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Secretome of fungus-infected aphids documents high pathogen activity and weak host response

Morten N Grell1, Annette B Jensen, Peter B Olsen

  • 1Department of Biotechnology and Chemistry, Section for Sustainable Biotechnology, Aalborg University, Lautrupvang 15, DK-2750 Ballerup, Denmark. mng@bio.aau.dk

Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B
|December 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals diverse secreted proteins in insect-pathogen interactions between aphids and Entomophthorales fungi. Fungi use enzymes to invade hosts, while aphids show a weak immune response, suggesting a reduced immune repertoire.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Entomology
  • Mycology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions

Background:

  • Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for biological and agricultural sciences.
  • The secretome of insect pathogens offers insights into infection mechanisms.
  • Aphids (Hemiptera) are significant agricultural pests, and Entomophthorales fungi are their natural enemies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discover and characterize novel secreted proteins involved in the interaction between grain aphids and Entomophthorales fungi.
  • To elucidate the functional roles of these secreted proteins in host cuticle penetration and nutrient acquisition.
  • To investigate the host (aphid) response at the genetic level during fungal infection.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of a cDNA library directly from field-sampled aphid-fungus interaction material.
  • Application of a novel, sequence-unbiased screening method to identify secreted proteins.
  • Bioinformatic analysis to infer protein functions, focusing on enzymatic activities.

Main Results:

  • Identification of a diverse array of secreted proteins from Pandora and Entomophthora fungi.
  • Demonstration of hydrolytic enzymes (including lipases) used by fungi for host cuticle penetration and hemolymph nutrient acquisition.
  • Discovery of limited aphid gene expression related to the interaction, suggesting a minimal host immune response.

Conclusions:

  • Fungal secretomes are equipped with enzymes essential for overcoming host defenses and exploiting host resources.
  • Aphids exhibit a reduced immune repertoire, making them vulnerable to fungal pathogens.
  • These findings advance our understanding of insect-pathogen dynamics and aphid immunity.

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