fischer R. Establishment of Arthrobotrys flagrans as biocontrol agent against the root pathogenic nematode Xiphinema index. Environ Microbiol 2023; 25:283-293. [PMID: 36354014 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes cause devastating agricultural damage worldwide. Only a few synthetic nematicides can be used and their application is limited in fields. Therefore, there is a need for sustainable and environment-friendly alternatives. Nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) are natural predators of nematodes. They capture and digest them with their hyphae and are starting to being used as bio-control agents. In this study, we applied the NTF Arthrobotrys flagrans (Duddingtonia flagrans) against the wine pathogenic nematode Xiphinema index. A. flagrans reduced the number of X. index juveniles in pot cultures of Ficus carica, an alternative host plant for X. index, significantly. Sodium-alginate pellets with A. flagrans spores were produced for vineyard soil inoculation under laboratory conditions. The NTF A. conoides, A. musiformis and A. superba were enriched from several soil samples, showing their natural presence. Trap formation is an energy-consuming process and depends upon various biotic and abiotic stimuli. Here, we show that bacteria of the genus Delftia, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter and Serratia induced trap formation in NTF like A. conoides and A. oligospora but not in A. flagrans in the absence of nematodes. The application of NTF along with such bacteria could be a combinatorial way of efficient biocontrol in nematode-infested soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Wernet
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe, Germany
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5
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Abstract
Nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) are the majority of carnivorous microbes to capture nematodes through diverse and sophisticated trapping organs derived from hyphae. They can adopt carnivorous lifestyles in addition to saprophytism to obtain extra-nutrition from nematodes. As a special group of fungi, the NTF are not only excellent model organism for studying lifestyle transition of fungi but also natural resources of exploring biological control of nematodes. However, the carnivorous mechanism of NTF remains poorly understood. Nowadays, the omics studies of NTF have provided numerous genes and pathways that are associated with the phenotypes of carnivorous traits, which need molecular tools to verify. Here, we review the development and progress of gene manipulation tools in NTF, including methodology and strategy of transformation, random gene mutagenesis methods and target gene mutagenesis methods. The principle and practical approach for each method was summarized and discussed, and the basic operational flow for each tool was described. This paper offers a clear reference and instruction for researchers who work on NTF as well as other group of fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunxian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xingzhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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6
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DdaCrz1, a C2H2-Type Transcription Factor, Regulates Growth, Conidiation, and Stress Resistance in the Nematode-Trapping Fungus Drechslerella dactyloides. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070750. [PMID: 35887505 PMCID: PMC9322116 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070750] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent signaling pathway regulates diverse cellular processes. Calcineurin is a calcium-dependent phosphatase acting in fungi mainly through Crz1, a zinc finger transcription factor. Although the likely involvement of Ca2+ in fungal carnivorism has been documented, how Crz1 functions in nematode-trapping fungi remains unknown. Here, we identified the Crz1 gene (named as DdaCrz1) in Drechslerella dactyloides, a species that forms constricting rings to trap nematodes. The deletion of DdaCrz1 significantly reduced hyphal growth and conidiation, trap formation, and ring cell inflation. Moreover, the mutation increased sensitivity to Mn2+ but decreased sensitivity to Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, and Li+. Similarly, the mutant showed increased tolerance to osmotic stress but was more sensitive to Congo red, a cell wall-damaging agent. Our results confirmed the critical roles of the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent signaling pathway in regulating growth, conidiation, and the stress response, and suggested its involvement in trapping nematodes.
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Zhu MC, Li XM, Zhao N, Yang L, Zhang KQ, Yang JK. Regulatory Mechanism of Trap Formation in the Nematode-Trapping Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040406. [PMID: 35448637 PMCID: PMC9031305 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nematode-trapping (NT) fungi play a significant role in the biological control of plant- parasitic nematodes. NT fungi, as a predator, can differentiate into specialized structures called “traps” to capture, kill, and consume nematodes at a nutrient-deprived condition. Therefore, trap formation is also an important indicator that NT fungi transition from a saprophytic to a predacious lifestyle. With the development of gene knockout and multiple omics such as genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, increasing studies have tried to investigate the regulation mechanism of trap formation in NT fungi. This review summarizes the potential regulatory mechanism of trap formation in NT fungi based on the latest findings in this field. Signaling pathways have been confirmed to play an especially vital role in trap formation based on phenotypes of various mutants and multi-omics analysis, and the involvement of small molecule compounds, woronin body, peroxisome, autophagy, and pH-sensing receptors in the formation of traps are also discussed. In addition, we also highlight the research focus for elucidating the mechanism underlying trap formation of NT fungi in the future.
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8
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Li S, Wang D, Gong J, Zhang Y. Individual and Combined Application of Nematophagous Fungi as Biological Control Agents against Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Domestic Animals. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020172. [PMID: 35215117 PMCID: PMC8879429 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020172] [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: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a group of parasites that threaten livestock yields, and the consequent economic losses have led to major concern in the agricultural industry worldwide. The high frequency of anthelmintic resistance amongst GINs has prompted the search for sustainable alternatives. Recently, a substantial number of both in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that biological controls based on predatory fungi and ovicidal fungi are the most promising alternatives to chemical controls. In this respect, the morphological characteristics of the most representative species of these two large groups of fungi, their nematicidal activity and mechanisms of action against GINs, have been increasingly studied. Given the limitation of the independent use of a single nematophagous fungus (NF), combined applications which combine multiple fungi, or fungi and chemical controls, have become increasingly popular, although these new strategies still have antagonistic effects on the candidates. In this review, we summarize both the advantages and disadvantages of the individual fungi and the combined applications identified to date to minimize recurring infections or to disrupt the life cycle of GINs. The need to discover novel and high-efficiency nematicidal isolates and the application of our understanding to the appropriate selection of associated applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuoshuo Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China; (S.L.); (D.W.); (J.G.)
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Da Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China; (S.L.); (D.W.); (J.G.)
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Jianchuan Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China; (S.L.); (D.W.); (J.G.)
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China; (S.L.); (D.W.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals That Rho GTPases Regulate Trap Development and Lifestyle Transition of the Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0175921. [PMID: 35019695 PMCID: PMC8754127 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01759-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematode-trapping (NT) fungi can form unique infection structures (traps) to capture and kill free-living nematodes and, thus, can play a potential role in the biocontrol of nematodes. Arthrobotrys oligospora is a representative species of NT fungi. Here, we performed a time course transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of transcriptomes to understand the global gene expression levels of A. oligospora during trap formation and predation. We identified 5,752 unique differentially expressed genes, among which the rac gene was significantly upregulated. Alternative splicing events occurred in 2,012 genes, including the rac and rho2 gene. Furthermore, we characterized three Rho GTPases (Rho2, Rac, and Cdc42) in A. oligospora using gene disruption and multiphenotypic analysis. Our analyses showed that AoRac and AoCdc42 play an important role in mycelium growth, lipid accumulation, DNA damage, sporulation, trap formation, pathogenicity, and stress response in A. oligospora. AoCdc42 and AoRac specifically interacted with components of the Nox complex, thus regulating the production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, the transcript levels of several genes associated with protein kinase A, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and p21-activated kinase were also altered in the mutants, suggesting that Rho GTPases might function upstream from these kinases. This study highlights the important role of Rho GTPases in A. oligospora and provides insights into the regulatory mechanisms of signaling pathways in the trap morphogenesis and lifestyle transition of NT fungi. IMPORTANCE Nematode-trapping (NT) fungi are widely distributed in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Their broad adaptability and flexible lifestyles make them ideal agents for controlling pathogenic nematodes. Arthrobotrys oligospora is a model species employed for understanding the interaction between fungi and nematodes. Here, we revealed that alternative splicing events play a crucial role in the trap development and lifestyle transition in A. oligospora. Furthermore, Rho GTPases exert differential effects on the growth, development, and pathogenicity of A. oligospora. In particular, AoRac is required for sporulation and trap morphogenesis. In addition, our analysis showed that Rho GTPases regulate the production of reactive oxygen species and function upstream from several kinases. Collectively, these results expand our understanding of gene expression and alternative splicing events in A. oligospora and the important roles of Rho GTPases in NT fungi, thereby providing a foundation for exploring their potential application in the biocontrol of pathogenic nematodes.
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10
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Kooij PW, Pellicer J. Genome Size Versus Genome Assemblies: Are the Genomes Truly Expanded in Polyploid Fungal Symbionts? Genome Biol Evol 2021; 12:2384-2390. [PMID: 33283863 PMCID: PMC7719231 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Each day, as the amount of genomic data and bioinformatics resources grows, researchers are increasingly challenged with selecting the most appropriate approach to analyze their data. In addition, the opportunity to undertake comparative genomic analyses is growing rapidly. This is especially true for fungi due to their small genome sizes (i.e., mean 1C = 44.2 Mb). Given these opportunities and aiming to gain novel insights into the evolution of mutualisms, we focus on comparing the quality of whole genome assemblies for fungus-growing ants cultivars (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Attini) and a free-living relative. Our analyses reveal that currently available methodologies and pipelines for analyzing whole-genome sequence data need refining. By using different genome assemblers, we show that the genome assembly size depends on what software is used. This, in turn, impacts gene number predictions, with higher gene numbers correlating positively with genome assembly size. Furthermore, the majority of fungal genome size data currently available are based on estimates derived from whole-genome assemblies generated from short-read genome data, rather than from the more accurate technique of flow cytometry. Here, we estimated the haploid genome sizes of three ant fungal symbionts by flow cytometry using the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. (1871) as a calibration standard. We found that published genome sizes based on genome assemblies are 2.5- to 3-fold larger than our estimates based on flow cytometry. We, therefore, recommend that flow cytometry is used to precalibrate genome assembly pipelines, to avoid incorrect estimates of genome sizes and ensure robust assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pepijn W Kooij
- Department of Comparative Plant and Fungal Biology, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Center for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaume Pellicer
- Department of Comparative Plant and Fungal Biology, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, United Kingdom.,Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB, CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Fan Y, Zhang W, Chen Y, Xiang M, Liu X. DdaSTE12 is involved in trap formation, ring inflation, conidiation, and vegetative growth in the nematode-trapping fungus Drechslerella dactyloides. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:7379-7393. [PMID: 34536100 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11455-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ste12 transcription factors, downstream of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways, are exclusively found in the fungal kingdom and regulate fungal mating, development, and pathogenicity. The nematode-trapping fungus Drechslerella dactyloides can capture free-living nematodes using constricting rings by cell inflation within 1 s when stimulated by nematodes entering the rings. The MAPK signalling pathways are involved in the trap formation of nematode-trapping fungi, but their downstream regulation is not clearly understood. In this study, disruption of the DdaSTE12 gene in D. dactyloides disabled cell inflation of constricting rings and led to an inability to capture nematodes. The number of septa of constricting rings and the ring cell vacuoles were changed in ΔDdaSTE12. Compared with the wild type, ΔDdaSTE12 reduced trap formation, conidiation, and vegetative growth by 79.3%, 80.3%, and 21.5%, respectively. The transcriptomes of ΔDdaSTE12-3, compared with those of the wild type, indicated that the expression of genes participating in trap formation processes, including signal transduction (Gpa2 and a 7-transmembrane receptor), vesicular transport and cell fusion (MARVEL domain-containing proteins), and nematode infection (PEX11 and CFEM domain-containing proteins), is regulated by DdaSTE12. The results suggest that DdaSTE12 is involved in trap formation and ring cell inflation, as well as conidiation and vegetative growth, by regulating a wide range of downstream functions. Our findings expanded the roles of Ste12 homologous transcription factors in the development of constricting rings and provided new insights into the downstream regulation of the MAPK signalling pathway involved in nematode predation. KEY POINTS: • DdaSTE12 was the first gene disrupted in D. dactyloides. • DdaSTE12 is related to ring cell inflation, vegetative growth, and conidiation. • DdaSTE12 deletion resulted in defects in trap formation and ring development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yani Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Meichun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Xingzhong Liu
- Department of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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12
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Pleiotropic roles of Ras GTPases in the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora identified through multi-omics analyses. iScience 2021; 24:102820. [PMID: 34337364 PMCID: PMC8313493 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The nematode-trapping fungi are ideal agents for controlling pathogenic nematodes. Arthrobotrys oligospora is a representative species of the same, producing traps for nematode predation. Here, three orthologous Ras GTPases (Ras2, Ras3, and Rheb) were characterized in A. oligospora. Our results indicate that they play pleiotropic roles in regulating the mycelial growth, conidiation, stress resistance, and pathogenicity of A. oligospora. Furthermore, deletion of Aoras2 and Aorheb significantly affected the mitochondrial activity, reactive oxygen species levels, lipid storage, and autophagy. Transcriptome analyses of ΔAoras2 mutant revealed that many repressed genes were associated with signal transduction, energy production, and carbohydrate transport and metabolism. Moreover, metabolic profile analyses showed that AoRas2 and AoRheb affect the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in A. oligospora. Collectively, these findings provide an in-depth insight into the essential roles of Ras GTPases in vegetative growth, development, and pathogenicity and highlight their importance in the lifestyle switch of the nematode-trapping fungi. Ras GTPases play a multifunctional role in the lifestyle switch of A. oligospora Ras GTPases affect multiple cellular processes, including mitochondrial activity AoRas2 plays a key role in regulating global gene expression and nematode predation AoRas2 and AoRheb significantly affect the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites
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13
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Freitas DF, da Rocha IM, Vieira-da-Motta O, de Paula Santos C. The Role of Melanin in the Biology and Ecology of Nematophagous Fungi. J Chem Ecol 2021; 47:597-613. [PMID: 34232439 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01282-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Melanin is a heteropolymer formed by the polymerization of phenolic and indolic compounds. It occurs in organisms across all biological kingdoms and has a range different of functions, thus indicating its important evolutionary role. The presence of melanin offers several protective advantages, including against ultraviolet radiation, traumatic damage, oxidative stress, extreme temperatures, and pressure. For many species of fungi, melanin also participates directly in the process of virulence and pathogenicity. These organisms can synthesize melanin in two main ways: using a substrate of endogenous origin, involving 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN); alternatively, in an exogenous manner with the addition of L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA or levodopa). As melanin is an amorphous and complex substance, its study requires expensive and inaccessible technologies and analyses are often difficult to perform with conventional biochemical techniques. As such, details about its chemical structure are not yet fully understood, particularly for nematophagous fungi that remain poorly studied. Thus, this review presents an overview of the different types of melanin, with an emphasis on fungi, and discusses the role of melanin in the biology and ecology of nematophagous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deivid França Freitas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Tissue Biology-LBCT, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro-UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Cep. 28013‑600, Brazil
| | - Izabelli Martins da Rocha
- Laboratory of Cellular and Tissue Biology-LBCT, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro-UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Cep. 28013‑600, Brazil
| | - Olney Vieira-da-Motta
- Animal Health Laboratory - Infectious Contagious Diseases Sector, State University of North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro-UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Cep. 28013‑600, Brazil
| | - Clóvis de Paula Santos
- Laboratory of Cellular and Tissue Biology-LBCT, State University of the North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro-UENF, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Cep. 28013‑600, Brazil.
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Xie M, Yang J, Jiang K, Bai N, Zhu M, Zhu Y, Zhang KQ, Yang J. AoBck1 and AoMkk1 Are Necessary to Maintain Cell Wall Integrity, Vegetative Growth, Conidiation, Stress Resistance, and Pathogenicity in the Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:649582. [PMID: 34239505 PMCID: PMC8258383 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.649582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway is composed of three mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), Bck1, Mkk1/2, and Slt2, and is one of the main signaling pathways for fungal pathogenesis, cell wall synthesis, and integrity maintenance. In this study, we characterized orthologs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Bck1 and Mkk1 in the nematode-trapping (NT) fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora by multiple phenotypic comparison, and the regulation of conidiation and cell wall synthesis was analyzed using real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Both ΔAoBck1 and ΔAoMkk1 mutants showed severe defects in vegetative growth, cell nucleus number, and stress resistance. Both the mutants were unable to produce spores, and the transcription of several genes associated with sporulation and cell wall biosynthesis was markedly downregulated during the conidiation stage. Further, cell walls of the ΔAoBck1 and ΔAoMkk1 mutants were severely damaged, and the Woronin body failed to respond to cellular damage. In particular, the mutants lost the ability to produce mycelial traps for nematode predation. Taken together, AoBck1 and AoMkk1 play a conserved role in mycelial growth and development, CWI, conidiation, multi-stress tolerance, trap formation, and pathogenicity. We highlighted the role of AoBck1 and AoMkk1 in regulating the Woronin body response to cellular damage and cell nucleus development in A. oligospora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Resources, Environment and Chemistry, Chuxiong Normal University, Chuxiong, China
| | - Jiangliu Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Kexin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Na Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Meichen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yingmei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jinkui Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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15
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Zhang X, Harding BW, Aggad D, Courtine D, Chen JX, Pujol N, Ewbank JJ. Antagonistic fungal enterotoxins intersect at multiple levels with host innate immune defences. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009600. [PMID: 34166401 PMCID: PMC8263066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals and plants need to defend themselves from pathogen attack. Their defences drive innovation in virulence mechanisms, leading to never-ending cycles of co-evolution in both hosts and pathogens. A full understanding of host immunity therefore requires examination of pathogen virulence strategies. Here, we take advantage of the well-studied innate immune system of Caenorhabditis elegans to dissect the action of two virulence factors from its natural fungal pathogen Drechmeria coniospora. We show that these two enterotoxins have strikingly different effects when expressed individually in the nematode epidermis. One is able to interfere with diverse aspects of host cell biology, altering vesicle trafficking and preventing the key STAT-like transcription factor STA-2 from activating defensive antimicrobial peptide gene expression. The second increases STA-2 levels in the nucleus, modifies the nucleolus, and, potentially as a consequence of a host surveillance mechanism, causes increased defence gene expression. Our results highlight the remarkably complex and potentially antagonistic mechanisms that come into play in the interaction between co-evolved hosts and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin W. Harding
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Dina Aggad
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Damien Courtine
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | | | - Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Jonathan J. Ewbank
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
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16
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Biological control: a novel strategy for the control of the plant parasitic nematodes. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2021; 114:885-912. [PMID: 33893903 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-021-01577-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Plant parasitic nematodes (Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp.) are rounded worms, microscopic, and cause many agricultural economic losses. Their attacks have a direct impact on the productivity of cultivated crops by reducing their fruit quantity. Chemical control is widespread all over the world, but biological control is the most effective way to reduce the number of pests that infect crops, particularly by the use of microorganisms like fungi and bacteria. Biological control is rapidly evolving, and more products are being sold worldwide over time. They can be produced by fungi, bacteria, or actinomycetes that can destruct plant parasite nematodes and feed on them. Nematophagous microorganisms as the natural enemies of nematodes have a promising way of controlling nematodes. Some of them create net-like substances and traps to take the worms from outside and finally kill them. Other parasites serve as internal parasites in order to produce toxins and to produce virulence to kill nematodes. Comprehension of the molecular basis for microbial nematode interactions gives important insights into how successful biological nematode control agents can be created. We discuss recent advances in our understanding of nematodes and nematophagous microorganisms, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms that infect nematodes with nematophagous microorganisms and on nematode safety from pathogenic attacks. Finally, we addressed numerous key areas for future research and development, including possible approaches to the application of our recent expertise in the development of successful biocontrol strategies.
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17
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The E3-ligase AoUBR1 in N-end rule pathway is involved in the vegetative growth, secretome, and trap formation in Arthrobotrys oligospora. Fungal Biol 2021; 125:532-540. [PMID: 34140149 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The N-end rule pathway is a regulated protein degradation system. Arthrobotrys oligospora, a typical nematode-trapping fungus, switches its life strategies from saprophytism to carnivorism when capturing free-living nematodes by means of adhesive networks. In this study, a putative E3-ligase AoUBR1 involved in N-end rule pathway was characterized in A. oligospora during vegetative growth and trap formation. Expression of AoUBR1 coding gene was down-regulated during trap formation. Compared with wild type, the AoUBR1 knock-out mutants decreased the vegetative growth, formed less traps, and turned to be sensitive to cold stress, while, AoUBR1 overexpression mutants lost the capacity to produce conidia and also formed less traps. A number of genes differentially expressed by knock-out and overexpression of AoUBR1, which lead to the transcriptional responses associated with plasma membrane, transportation, oxidation, and proteolysis. AoUBR1 knock-out also resulted in the down-regulation of numerous secreted proteins associated with carnivorism and nutrient utilization from nematodes. In addition, AoUBR1 homologs were conserved in nematode-trapping fungi based on the genome searching. Therefore, the results suggested AoUBR1 in A. oligospora and its homologs in other trapping fungi are involved in the lifestyle switch between saprophytism and carnivorism.
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18
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Zhang Y, Li S, Li H, Wang R, Zhang KQ, Xu J. Fungi-Nematode Interactions: Diversity, Ecology, and Biocontrol Prospects in Agriculture. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E206. [PMID: 33020457 PMCID: PMC7711821 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi and nematodes are among the most abundant organisms in soil habitats. They provide essential ecosystem services and play crucial roles for maintaining the stability of food-webs and for facilitating nutrient cycling. As two of the very abundant groups of organisms, fungi and nematodes interact with each other in multiple ways. Here in this review, we provide a broad framework of interactions between fungi and nematodes with an emphasis on those that impact crops and agriculture ecosystems. We describe the diversity and evolution of fungi that closely interact with nematodes, including food fungi for nematodes as well as fungi that feed on nematodes. Among the nematophagous fungi, those that produce specialized nematode-trapping devices are especially interesting, and a great deal is known about their diversity, evolution, and molecular mechanisms of interactions with nematodes. Some of the fungi and nematodes are significant pathogens and pests to crops. We summarize the ecological and molecular mechanisms identified so far that impact, either directly or indirectly, the interactions among phytopathogenic fungi, phytopathogenic nematodes, and crop plants. The potential applications of our understanding to controlling phytophagous nematodes and soilborne fungal pathogens in agricultural fields are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China; (Y.Z.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (R.W.)
| | - Shuoshuo Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China; (Y.Z.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (R.W.)
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Haixia Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China; (Y.Z.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (R.W.)
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Ruirui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China; (Y.Z.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (R.W.)
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China; (Y.Z.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (R.W.)
| | - Jianping Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China; (Y.Z.); (S.L.); (H.L.); (R.W.)
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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19
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Zhang Y, Yang G, Fang M, Deng C, Zhang KQ, Yu Z, Xu J. Comparative Analyses of Mitochondrial Genomes Provide Evolutionary Insights Into Nematode-Trapping Fungi. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:617. [PMID: 32351475 PMCID: PMC7174627 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Predatory fungi in Orbiliaceae (Ascomycota) have evolved a diversity of trapping devices that enable them to trap and kill nematodes, other small animals, and protozoans. These trapping devices include adhesive hyphae, adhesive knobs, adhesive networks, constricting rings, and non-constricting rings. Their diversity and practical importance have attracted significant attention from biologists, making them excellent model organisms for studying adaptative evolution and as biological control agents against parasitic nematodes. The putative origins and evolutionary relationships among these carnivorous fungi have been investigated using nuclear protein-encoding genes, but their patterns of mitogenome relationships and divergences remain unknown. Here we analyze and compare the mitogenomes of 12 fungal strains belonging to eight species, including six species representing all four types of nematode trapping devices and two from related but non-predatory fungi. All 12 analyzed mitogenomes were of circular DNA molecules, with lengths ranging from 146,101 bp to 280,699 bp. Gene synteny analysis revealed several gene rearrangements and intron transfers among the mitogenomes. In addition, the number of protein coding genes (PCGs), GC content, AT skew, and GC skew varied among these mitogenomes. The increased number and total size of introns were the main contributors to the length differences among the mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analyses of the protein-coding genes indicated that mitochondrial and nuclear genomes evolved at different rates, and signals of positive selection were found in several genes involved in energy metabolism. Our study provides novel insights into the evolution of nematode-trapping fungi and shall facilitate further investigations of this ecologically and agriculturally important group of fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Guangzhu Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Meiling Fang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Chu Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Zefen Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Xie M, Bai N, Yang J, Jiang K, Zhou D, Zhao Y, Li D, Niu X, Zhang KQ, Yang J. Protein Kinase Ime2 Is Required for Mycelial Growth, Conidiation, Osmoregulation, and Pathogenicity in Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3065. [PMID: 31993040 PMCID: PMC6971104 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inducer of meiosis 2 (Ime2), a protein kinase that has been identified in diverse fungal species, functions in the regulation of various cellular processes, such as ascospore formation, pseudohyphal growth, and sexual reproduction. In this study, AoIme2, an ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ime2, was characterized in the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. Disruption of the gene Aoime2 caused defective growth, with slower mycelial growth in ΔAoime2 mutants than the wild type (WT) strain, and in the mutants, the number of hyphal septa in mycelia was higher and the number of cell nuclei in mycelia and conidia was considerably lower than in the WT strain. The conidial yields of the ΔAoime2 mutants were decreased by ∼33% relative to the WT strain, and the transcription of several sporulation-related genes, including abaA, fluG, rodA, aspB, velB, and vosA, was markedly downregulated during the conidiation stage. The ΔAoime2 mutants were highly sensitive to the osmotic stressors NaCl and sorbitol, and the cell wall of partial hyphae in the mutants was deformed. Further examination revealed that the cell wall of the traps produced by ΔAoime2 mutants became loose, and that the electron-dense bodies in trap cells were also few than in the WT strain. Moreover, Aoime2 disruption caused a reduction in trap formation and serine-protease production, and most hyphal traps produced by ΔAoime2 mutants did not form an intact hyphal loop; consequently, substantially fewer nematodes were captured by the mutants than by the WT strain. In summary, an Ime2-MAPK is identified here for the first time from a nematode-trapping fungus, and the kinase is shown to be involved in the regulation of mycelial growth and development, conidiation, osmolarity, and pathogenicity in A. oligospora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Chuxiong Normal University, Chuxiong, China
| | - Na Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jiangliu Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Kexin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Duanxu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yining Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Dongni Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Xuemei Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jinkui Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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21
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Kumar KK. Fungi: A Bio-resource for the Control of Plant Parasitic Nematodes. Fungal Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-48474-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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Vidal-Diez de Ulzurrun G, Huang TY, Chang CW, Lin HC, Hsueh YP. Fungal feature tracker (FFT): A tool for quantitatively characterizing the morphology and growth of filamentous fungi. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1007428. [PMID: 31671091 PMCID: PMC6822706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are ubiquitous in nature and serve as important biological models in various scientific fields including genetics, cell biology, ecology, evolution, and chemistry. A significant obstacle in studying filamentous fungi is the lack of tools for characterizing their growth and morphology in an efficient and quantitative manner. Consequently, assessments of the growth of filamentous fungi are often subjective and imprecise. In order to remedy this problem, we developed Fungal Feature Tracker (FFT), a user-friendly software comprised of different image analysis tools to automatically quantify different fungal characteristics, such as spore number, spore morphology, and measurements of total length, number of hyphal tips and the area covered by the mycelium. In addition, FFT can recognize and quantify specialized structures such as the traps generated by nematode-trapping fungi, which could be tuned to quantify other distinctive fungal structures in different fungi. We present a detailed characterization and comparison of a few fungal species as a case study to demonstrate the capabilities and potential of our software. Using FFT, we were able to quantify various features at strain and species level, such as mycelial growth over time and the length and width of spores, which would be difficult to track using classical approaches. In summary, FFT is a powerful tool that enables quantitative measurements of fungal features and growth, allowing objective and precise characterization of fungal phenotypes. One of the main obstacles to study filamentous fungi is the lack of tools for characterizing fungal phenotypes in an efficient and quantitative manner. Assessment of cell growth and numbers rely on tedious manual techniques that often result in subjective and imprecise measurements. In response to those limitations, we developed Fungal Feature Tracker (FFT), a user-friendly software that allows researchers to characterize different phenotypic features of filamentous fungi such as sporulation, spore morphology and mycelial growth. In addition, FFT can recognize and quantify other fungal structures including the fungal traps developed by nematode-trapping fungi. In order to show the capabilities and potential of our software, we conducted a detailed characterization and comparison of different fungal species. Our comparison relies on a series of experimental set-ups using standard and easily accessible equipment to ensure reproducibility in other laboratories. In summary, FFT is an easy to use and powerful tool that can quantitatively characterize fungal morphology, cell number and quantitatively measures the filamentous growth, which will advance our understanding of the growth and biology of filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tsung-Yu Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wen Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Che Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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23
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Xie M, Wang Y, Tang L, Yang L, Zhou D, Li Q, Niu X, Zhang KQ, Yang J. AoStuA, an APSES transcription factor, regulates the conidiation, trap formation, stress resistance and pathogenicity of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:4648-4661. [PMID: 31433890 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The APSES protein family comprises a conserved class of fungus-specific transcriptional regulators. Some members have been identified in partial ascomycetes. In this study, the APSES protein StuA (AoStuA) of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora was characterized. Compared with the wild-type (WT) strain, three ΔAoStuA mutants grew relatively slowly, displayed a 96% reduction in sporulation capacity and a delay in conidial germination. The reduced sporulation capacity correlated with transcriptional repression of several sporulation-related genes. The mutants were also more sensitive to chemical stressors than the WT strain. Importantly, the mutants were unable to produce mycelial traps for nematode predation. Moreover, peroxisomes and Woronin bodies were abundant in the WT cells but hardly found in the cells of those mutants. The lack of such organelles correlated with transcriptional repression of some genes involved in the biogenesis of peroxisomes and Woronin bodies. The transcript levels of several genes involved in the cAMP/PKA signalling pathway were also significantly reduced in the mutants versus the WT strain, implicating a regulatory role of AoStuA in the transcription of genes involved in the cAMP/PKA signalling pathway that regulates an array of cellular processes and events. In particular, AoStuA is indispensable for A. oligospora trap formation and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Chuxiong Normal University, Chuxiong, 675000, P. R. China
| | - Yunchuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China
| | - Liyan Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China
| | - Le Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China
| | - Duanxu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China
| | - Xuemei Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China
| | - Jinkui Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, P. R. China
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24
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Naranjo‐Ortiz MA, Gabaldón T. Fungal evolution: major ecological adaptations and evolutionary transitions. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:1443-1476. [PMID: 31021528 PMCID: PMC6850671 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are a highly diverse group of heterotrophic eukaryotes characterized by the absence of phagotrophy and the presence of a chitinous cell wall. While unicellular fungi are far from rare, part of the evolutionary success of the group resides in their ability to grow indefinitely as a cylindrical multinucleated cell (hypha). Armed with these morphological traits and with an extremely high metabolical diversity, fungi have conquered numerous ecological niches and have shaped a whole world of interactions with other living organisms. Herein we survey the main evolutionary and ecological processes that have guided fungal diversity. We will first review the ecology and evolution of the zoosporic lineages and the process of terrestrialization, as one of the major evolutionary transitions in this kingdom. Several plausible scenarios have been proposed for fungal terrestralization and we here propose a new scenario, which considers icy environments as a transitory niche between water and emerged land. We then focus on exploring the main ecological relationships of Fungi with other organisms (other fungi, protozoans, animals and plants), as well as the origin of adaptations to certain specialized ecological niches within the group (lichens, black fungi and yeasts). Throughout this review we use an evolutionary and comparative-genomics perspective to understand fungal ecological diversity. Finally, we highlight the importance of genome-enabled inferences to envision plausible narratives and scenarios for important transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A. Naranjo‐Ortiz
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyDr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona08003Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Department of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)The Barcelona Institute of Science and TechnologyDr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona08003Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF)08003BarcelonaSpain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 2308010BarcelonaSpain
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25
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Gilbert KB, Holcomb EE, Allscheid RL, Carrington JC. Hiding in plain sight: New virus genomes discovered via a systematic analysis of fungal public transcriptomes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219207. [PMID: 31339899 PMCID: PMC6655640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution and diversity of RNA viruses in fungi is incompletely understood due to the often cryptic nature of mycoviral infections and the focused study of primarily pathogenic and/or economically important fungi. As most viruses that are known to infect fungi possess either single-stranded or double-stranded RNA genomes, transcriptomic data provides the opportunity to query for viruses in diverse fungal samples without any a priori knowledge of virus infection. Here we describe a systematic survey of all transcriptomic datasets from fungi belonging to the subphylum Pezizomycotina. Using a simple but effective computational pipeline that uses reads discarded during normal RNA-seq analyses, followed by identification of a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) motif in de novo assembled contigs, 59 viruses from 44 different fungi were identified. Among the viruses identified, 88% were determined to be new species and 68% are, to our knowledge, the first virus described from the fungal species. Comprehensive analyses of both nucleotide and inferred protein sequences characterize the phylogenetic relationships between these viruses and the known set of mycoviral sequences and support the classification of up to four new families and two new genera. Thus the results provide a deeper understanding of the scope of mycoviral diversity while also increasing the distribution of fungal hosts. Further, this study demonstrates the suitability of analyzing RNA-seq data to facilitate rapid discovery of new viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrigan B. Gilbert
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Emily E. Holcomb
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Robyn L. Allscheid
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - James C. Carrington
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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26
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Wong JWH, Plett JM. Root renovation: how an improved understanding of basic root biology could inform the development of elite crops that foster sustainable soil health. FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY : FPB 2019; 46:597-612. [PMID: 31029179 DOI: 10.1071/fp18200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A major goal in agricultural research is to develop 'elite' crops with stronger, resilient root systems. Within this context, breeding practices have focussed on developing plant varieties that are, primarily, able to withstand pathogen attack and, secondarily, able to maximise plant productivity. Although great strides towards breeding disease-tolerant or -resistant root stocks have been made, this has come at a cost. Emerging studies in certain crop species suggest that domestication of crops, together with soil management practices aimed at improving plant yield, may hinder beneficial soil microbial association or reduce microbial diversity in soil. To achieve more sustainable management of agricultural lands, we must not only shift our soil management practices but also our breeding strategy to include contributions from beneficial microbes. For this latter point, we need to advance our understanding of how plants communicate with, and are able to differentiate between, microbes of different lifestyles. Here, we present a review of the key findings on belowground plant-microbial interactions that have been made over the past decade, with a specific focus on how plants and microbes communicate. We also discuss the currently unresolved questions in this area, and propose plausible ways to use currently available research and integrate fast-emerging '-omics' technologies to tackle these questions. Combining past and developing research will enable the development of new crop varieties that will have new, value-added phenotypes belowground.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna W-H Wong
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Plett
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia; and Corresponding author.
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27
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The pH sensing receptor AopalH plays important roles in the nematophagous fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. Fungal Biol 2019; 123:547-554. [PMID: 31196524 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
There is well-conserved PacC/Rim101 signaling among ascomycete fungi to mediate environmental pH sensing. For pathogenic fungi, this pathway not only enables fungi to grow over a wide pH range, but it also determines whether these fungi can successfully colonize and invade the targeted host. Within the pal/PacC pathway, palH is a putative ambient pH sensor with a seven-transmembrane domain. To characterize the function of a palH homolog, AopalH, in the nematophagous fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora, we knocked out the encoding gene of AopalH through homologous recombination, and the transformants exhibited slower growth rates, greater sensitivities to cationic and hyperoxidation stresses, as well as reduced conidiation and reduced trap formation, suggesting that the pH regulatory system has critical functions in nematophagous fungi. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of pH response and regulation in fungi.
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28
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Yan L, Mu X, Han B, Zhang S, Qiu C, Ohore OE. Ammonium loading disturbed the microbial food webs in biofilms attached to submersed macrophyte Vallisneria natans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 659:691-698. [PMID: 31096399 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The knowledge about the impacts of ammonium loading on microbial food webs in biofilms attached to submersed macrophytes is limited. In the present study, Illumina sequencing method was employed to investigate bacterial and eukaryotic communities in biofilms attached to leaves of Vallisneria natans (V. natans) exposed to 1-16 mg L-1 NH4+-N for 10 days, and 8 mg L-1 NH4+-N for 21 days. Ammonium loading stimulated biofilms growth, enhanced the relative abundance of nitrifying genus Nitrospira and several denitrifying genera. Eukaryotic kingdom Metazoa, Viridiplantae, Chromista, Fungi and super group SARNU (Stramenopiles, Alveolata, Rhizaria, Nucleariidae and Fonticula group and unknown eukaryotes) were obtained. Relative abundance of Metazoa decreased with the increased ammonium concentration and exposure time. Redundancy analysis revealed that ammonium, dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH had a key role in determining microbial community structure. Network analyses revealed that there were complex interactions including feeding, parasitism and predatism among organism in biofilms, and the microbial food webs were disturbed by inhibiting metazoan growth but stimulating bacteria and algae growth. These results suggest that ammonium-disturbed microbial food webs in biofilms may contribute to the growth of biofilms and algae, and thus contribute to the decline of submersed macrophyte and provide "algal seeds" for the algae burst in water column. These data will be helpful in understanding the macrophytic region transform into algal region in water column polluted by ammonium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Yan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Xiaoying Mu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Bing Han
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Songhe Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Changhao Qiu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Okugbe E Ohore
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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29
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Fang M, Wang S, Xu J, Jiang L, Zhou D, Zhang KQ, Zhang Y. Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Drechslerella brochopaga, a fungal species trapping nematodes with constricting rings. Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2019.1572466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Fang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, P. R. China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, Peoples’ Republic of China
| | - Shaojuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, P. R. China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, Peoples’ Republic of China
| | - Jianping Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, P. R. China
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lili Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, P. R. China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, Peoples’ Republic of China
| | - Duanyong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, P. R. China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, Peoples’ Republic of China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, P. R. China
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30
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Wang Q, Liu H, Xu H, Hei R, Zhang S, Jiang C, Xu JR. Independent losses and duplications of autophagy-related genes in fungal tree of life. Environ Microbiol 2018; 21:226-243. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qinhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection; Northwest A&F University; Yangling Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Huiquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection; Northwest A&F University; Yangling Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Huaijian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection; Northwest A&F University; Yangling Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Ruonan Hei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection; Northwest A&F University; Yangling Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Shijie Zhang
- School of Life Sciences; Zhengzhou University; Zhengzhou Henan 450001 China
| | - Cong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection; Northwest A&F University; Yangling Shaanxi 712100 China
| | - Jin-Rong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection; Northwest A&F University; Yangling Shaanxi 712100 China
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology; Purdue University; West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
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31
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Iqbal M, Dubey M, Gudmundsson M, Viketoft M, Jensen DF, Karlsson M. Comparative evolutionary histories of fungal proteases reveal gene gains in the mycoparasitic and nematode-parasitic fungus Clonostachys rosea. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:171. [PMID: 30445903 PMCID: PMC6240243 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1291-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ascomycete fungus Clonostachys rosea (order Hypocreales) can control several important plant diseases caused by plant pathogenic fungi and nematodes. Subtilisin-like serine proteases are considered to play an important role in pathogenesis in entomopathogenic, mycoparasitic, and nematophagous fungi used for biological control. In this study, we analysed the evolutionary histories of protease gene families, and investigated sequence divergence and regulation of serine protease genes in C. rosea. Results Proteases of selected hypocrealean fungal species were classified into families based on the MEROPS peptidase database. The highest number of protease genes (590) was found in Fusarium solani, followed by C. rosea with 576 genes. Analysis of gene family evolution identified non-random changes in gene copy numbers in the five serine protease gene families S1A, S8A, S9X, S12 and S33. Four families, S1A, S8A, S9X, and S33, displayed gene gains in C. rosea. A gene-tree / species-tree reconciliation analysis of the S8A family revealed that the gene copy number increase in C. rosea was primarily associated with the S08.054 (proteinase K) subgroup. In addition, regulatory and predicted structural differences, including twelve sites evolving under positive selection, among eighteen C. rosea S8A serine protease paralog genes were also observed. The C. rosea S8A serine protease gene prs6 was induced during interaction with the plant pathogenic species F. graminearum. Conclusions Non-random increases in S8A, S9X and S33 serine protease gene numbers in the mycoparasitic species C. rosea, Trichoderma atroviride and T. virens suggests an involvement in fungal-fungal interactions. Regulatory and predicted structural differences between C. rosea S8A paralogs indicate that functional diversification is driving the observed increase in gene copy numbers. The induction of prs6 expression in C. rosea during confrontation with F. graminearum suggests an involvement of the corresponding protease in fungal-fungal interactions. The results pinpoint the importance of serine proteases for ecological niche adaptation in C. rosea, including a potential role in the mycoparasitic attack on fungal prey. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1291-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudassir Iqbal
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7026, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mukesh Dubey
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7026, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikael Gudmundsson
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7015, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Viketoft
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7044, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dan Funck Jensen
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7026, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Karlsson
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7026, SE-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
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32
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Devi G. Utilization of Nematode Destroying Fungi for Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes-A Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.13005/bbra/2642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nematode destroying fungi are potential biocontrol agent for management of plant-parasitic nematodes. They inhibit nematode population through trapping devices or by means of enzymes and metabolic products. They regulate nematode behavior by interfering plant-nematode recognition, and promote plant growth. For more effective biocontrol, thorough understanding of the biology of nematode destroying fungi, targeted nematode pest and the soil ecology and environmental condition in the field is necessary. This review highlights different types of nematode destroying fungi, their mode of action as well as commercial products based on reports published in this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjali Devi
- Department of Nematology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India
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33
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Zhang W, Zhang X, Li K, Wang C, Cai L, Zhuang W, Xiang M, Liu X. Introgression and gene family contraction drive the evolution of lifestyle and host shifts of hypocrealean fungi. Mycology 2018; 9:176-188. [PMID: 30181924 PMCID: PMC6115877 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2018.1478333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypocrealean fungi (Ascomycota) are known for their diversity of lifestyles. Their vital influences on agricultural and natural ecosystems have resulted in a number of sequenced genomes, which provide essential data for genomic analysis. Totally, 45 hypocrealean fungal genomes constructed a phylogeny. The phylogeny showed that plant pathogens in Nectriaceae diverged earliest, followed by animal pathogens in Cordycipitaceae, Ophiocordycipitaceae and Clavicipitaceae with mycoparasites in Hypocreaceae. Insect/nematode pathogens and grass endophytes in Clavicipitaceae diverged at last. Gene families associated with host-derived nutrients are significantly contracted in diverged lineages compared with the ancestral species. Introgression was detected in certain lineages of hypocrealean fungi, and the main functions of the genes located in the introgressed regions are involved in host recognition, transcriptional regulation, stress response and cell growth regulation. These results indicate that contraction of gene families and introgression might be main mechanisms to drive lifestyle differentiation and evolution and host shift of hypocrealean fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenying Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meichun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingzhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Yang X, Ma N, Yang L, Zheng Y, Zhen Z, Li Q, Xie M, Li J, Zhang KQ, Yang J. Two Rab GTPases play different roles in conidiation, trap formation, stress resistance, and virulence in the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:4601-4613. [PMID: 29616315 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8929-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rab GTPases are the largest group of the small GTPases family, which play a pivotal role in the secretion of proteins. Arthrobotrys oligospora is a representative nematode-trapping fungus that can produce adhesive networks to capture nematodes. In this study, the roles of two Rab GTPases AoRab-7A and AoRab-2 were characterized by gene knockout in the fungus A. oligospora. The disruption of AoRab-7A hindered the mycelial growth in different media, the conidiation of ΔAoRab-7A transformants was almost abolished, and the transcription of four sporulation-related genes (AbaA, FluG, Hyp1, and VosA) was downregulated compared to the wild-type strain (WT). Furthermore, the tolerance of the ΔAoRab-7A mutants to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and H2O2 was also significantly reduced compared to the WT, and the transcription of several genes related to environmental resistance, such as genes for catalase and trehalose synthase, was downregulated. Similarly, the extracellular proteolytic activity was decreased. Importantly, the ΔAoRab-7A mutants were unable to produce traps and capture nematodes. However, the disruption of gene AoRab-2 only affected the conidiation slightly but non-significantly, while other phenotypic traits were unaffected. Moreover, the gene AoRab-7A was also involved in the autophagy induced by nitrogen deprivation in A. oligospora. Our results revealed for the first time that the Rab GTPases are involved in the regulation of mycelial growth, conidiation, trap formation, stress resistance, and pathogenicity in the nematode-trapping fungus A. oligospora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Ni Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyi Zhen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Meihua Xie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinkui Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People's Republic of China.
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Predator-prey interactions of nematode-trapping fungi and nematodes: both sides of the coin. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018. [PMID: 29523933 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8897-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nematode-trapping fungi develop complex trapping devices to capture and consume nematodes. The dynamics of these organisms is especially important given the pathogenicity of nematodes and, consequently, the potential application of nematode-trapping fungi as biocontrol agents. Furthermore, both the nematodes and nematode-trapping fungi can be easily grown in laboratories, making them a unique manipulatable predator-prey system to study their coevolution. Several different aspects of these fungi have been studied, such as their genetics and the different factors triggering trap formation. In this review, we use the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora (which forms adhesive nets) as a model to describe the trapping process. We divide this process into several stages; namely attraction, recognition, trap formation, adhesion, penetration, and digestion. We summarize the latest findings in the field and current knowledge on the interactions between nematodes and nematode-trapping fungi, representing both sides of the predator-prey interaction.
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Wang R, Dong L, He R, Wang Q, Chen Y, Qu L, Zhang YA. Comparative genomic analyses reveal the features for adaptation to nematodes in fungi. DNA Res 2018; 25:4791394. [PMID: 29315395 PMCID: PMC6014366 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsx053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematophagous (NP) fungi are ecologically important components of the soil microbiome in natural ecosystems. Esteya vermicola (Ev) has been reported as a NP fungus with a poorly understood evolutionary history and mechanism of adaptation to parasitism. Furthermore, NP fungal genomic basis of lifestyle was still unclear. We sequenced and annotated the Ev genome (34.2 Mbp) and integrated genetic makeup and evolution of pathogenic genes to investigate NP fungi. The results revealed that NP fungi had some abundant pathogenic genes corresponding to their niche. A number of gene families involved in pathogenicity were expanded, and some pathogenic orthologous genes underwent positive selection. NP fungi with diverse morphological features exhibit similarities of evolutionary convergence in attacking nematodes, but their genetic makeup and microscopic mechanism are different. Endoparasitic NP fungi showed similarity in large number of transporters and secondary metabolite coding genes. Noteworthy, expanded families of transporters and endo-beta-glucanase implied great genetic potential of Ev in quickly perturbing nematode metabolism and parasitic behavior. These results facilitate our understanding of NP fungal genomic features for adaptation to nematodes and lay a solid theoretical foundation for further research and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhen Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
- Institute of Botany, Beijing Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Leiming Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Ran He
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
- Institute of Botany, Beijing Botanical Garden, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Qinghua Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yuequ Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
- Forestry Resources Protection Institute, Jilin Provincial Academy of Forestry Sciences, Changchun 130031, China
| | - Liangjian Qu
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yong-An Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
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Wang R, Dong L, Chen Y, Qu L, Wang Q, Zhang Y. Esteya Vermicola, a Nematophagous Fungus Attacking the Pine Wood Nematode, Harbors a Bacterial Endosymbiont Affiliated with Gammaproteobacteria. Microbes Environ 2017; 32:201-209. [PMID: 28824050 PMCID: PMC5606689 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me16167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Symbioses have played pivotal roles in biological, ecological, and evolutionary diversification. Symbiotic bacteria affect the biology of hosts in a number of ways. Esteya vermicola, an endoparasitic nematophagous fungus, has high infectivity in the pine wood nematode (PWN), which causes devastating ecological damage and economic losses in Asia and Europe. An integration of molecular, phylogenetic, and morphological analyses revealed that surface-sterilized E. vermicola with septate hyphae from different geographic locations harbor bacterial endosymbionts. 16S rRNA gene sequences from four fungal strains all clustered in a well-supported monophyletic clade that was the most closely related to Pseudomonas stutzeri and affiliated with Gammaproteobacteria. The existence and intracellular location of endobacteria was revealed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Our results showed that endobacteria were coccoid, vertically inherited, as yet uncultured, and essential symbionts. Ultrastructural observations indicated that young and old endobacteria differed in cell size, cell wall thickness, and the degree of reproduction. The results of the present study provide a fundamental understanding of the endobacteria inside E. vermicola and raise questions regarding the impact of endobacteria on the biology, ecology, and evolution of their fungal host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhen Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of ForestryChina
| | - Leiming Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of ForestryChina
| | - Yuequ Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of ForestryChina
- Forestry Resources Protection Institute, Jilin Provincial Academy of Forestry SciencesChina
| | - Liangjian Qu
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of ForestryChina
| | - Qinghua Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of ForestryChina
| | - Yongan Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Forest Protection, State Forestry Administration of China, Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of ForestryChina
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Random mutagenesis analysis and identification of a novel C 2H 2-type transcription factor from the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5640. [PMID: 28717216 PMCID: PMC5514059 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06075-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthrobotrys oligospora is a typical nematode-trapping fungus. In this study, 37 transformants of A. oligospora were obtained by REMI (restriction enzyme mediated integration) method and phenotypic properties of nine transformants were analyzed. The nine transformants showed differences in growth, conidiation, trap formation, stress tolerance, and/or pathogenicity among each other and with those of the parental wild-type strain (WT). The insertional sites of the hph cassette were identified in transformants X5 and X13. In X5, the cassette was inserted in the non-coding region between AOL_s00076g273 (76g273) and AOL_s00076g274 (76g274) and the transcription of 76g274, but not 76g273, was enhanced in X5. 76g274p had two conserved domains and was predicted as a nucleoprotein, which we confirmed by its nuclear localization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using the green fluorescent protein-fused 76g274p. The transcription of 76g274 was stimulated or inhibited by several environmental factors. The sporulation yields of 76g274-deficient mutants were decreased by 70%, and transcription of several sporulation-related genes was severely diminished compared to the WT during the conidiation. In summary, a method for screening mutants was established in A. oligospora and using the method, we identified a novel C2H2-type transcription factor that positively regulates the conidiation of A. oligospora.
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Abstract
Nematode-trapping fungi are a unique and intriguing group of carnivorous microorganisms that can trap and digest nematodes by means of specialized trapping structures. They can develop diverse trapping devices, such as adhesive hyphae, adhesive knobs, adhesive networks, constricting rings, and nonconstricting rings. Nematode-trapping fungi have been found in all regions of the world, from the tropics to Antarctica, from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems. They play an important ecological role in regulating nematode dynamics in soil. Molecular phylogenetic studies have shown that the majority of nematode-trapping fungi belong to a monophyletic group in the order Orbiliales (Ascomycota). Nematode-trapping fungi serve as an excellent model system for understanding fungal evolution and interaction between fungi and nematodes. With the development of molecular techniques and genome sequencing, their evolutionary origins and divergence, and the mechanisms underlying fungus-nematode interactions have been well studied. In recent decades, an increasing concern about the environmental hazards of using chemical nematicides has led to the application of these biological control agents as a rapidly developing component of crop protection.
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Zhang D, Zhu X, Sun F, Zhang K, Niu S, Huang X. The roles of actin cytoskeleton and actin-associated protein Crn1p in trap formation of Arthrobotrys oligospora. Res Microbiol 2017; 168:655-663. [PMID: 28506837 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Nematode-trapping fungi include a variety of species capable of generating specific trapping devices to capture nematodes and the production of devices is also an indicator of a switch from saprophytic to predacious lifestyles. Traps are developed from vegetative mycelia, but they are quite different from hyphae in both morphological and physiological characteristics. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms underlying their formation have attracted much attention. In this investigation, Arthrobotrys oligospora, a nematode-trapping fungus, has three-dimensional networks and genomics and proteomics were recently performed, so as to reveal the relationship between actin cytoskeleton and trap formation. Both actin staining via FITC-phalloidin and treatment of actin polymerization inhibitor Lat-B illustrated that the actin cytoskeleton played an important role in trap development. Furthermore, absence of the conserved actin-associated protein Crn1p caused a structural defect of traps and failure to infect nematodes. It was observed that mutant Δcrn1 represented a reduced number of rings and a lower complexity of three-dimensional networks, likely due to the disturbance of actin branching. Collectively, our study confirmed the involvement of the actin cytoskeleton as well as the conserved actin-associated protein Crn1p in trap formation. It further suggested the manners in which Crn1p influences the development of three-dimensional networks in A. oligospora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Xin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Fan Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Keqin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Shanzhuang Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Xiaowei Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China; Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
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RNA-Seq reveals the molecular mechanism of trapping and killing of root-knot nematodes by nematode-trapping fungi. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 33:65. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-017-2232-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Genome sequence and comparative analysis of clavicipitaceous insect-pathogenic fungus Aschersonia badia with Metarhizium spp. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:367. [PMID: 27189621 PMCID: PMC4869207 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2710-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aschersonia badia [(Ab) Teleomorph: Hypocrella siamensis] is an entomopathogenic fungus that specifically infects scale insects and whiteflies. We present the whole genome sequence of Ab and its comparison with two clavicipitaceous fungi Metarhizium robertsii (MR: generalist entomopathogen) and M. acridum (MAC: acridid-specific entomopathogen) that exhibit variable host preferences. Here, through comparative analysis of pathogen-host interacting genes, carbohydrate active enzymes, secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes, and sexuality genes, we explore the proteins with possible virulence functions in clavicipitaceous fungi. Comprehensive overview of GH18 family chitinases has been provided to decipher the role of chitinases in claviceptaceous fungi that are either host specific or generalists. Results We report the 28.8 Mb draft genome of Ab and its comparative genome analysis with MR and MAC. The comparative analyses suggests expansion in pathogen-host interacting gene families and carbohydrate active enzyme families in MR, whilst their contraction in Ab and MAC genomes. The multi-modular NRPS gene (dtxS1) responsible for biosynthesis of the secondary metabolite destruxin in MR is not conserved in Ab, similar to the specialist pathogen MAC. An additional siderophore biosynthetic gene responsible for acquisition of iron was identified in MR. Further, the domain survey of chitinases suggest that the CBM50 (LysM) domains, which participate in chitin-binding functions, were not observed in MAC, but were present in Ab and MR. However, apparent differences in frequency of CBM50 domains associated with chitinases of Ab and MR was identified, where MR chitinases displayed a higher proportion of associated CBM50 domains than Ab chitinases. Conclusions This study suggests differences in distribution of dtxS1 and chitinases in specialists (Ab and MAC) and generalists (MR) fungi. Our analysis also suggests the presence of a siderophore biosynthetic gene in the MR genome which perhaps aids in enhanced virulence potential and host range. The variation in association of CBMs, being higher in generalists (MR) and lower in specialists (Ab and MAC) fungi may further be responsible for the differences in host affiliation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2710-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Lebrigand K, He LD, Thakur N, Arguel MJ, Polanowska J, Henrissat B, Record E, Magdelenat G, Barbe V, Raffaele S, Barbry P, Ewbank JJ. Comparative Genomic Analysis of Drechmeria coniospora Reveals Core and Specific Genetic Requirements for Fungal Endoparasitism of Nematodes. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006017. [PMID: 27153332 PMCID: PMC4859500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Drechmeria coniospora is an obligate fungal pathogen that infects nematodes via the adhesion of specialized spores to the host cuticle. D. coniospora is frequently found associated with Caenorhabditis elegans in environmental samples. It is used in the study of the nematode's response to fungal infection. Full understanding of this bi-partite interaction requires knowledge of the pathogen's genome, analysis of its gene expression program and a capacity for genetic engineering. The acquisition of all three is reported here. A phylogenetic analysis placed D. coniospora close to the truffle parasite Tolypocladium ophioglossoides, and Hirsutella minnesotensis, another nematophagous fungus. Ascomycete nematopathogenicity is polyphyletic; D. coniospora represents a branch that has not been molecularly characterized. A detailed in silico functional analysis, comparing D. coniospora to 11 fungal species, revealed genes and gene families potentially involved in virulence and showed it to be a highly specialized pathogen. A targeted comparison with nematophagous fungi highlighted D. coniospora-specific genes and a core set of genes associated with nematode parasitism. A comparative gene expression analysis of samples from fungal spores and mycelia, and infected C. elegans, gave a molecular view of the different stages of the D. coniospora lifecycle. Transformation of D. coniospora allowed targeted gene knock-out and the production of fungus that expresses fluorescent reporter genes. It also permitted the initial characterisation of a potential fungal counter-defensive strategy, involving interference with a host antimicrobial mechanism. This high-quality annotated genome for D. coniospora gives insights into the evolution and virulence of nematode-destroying fungi. Coupled with genetic transformation, it opens the way for molecular dissection of D. coniospora physiology, and will allow both sides of the interaction between D. coniospora and C. elegans, as well as the evolutionary arms race that exists between pathogen and host, to be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lebrigand
- CNRS and University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Le D. He
- Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Marseille, France
| | - Nishant Thakur
- Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Jeanne Arguel
- CNRS and University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Jolanta Polanowska
- Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Henrissat
- CNRS UMR 7257, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- INRA, USC 1408 AFMB, Marseille, France
- Department of Biological Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eric Record
- INRA, UMR1163 Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques, Aix-Marseille Université, Polytech Marseille, CP 925, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université, UMR1163 Biodiversité et Biotechnologie Fongiques, Faculté des Sciences de Luminy-Polytech, CP 925, Marseille, France
| | - Ghislaine Magdelenat
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Institut de Génomique, Génoscope, Laboratoire de Biologie Moleculaire pour l'Etude des Génomes (LBioMEG), Evry, France
| | - Valérie Barbe
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Institut de Génomique, Génoscope, Laboratoire de Biologie Moleculaire pour l'Etude des Génomes (LBioMEG), Evry, France
| | - Sylvain Raffaele
- INRA, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-Microorganismes (LIPM), UMR441, Castanet Tolosan, France
- CNRS, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-Microorganismes (LIPM), UMR2594, Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Pascal Barbry
- CNRS and University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Sophia Antipolis, France
- * E-mail: (PB); (JJE)
| | - Jonathan J. Ewbank
- Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, Marseille, France
- * E-mail: (PB); (JJE)
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Zhang L, Zhou Z, Guo Q, Fokkens L, Miskei M, Pócsi I, Zhang W, Chen M, Wang L, Sun Y, Donzelli BGG, Gibson DM, Nelson DR, Luo JG, Rep M, Liu H, Yang S, Wang J, Krasnoff SB, Xu Y, Molnár I, Lin M. Insights into Adaptations to a Near-Obligate Nematode Endoparasitic Lifestyle from the Finished Genome of Drechmeria coniospora. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23122. [PMID: 26975455 PMCID: PMC4792172 DOI: 10.1038/srep23122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nematophagous fungi employ three distinct predatory strategies: nematode trapping, parasitism of females and eggs, and endoparasitism. While endoparasites play key roles in controlling nematode populations in nature, their application for integrated pest management is hindered by the limited understanding of their biology. We present a comparative analysis of a high quality finished genome assembly of Drechmeria coniospora, a model endoparasitic nematophagous fungus, integrated with a transcriptomic study. Adaptation of D. coniospora to its almost completely obligate endoparasitic lifestyle led to the simplification of many orthologous gene families involved in the saprophytic trophic mode, while maintaining orthologs of most known fungal pathogen-host interaction proteins, stress response circuits and putative effectors of the small secreted protein type. The need to adhere to and penetrate the host cuticle led to a selective radiation of surface proteins and hydrolytic enzymes. Although the endoparasite has a simplified secondary metabolome, it produces a novel peptaibiotic family that shows antibacterial, antifungal and nematicidal activities. Our analyses emphasize the basic malleability of the D. coniospora genome: loss of genes advantageous for the saprophytic lifestyle; modulation of elements that its cohort species utilize for entomopathogenesis; and expansion of protein families necessary for the nematode endoparasitic lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengfu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, China
| | - Qiannan Guo
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Like Fokkens
- Molecular Plant Pathology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Márton Miskei
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Wei Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics, TEDA School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yamin Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics, TEDA School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bruno G. G. Donzelli
- Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Donna M. Gibson
- USDA-ARS, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - David R. Nelson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jian-Guang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Martijn Rep
- Molecular Plant Pathology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, China
| | - Shengnan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, China
| | - Stuart B. Krasnoff
- USDA-ARS, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Yuquan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genomics (Beijing), Ministry of Agriculture, China
| | - István Molnár
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Min Lin
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Phylogenic analysis of adhesion related genes Mad1 revealed a positive selection for the evolution of trapping devices of nematode-trapping fungi. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22609. [PMID: 26941065 PMCID: PMC4778117 DOI: 10.1038/srep22609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adhesions, the major components of the extracellular fibrillar polymers which accumulate on the outer surface of adhesive traps of nematode-trapping fungi, are thought to have played important roles during the evolution of trapping devices. Phylogenetic analyses based on the genes related to adhesive materials can be of great importance for understanding the evolution of trapping devices. Recently, AoMad1, one homologous gene of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae cell wall protein MAD1, has been functionally characterized as involved in the production of adhesions in the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora. In this study, we cloned Mad1 homologous genes from nematode-trapping fungi with various trapping devices. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that species which formed nonadhesive constricting ring (CR) traps more basally placed and species with adhesive traps evolved along two lineages. Likelihood ratio tests (LRT) revealed that significant positive selective pressure likely acted on the ancestral trapping devices including both adhesive and mechanical traps, indicating that the Mad1 genes likely played important roles during the evolution of nematode-trapping fungi. Our study provides new insights into the evolution of trapping devices of nematode-trapping fungi and also contributes to understanding the importance of adhesions during the evolution of nematode-trapping fungi.
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Zhang W, Cheng X, Liu X, Xiang M. Genome Studies on Nematophagous and Entomogenous Fungi in China. J Fungi (Basel) 2016; 2:jof2010009. [PMID: 29376926 PMCID: PMC5753090 DOI: 10.3390/jof2010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The nematophagous and entomogenous fungi are natural enemies of nematodes and insects and have been utilized by humans to control agricultural and forestry pests. Some of these fungi have been or are being developed as biological control agents in China and worldwide. Several important nematophagous and entomogenous fungi, including nematode-trapping fungi (Arthrobotrys oligospora and Drechslerella stenobrocha), nematode endoparasite (Hirsutella minnesotensis), insect pathogens (Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium spp.) and Chinese medicinal fungi (Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris), have been genome sequenced and extensively analyzed in China. The biology, evolution, and pharmaceutical application of these fungi and their interacting with host nematodes and insects revealed by genomes, comparing genomes coupled with transcriptomes are summarized and reviewed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xiaoli Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xingzhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Meichun Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 3 Park 1, Beichen West Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
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Ramesh P, Reena P, Amitbikram M, Chaitanya J, Anju K. Insight into the transcriptome of Arthrobotrys conoides using high throughput sequencing. J Basic Microbiol 2015; 55:1394-405. [PMID: 26301953 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201500237] [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: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Arthrobotrys conoides is a nematode-trapping fungus belonging to Orbiliales, Ascomycota group, and traps prey nematodes by means of adhesive network. Fungus has a potential to be used as a biocontrol agent against plant parasitic nematodes. In the present study, we characterized the transcriptome of A. conoides using high-throughput sequencing technology and characterized its virulence unigenes. Total 7,255 cDNA contigs with an average length of 425 bp were generated and 6184 (61.81%) transcripts were functionally annotated and characterized. Majority of unigenes were found analogous to the genes of plant pathogenic fungi. A total of 1749 transcripts were found to be orthologous with eukaryotic proteins of KOG database. Several carbohydrate active enzymes and peptidases were identified. We also analyzed classically and nonclassically secreted proteins and confirmed by BLASTP against fungal secretome database. A total of 916 contigs were analogous to 556 unique proteins of Pathogen Host Interaction (PHI) database. Further, we identified 91 unigenes homologous to the database of fungal virulence factor (DFVF). A total of 104 putative protein kinases coding transcripts were identified by BLASTP against KinBase database, which are major players in signaling pathways. This study provides a comprehensive look at the transcriptome of A. conoides and the identified unigenes might have a role in catching and killing prey nematodes by A. conoides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandit Ramesh
- Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Biotechnology and Allied Sciences, New V.V. Nagar, Anand, Gujarat, India.,Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Patel Reena
- Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Biotechnology and Allied Sciences, New V.V. Nagar, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Mohapatra Amitbikram
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Joshi Chaitanya
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Kunjadia Anju
- Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Biotechnology and Allied Sciences, New V.V. Nagar, Anand, Gujarat, India
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Li J, Zou C, Xu J, Ji X, Niu X, Yang J, Huang X, Zhang KQ. Molecular mechanisms of nematode-nematophagous microbe interactions: basis for biological control of plant-parasitic nematodes. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2015; 53:67-95. [PMID: 25938277 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-080614-120336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes cause significant damage to a broad range of vegetables and agricultural crops throughout the world. As the natural enemies of nematodes, nematophagous microorganisms offer a promising approach to control the nematode pests. Some of these microorganisms produce traps to capture and kill the worms from the outside. Others act as internal parasites to produce toxins and virulence factors to kill the nematodes from within. Understanding the molecular basis of microbe-nematode interactions provides crucial insights for developing effective biological control agents against plant-parasitic nematodes. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the interactions between nematodes and nematophagous microorganisms, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms by which nematophagous microorganisms infect nematodes and on the nematode defense against pathogenic attacks. We conclude by discussing several key areas for future research and development, including potential approaches to apply our recent understandings to develop effective biocontrol strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources and Key Laboratory for Microbial Resources of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China;
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50
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Zhao Y, Su H, Zhou J, Feng H, Zhang KQ, Yang J. The APSES family proteins in fungi: Characterizations, evolution and functions. Fungal Genet Biol 2014; 81:271-80. [PMID: 25534868 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The APSES protein family belongs to transcriptional factors of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) class, the originally described members (APSES: Asm1p, Phd1p, Sok2p, Efg1p and StuAp) are used to designate this group of proteins, and they have been identified as key regulators of fungal development and other biological processes. APSES proteins share a highly conserved DNA-binding domain (APSES domain) of about 100 amino acids, whose central domain is predicted to form a typical bHLH structure. Besides APSES domain, several APSES proteins also contain additional domains, such as KilA-N and ankyrin repeats. In recent years, an increasing number of APSES proteins have been identified from diverse fungi, and they involve in numerous biological processes, such as sporulation, cellular differentiation, mycelial growth, secondary metabolism and virulence. Most fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans, Candida albicans, Fusarium graminearum, and Neurospora crassa, contain five APSES proteins. However, Cryptococcus neoformans only contains two APSES proteins, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains six APSES proteins. The phylogenetic analysis showed the APSES domains from different fungi were grouped into four clades (A, B, C and D), which is consistent with the result of homologous alignment of APSES domains using DNAman. The roles of APSES proteins in clade C have been studied in detail, while little is known about the roles of other APSES proteins in clades A, B and D. In this review, the biochemical properties and functional domains of APSES proteins are predicted and compared, and the phylogenetic relationship among APSES proteins from various fungi are analyzed based on the APSES domains. Moreover, the functions of APSES proteins in different fungi are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhao
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Hao Su
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Huihua Feng
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China
| | - Jinkui Yang
- Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, PR China.
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