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Draft genome of Conoideocrella luteorostrata ARSEF 14590 (Clavicipitaceae), an entomopathogenic fungus with a wealth of biosynthetic and biocontrol potential

Summary

Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of a fungus that naturally kills elongate hemlock scale insects, pests that damage Christmas trees. The fungus contains genes for producing cephalosporin, a well-known antibiotic, and other bioactive compounds. This discovery opens new possibilities for using this fungus as a natural pest control method and potentially developing new medicines from its biological compounds.

Background

Conoideocrella luteorostrata is a recently discovered entomopathogenic fungus that naturally infects elongate hemlock scale insects (Fiorinia externa) in Christmas tree farms in the eastern United States. This fungus has generated significant interest as a potential biological control agent, though genome information has been limited.

Objective

To generate a scaffold-level genome sequence for Conoideocrella luteorostrata strain ARSEF 14590 and conduct an initial survey of biosynthetic gene clusters to understand its potential for biocontrol and pharmaceutical applications.

Results

The assembled genome reached 47.39 Mbp across 864 scaffolds with 99.5% completeness according to BUSCO assessment. The annotation identified 12,844 protein-coding genes and 110 tRNA genes. AntiSMASH analysis revealed 48 biosynthetic gene clusters, including intact NRPS clusters for cephalosporin C (a β-lactam antibiotic) and cyclopiazonic acid (a fungal neurotoxin).

Conclusion

This genome assembly provides crucial genomic resources for understanding Conoideocrella luteorostrata and its biosynthetic potential for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. The presence of intact antibiotic biosynthetic pathways highlights promising avenues for future research into medical and biocontrol applications.
  • Published in:Microbiology Resource Announcements,
  • Study Type:Genome Sequencing and Annotation,
  • Source: 10.1128/mra.01273-24, PMID: 40698771
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