Homology-mediated transformation of frog-killing fungus <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> illuminates chytrid development and pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT: The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) infects amphibians and causes chytridiomycosis, a disease linked to global amphibian decline. Despite its ecological importance, Bd has lacked robust tools for genetic manipulation, limiting molecular insights into its development and pathogenicity. Here, we establish homologous recombination as a system for stable transformation of Bd, enabling targeted chromosomal integration of exogenous DNA, endogenous protein tagging, and targeted gene deletion. We use this system to visualize Bd infection in live amphibians to enhance understanding of host invasion and pathogenesis. We also use this system to test a previous hypothesis regarding the role of chitin synthases in Bd development by tagging th

SUBMITTER: Brody SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12595416 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature