Comparative gene expression and genomics reflect geographical divergence in the plant symbiotic and entomopathogenic fungal genus Metarhizium

Author(s)

Couceiro, Joel da Cruz ; Licht, Henrik H. De Fine ; Delalibera Jr., Italo ; Meyling, Nicolai V.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Fungal Ecology; v. 60, p. 13-pg., 2022-08-20.

Abstract

Several species within the fungal genus Metarhizium can both infect insects and colonize plant roots. In Brazil, a specific subgroup within Metarhizium anisopliae s.str. named "subclade Mani 2 " is frequently observed infecting above-ground insects, whereas sympatric M. robertsii and M. brunneum predominantly occur in the soil envi-ronment. Genotypic variability within the genus may be linked to adaptations to these different habitats. We present a comparative analysis of the complete genomes and the adhesin genes Mad1 and Mad2 of 14 Meta-rhizium isolates representing M. anisopliae Mani 2 (n = 6), M. robertsii (n = 5) and M. brunneum (n = 3). In addition, the relative gene expression of six selected target genes was compared in root exudate solution and insect cuticle suspension. We hypothesized that M. anisopliae Mani 2 is adapted to insect-pathogenicity in the above-ground environment, reflected by higher relative expression of pathogenicity-related genes. In contrast, M. robertsii and M. brunneum are adapted to the soil environment, hence hypothesized to have a higher expression of genes related to plant associations. Phylogenomic and adhesin phylogenetic trees revealed species differences but also intraspecific variability associated with the geographic origin of isolates. Differences in relative gene expression were observed, with one pathogenicity-related gene (Pr1) being higher expressed in M. anisopliae. The insect adhesion Mad1 gene was more conserved than the plant adhesion Mad2 and similarly expressed in exudate solution, while Mad2 was highly expressed by all Brazilian isolates in both exudate and cuticle conditions. The variabilities observed correlated with different habitats and lifestyles, demonstrating the importance of selecting a diverse collection of isolates in genomic and gene expression studies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/13282-8 - Differential gene expression of Metarhizium spp.
• Grantee: Joel da Cruz Couceiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/20491-0 - Niche adaptations and plasticity within entomopathogenic Metarhizium communities in sugar cane ecosystems
• Grantee: Joel da Cruz Couceiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate