Genome sequence of the insect pathogenic fungus Cordyceps militaris, a valued traditional Chinese medicine.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Species in the ascomycete fungal genus Cordyceps have been proposed to be the teleomorphs of Metarhizium species. The latter have been widely used as insect biocontrol agents. Cordyceps species are highly prized for use in traditional Chinese medicines, but the genes responsible for biosynthesis of bioactive components, insect pathogenicity and the control of sexuality and fruiting have not been determined.

Results

Here, we report the genome sequence of the type species Cordyceps militaris. Phylogenomic analysis suggests that different species in the Cordyceps/Metarhizium genera have evolved into insect pathogens independently of each other, and that their similar large secretomes and gene family expansions are due to convergent evolution. However, relative to oth

SUBMITTER: Zheng P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3334602 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature