Unraveling the secrets of a double-life fungus by genomics : ophiocordyceps australis CCMB661 displays molecular machinery for both parasitic and endophytic lifestyles.
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Date
2023
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Abstract
Ophiocordyceps australis (Ascomycota, Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) is a classic
entomopathogenic fungus that parasitizes ants (Hymenoptera, Ponerinae, Ponerini). Nonetheless,
according to our results, this fungal species also exhibits a complete set of genes coding for plant
cell wall degrading Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes), enabling a full endophytic stage
and, consequently, its dual ability to both parasitize insects and live inside plant tissue. The main
objective of our study was the sequencing and full characterization of the genome of the fungal strain
of O. australis (CCMB661) and its predicted secretome. The assembled genome had a total length
of 30.31 Mb, N50 of 92.624 bp, GC content of 46.36%, and 8,043 protein-coding genes, 175 of which
encoded CAZymes. In addition, the primary genes encoding proteins and critical enzymes during
the infection process and those responsible for the host–pathogen interaction have been identified,
including proteases (Pr1, Pr4), aminopeptidases, chitinases (Cht2), adhesins, lectins, lipases, and
behavioral manipulators, such as enterotoxins, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases (PTPs), and Glycoside
Hydrolases (GHs). Our findings indicate that the presence of genes coding for Mad2 and GHs
in O. australis may facilitate the infection process in plants, suggesting interkingdom colonization.
Furthermore, our study elucidated the pathogenicity mechanisms for this Ophiocordyceps species,
which still is scarcely studied.
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Keywords
Ophiocordycipitaceae, Entomopathogenicity, Fungal genomics, Insect-fungus symbiosis, Zombie-ant fungus
Citation
MENEZES, T. A. de et al. Unraveling the secrets of a double-life fungus by genomics: ophiocordyceps australis CCMB661 displays molecular machinery for both parasitic and endophytic lifestyles. Journal of Fungi, v. 9, n. 1, artigo 110, jan. 2023. Disponível em: <https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/9/1/110>. Acesso em: 15 mar. 2023.