Entomopathogenicity and Biological Attributes of Himalayan Treasured Fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Yarsagumba)

Author: mycolabadmin
2017-02-05
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Summary

Ophiocordyceps sinensis, known as the caterpillar fungus, is a remarkable organism that parasitizes moth larvae in the Himalayas and produces numerous compounds with medicinal properties. This fungus has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and continues to reveal new potential therapeutic applications through modern research. Impact on everyday life: – Provides natural alternatives for treating various conditions including fatigue, respiratory issues, and immune disorders – Offers potential new drug development opportunities for modern medicine – Serves as a significant source of income for local Himalayan communities – Demonstrates natural pest control mechanisms that could inform agricultural practices – Highlights the importance of sustainable harvesting practices for preserving natural resources

Background

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is an insect-parasitizing fungus known as ‘Chinese caterpillar fungus’ or ‘Yarsagumba’ that belongs to the Ascomycota phylum. It parasitizes Lepidopteran larvae of over 60 different species, particularly the Himalayan bat moth Hepialus armoricanus. The fungus is concentrated at high altitudes (>4000m) in the Nepalese Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau.

Objective

This review aims to provide insights on different biological events in fungal biology related to life-history trade-offs, host specialization and selection pressures. It examines the mechanisms behind fungal pathogenicity and fungal-insect interactions, with particular focus on how pharmacological abilities are acquired and stored within the insect framework when hijacked by fungal parasites.

Results

The study reveals that O. sinensis employs complex molecular mechanisms including MAP kinase pathways, histidine kinases, and G-protein coupled receptors during host infection. The fungus secretes various enzymes and secondary metabolites to breach the larval cuticle and consume the host. The genome contains 6,972 protein-coding genes with specialized pathogenicity factors. The fungus produces numerous bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties including cordycepin, polysaccharides, sterols, and nucleosides.

Conclusion

O. sinensis demonstrates sophisticated infection strategies and molecular mechanisms to parasitize insect hosts. Understanding these biological attributes provides insights into fungal pathogenicity and potential therapeutic applications. However, sustainable cultivation remains challenging and natural populations are threatened by over-exploitation. More molecular studies are needed to fully understand infection mechanisms and exploit pharmaceutical compounds.

Published in:Journal of Fungi,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.3390/jof3010004