Hao Luyao, Zhao Fengmiao, Liu Hongyou, Ma Chengyu, Jia Xiaoqing, Jiang Lili, Fan Zhaobin, Wang Rui
College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Animal Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Medicine Experimental Teaching Center, Hohhot, China.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2025 Aug 20;15:1600620. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1600620. eCollection 2025.
(Goddard) Zare & Gams (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Hypocreales, Pochoniaceae, ) is a nematophagous fungus with significant potential as a biocontrol agent against animal-parasitic nematodes. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying its infection process remain poorly understood.This study comprehensively investigated infection dynamics in eggs using both microscopic and proteomic approaches. Infection was monitored at three distinct stages (early, middle, and late). Microscopic analysis included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and light microscopy (LM) to observe morphological changes. A 4D-DIA-based quantitative proteomics approach was employed to analyze exoproteomic changes, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to validate key genes. Microscopic observations revealed progressive invasion of into nematode eggs, with detailed morphological changes in both fungal structures and eggs, including key stages such as attachment, germination, and egg degradation. Proteomic analysis identified 410 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) across the three stages, with 313 upregulated and 403 downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed DEPs involvement in cellular stress response, proteolysis, metabolic process, and hydrolase activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis identified key pathways including signal transduction, cell wall biosynthesis, energy metabolism, and host-pathogen interactions. qPCR validation further supported the molecular basis of parasitic behavior. These findings clarify that employs a highly coordinated molecular strategy to adapt to and exploit its host, contributing to our understanding of fungal-nematode interactions and laying a solid foundation for developing as a sustainable tool for integrated pest management.
（戈达德）扎雷与甘姆斯菌（子囊菌门，粪壳菌纲，肉座菌目，白僵菌科）是一种具有显著潜力的食线虫真菌，可作为防治动物寄生线虫的生物防治剂。然而，其感染过程背后的分子和细胞机制仍知之甚少。本研究使用显微镜和蛋白质组学方法全面研究了其对虫卵的感染动态。在三个不同阶段（早期、中期和晚期）监测感染情况。显微镜分析包括扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、透射电子显微镜（TEM）和光学显微镜（LM），以观察形态变化。采用基于4D-DIA的定量蛋白质组学方法分析分泌蛋白质组的变化，并使用定量PCR（qPCR）验证关键基因。显微镜观察显示其逐渐侵入线虫卵，真菌结构和卵均有详细的形态变化，包括附着、萌发和卵降解等关键阶段。蛋白质组学分析在三个阶段共鉴定出410个差异表达蛋白（DEP），其中313个上调，403个下调。基因本体（GO）富集分析表明DEP参与细胞应激反应、蛋白水解、代谢过程和水解酶活性。京都基因与基因组百科全书（KEGG）通路分析确定了关键通路，包括信号转导、细胞壁生物合成、能量代谢和宿主-病原体相互作用。qPCR验证进一步支持了寄生行为的分子基础。这些发现阐明了该真菌采用高度协调的分子策略来适应和利用其宿主，有助于我们理解真菌-线虫相互作用，并为将其开发为害虫综合管理的可持续工具奠定了坚实基础。
