MaMsb2, a signaling mucin, is involved in conidiation, stress tolerances, and virulence in the entomopathogenic fungus <i>Metarhizium acridum</i>.

ABSTRACT: Entomopathogenic fungi are pivotal microbial resources for crop protection in agriculture, offering a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. The signalling mucin gene Msb2 contributes to the modulation of fungal development and virulence, yet its functions have remained unexplored in entomopathogenic fungi. In this study, we aimed to characterize the functions of Msb2 in the model entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum using gene knockout and complementation strategies. The absence of MaMsb2 led to a delay in conidial germination and an increase in conidial yield due to a shift in the conidiation pattern. Additionally, the MaMsb2-disruption bring about the significantly reduced tolerances to various adversities in

SUBMITTER: Dai H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12320843 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature