Transcriptomic Data Suggest Pathways Involved in Conidiation Degeneration and Its Rejuvenate by Passage in the...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Mycology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Metarhizium lepidiotae is a valuable entomopathogenic fungus.
• Prolonged subculturing leads to phenotypic degeneration, impacting agricultural applications.
• Molecular mechanisms of degeneration are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate molecular mechanisms of M. lepidiotae degeneration during subculturing.
• Identify factors contributing to reduced conidiation and metabolic activity.
• Explore methods for strain rejuvenation and stability.

Main Methods:

• Comparative transcriptomic analysis of original, degenerated, and rejuvenated M. lepidiotae strains.
• Cultivation and insect passage for strain manipulation.
• Analysis of gene expression related to metabolism, RNA processing, and oxidative stress.

Main Results:

• Degenerated strains show initial compensation via enhanced translation, followed by collapse of RNA processing and translational machinery.
• Downregulation of the peroxisome pathway suggests impaired ROS metabolism and weakened antioxidant defense.
• Insect passage effectively rejuvenated degenerated strains.

Conclusions:

• Disruptions in RNA regulatory networks and oxidative homeostasis are key drivers of M. lepidiotae degeneration.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for maintaining strain stability in biocontrol.
• Findings offer theoretical insights for large-scale fungal production and application.