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Electron-Transferring Flavoprotein and Its Dehydrogenase Required for Fungal Pathogenicity in Arthrobotrys oligospora

Yonglan Liu1, Zhangyu Li1, Junjie Liu1

  • 1State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) is crucial for nematode-trapping fungi like Arthrobotrys oligospora, impacting metabolism and predatory behavior. Mutations disrupt mitochondrial function and trap formation, affecting nematode interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF) is vital in fatty acid oxidation and amino acid metabolism.
  • Fungal ETF can influence opportunistic fungal pathogenicity by altering cellular metabolites.
  • Arthrobotrys oligospora is a nematode-invading fungus with uncharacterized ETF function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the role of ETF and its dehydrogenase in Arthrobotrys oligospora.
  • To investigate the impact of ETF mutations on fungal metabolism and pathogenicity.
  • To understand the regulation of nematode-trapping and fungal-nematode interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Gene knockout/mutation of Aoetfα, Aoetfβ, and Aoetfdh in Arthrobotrys oligospora.
  • Analysis of mitochondrial integrity and fatty acid metabolism.
  • Assessment of trap formation in response to nematode signals and nutrients.
  • Evaluation of nematode predatory activity and attraction.

Main Results:

  • Mutations in Aoetfα, Aoetfβ, and Aoetfdh caused severe mitochondrial defects and blocked fatty acid metabolism.
  • Pathogenicity-related trap structures were suppressed by nematode signals and nutrients (ammonia, urea).
  • Nematode predatory activity was reduced and delayed in mutants; however, rich nutrition restored trap formation and activity in Aoetfβ mutants.
  • Aoetfβ deletion resulted in butyrate-like odor attracting Caenorhabditis elegans.

Conclusions:

  • ETF and its dehydrogenase are essential for nematode-trapping fungi, regulating mitochondrial metabolism.
  • Mitochondrial metabolite fluctuations are linked to fungal pathogenesis and nematode interactions.
  • ETF function influences the complex relationship between fungi and their nematode hosts.
Keywords:
electron transfer flavoproteinnematode–fungus interactiontrap

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