Ant-infecting Ophiocordyceps genomes reveal a high diversity of potential behavioral manipulation genes and a possible major role for enterotoxins.
This study compared the genomes of 5 ant-infecting Ophiocordyceps species from 3 species complexes
Abstract
Much can be gained from revealing the mechanisms fungal entomopathogens employ. Especially intriguing are fungal parasites that manipulate insect behavior because, presumably, they secrete a wealth of bioactive compounds. To gain more insight into their strategies, the authors compared the genomes of 5 ant-infecting Ophiocordyceps species from 3 species complexes.
Citation
Bekker, C. de, Ohm, R.A., Evans, H.C., Brachmann, A. and Hughes, D.P. (2017) Ant-infecting Ophiocordyceps genomes reveal a high diversity of potential behavioral manipulation genes and a possible major role for enterotoxins. Scientific Reports 7, 12508.