Iron acquisition in the mutualistic fungus <i>Penicillium herquei</i>: implications of mineral elements in insect-fungus symbiosis.

ABSTRACT: Mutualistic interactions between insects and fungi are pivotal in ecosystem dynamics, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study investigates iron acquisition strategies of the mutualistic Penicillium herquei, revealing the involvement of mineral elements in insect-fungus symbiosis. Comparative transcriptomics of weevil-farming strain (WFS) and soil free-living strain (SFS) revealed distinct transcriptional profiles, with 4,357 upregulated genes in WFS. Enrichment analyses highlighted a significant upregulation of genes linked to oxidoreductase activity, iron and heme binding, with a notable prevalence of cytochrome P450 (CYP450). qRT-PCR confirmed differential expression of CYP450 and siderophore-related genes, indicating enhanced iron absorption

SUBMITTER: Qiu P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12403598 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature