Main menu

Genetic underpinnings of host manipulation by Ophiocordyceps as revealed by comparative transcriptomics


The ant-infecting Ophiocordyceps fungi are globally distributed, host manipulating, specialist parasites that drive aberrant behaviors in infected ants, at a lethal cost to the host. An apparent increase in activity and wandering behaviors precedes a final summiting and biting behavior on to vegetation, positioning the manipulated ant in a site beneficial for fungal growth and transmission. Notably, across Ophiocordyceps species and other known host manipulators, the molecular mechanisms underlying behavioral changes remain largely unclear.

We explored possible genetic underpinnings of host manipulation by: (i) producing a hybrid assembly of the Ophiocordyceps camponoti-floridani genome, (ii) conducting laboratory infections coupled with RNAseq of both O. camponoti-floridani and its host, Campontous floridanus, and (iii) using these data for a comparative analysis to similar work performed in Ophiocordyceps kimflemingiae and Camponotus castaneus.

We propose differentially expressed genes tied to ant neurobiology, odor response, circadian rhythms, and foraging behavior may be the result of putative fungal effectors such as enterotoxins, aflatrem, and mechanisms disrupting nutrition-sensing or caste-identity pathways.

Authors: Ian Will, Biplabendu Das, Thienthanh Trinh, Andreas Brachmann, Robin Ohm, Charissa de Bekker

入門

MinION Starter Packを購入 ナノポア製品の販売 シークエンスサービスプロバイダー グローバルディストリビューター

ナノポア技術

ナノポアの最新ニュースを購読 リソースと発表文献 Nanopore Communityとは

Oxford Nanoporeについて

ニュース 会社沿革 持続可能性 経営陣 メディアリソース & お問い合わせ先 投資家向け パートナー向け Oxford Nanopore社で働く 現在の募集状況 営業上の情報 BSI 27001 accreditationBSI 90001 accreditationBSI mark of trust
Japanese flag