Neurotransmitter acetylcholine mediates the mummification of <i>Ophiocordyceps sinensis</i>-infected <i>Thitarodes xiaojinensis</i> larvae.

ABSTRACT: Parasites can manipulate host behavior to facilitate parasite transmission. One such host-pathogen interaction occurs between the fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis and the ghost moth Thitarodes xiaojinensis. O. sinensis is involved in the mummification process of infected host larvae. However, the underlying molecular and chemical mechanism for this phenomenon is unknown. We characterized the small molecules regulating host behaviors and the altered metabolites in infected and mummified host larvae. Lipid-related metabolites, such as phosphatidylcholine, were identified in infected and mummified larvae. Decreased levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) and elevated choline levels were observed in the brains of both the infected and mummified larvae. The aberrant activ

SUBMITTER: Chai W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11409639 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature