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Fusarium pseudonygamai Promotes Blastospore Transformation in Ophiocordyceps sinensis: Insights into Microbial Interaction and Key Mechanisms

Summary

This study reveals how a beneficial microorganism (Fusarium pseudonygamai) helps the medicinal fungus Chinese cordyceps transform and grow properly. The microorganism produces a natural sugar-like substance called mannitol that signals the fungus to change from spore form into thread-like hyphae. By understanding this microbial communication, scientists can potentially improve the artificial production of Chinese cordyceps, reducing pressure on wild populations.

Background

Chinese cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is a parasitic fungus-caterpillar complex used in traditional medicine. The fungus requires several months to complete its life cycle, with blastospore-to-hyphae transformation being critical for Chinese cordyceps formation. Previous research identified diverse microbial communities in Thitarodes larvae that may influence fungal development.

Objective

To investigate the role of host-associated microbiota in enhancing O. sinensis blastospore transformation in vitro, with focus on identifying microbial factors and metabolites that promote fungal development. The study examined Fusarium pseudonygamai, selected from over 100 microbial isolates screened for transformation-promoting ability.

Results

F. pseudonygamai supernatant increased transformation rates by 31.6% after 8 days. Transcriptomic analysis revealed early upregulation of genes involved in energy metabolism (CYC1), stress response (hmp), detoxification (gedE), and morphogenesis (fahA). Three bioactive compounds were isolated: mannitol, adenosine, and benzoic acid, with mannitol identified as the key promoter of transformation at 50 µg/mL.

Conclusion

Microbiota-derived mannitol acts as a key metabolite regulating O. sinensis blastospore transformation. Modulation of mannitol biosynthesis genes (M1PDH and MDH) directly influenced transformation efficiency. These findings offer potential strategies for improving artificial cultivation of Chinese cordyceps by leveraging microbial metabolites.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41149935; DOI: 10.3390/jof11100746
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