Metarhizium brunneum infection dynamics differ at the cuticle interface of susceptible and tolerant morphs of Galleria mellonella.

ABSTRACT: In order for entomopathogenic fungi to colonize an insect host, they must first attach to, and penetrate, the cuticle layers of the integument. Herein, we explored the interactions between the fungal pathogen Metarhizium brunneum ARSEF 4556 and two immunologically distinct morphs, melanic (M) and non-melanic (NM), of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. We first interrogated the cuticular compositions of both insect morphs to reveal substantial differences in their physiochemical properties. Enhanced melanin accumulation, fewer hydrocarbons, and higher _L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) decarboxylase activity were evident in the cuticle of the M larvae. This "hostile" terrain proved challenging for M. brunneum - reflected in poor conidial attachment and ge

SUBMITTER: Grizanova EV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8647853 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature