Mannitol mediates the mummification behavior of Thitarodes xiaojinensis larvae infected with Ophiocordyceps sinensis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Parasites can facilitate their own spread and reproduction by manipulating insect hosts behavior, as seen in the interaction between Thitarodes xiaojinensis and Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Infection by O. sinensis leads to the mummification of T. xiaojinensis larvae, but the underlying mechanisms remain mysterious.

Methods

The morphology of O. sinensis infected larvae and fungal growth were first observed. Subsequently, the metabolite changes in the larvae before and after infection with the fungus were analyzed by LC/MS and targeted metabolomics. The expression of mannitol-related genes was detected using RT-qPCR, and morphological changes in larvae were observed after injection of different concentrations of mannitol into the

SUBMITTER: Chai W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11368059 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature