<i>MaCsbD</i> Mediates Thermotolerance and UV-B Resistance in <i>Metarhizium acridum</i> by Regulating DNA Repair, Antioxidant Defense, and Protective Metabolites.

ABSTRACT: Although CsbD-like proteins have been studied extensively in bacteria, their functions in eukaryotes remain largely uncharacterized. Our study investigated the CsbD homolog MaCsbD in the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum and uncovered its importance for coping with environmental stress. Loss of MaCsbD resulted in delayed conidial germination, reduced conidial yield, and heightened sensitivity to UV-B irradiation and heat shock. The mechanism analysis revealed that the absence of MaCsbD led to a decline in DNA repair capacity, a weakening of the antioxidant defense mechanism, and a reduction in the induction of heat shock proteins. The determination of the accumulation levels of protective metabolites, melanin, and trehalose in the conidia showed that their co

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12733939 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature