Combining Microfluidics and RNA-Sequencing to Assess the Inducible Defensome of a Mushroom Against Nematodes

This research reveals how mushrooms defend themselves against tiny worm predators using specialized toxic proteins. Using an innovative microfluidic device, scientists discovered new defense mechanisms that fungi employ when attacked by nematodes. This has important implications for everyday life: • Better understanding of natural pest control mechanisms could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices • The discovery of new toxic proteins could inspire development of novel pest control agents • The research demonstrates how organisms adapt and defend themselves in nature, showing the complexity of ecological relationships • The findings could help in developing new strategies to protect beneficial fungi in agriculture and medicine • The innovative microfluidic technology developed could be applied to study other microscopic interactions in medicine and biotechnology