Functional Characterization of Ao4g24: An Uncharacterized Gene Involved in Conidiation, Trap Formation, Stress Response, and Secondary Metabolism in .

is a typical nematode-trapping (NT) fungus, which can secrete food cues to lure, capture, and digest nematodes by triggering the production of adhesive networks (traps). Based on genomic and proteomic analyses, multiple pathogenic genes and proteins involved in trap formation have been characterized; however, there are numerous uncharacterized genes that play important roles in trap formation. The functional studies of these unknown genes are helpful in systematically elucidating the complex interactions between and nematode hosts. In this study, we screened the gene AOL_s00004g24 (). This gene is similar to the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, which was found to play a potential role in trap formation in our previous transcriptome analysis. Here, we characterized the function of by gene disruption, phenotypic analysis, and metabolomics. The deletion of led to a remarkable decrease in conidia yield, trap formation, and secondary metabolites. Meanwhile, the absence of influenced the mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP content, autophagy, ROS level, and stress response. These results indicate that has crucial functions in sporulation, trap formation, and pathogenicity in NT fungi. Our study provides a reference for understanding the role of unidentified genes in mycelium growth and trap formation in NT fungi.