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

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 October 2017
Country:
Brazil, Ghana
Document Type:
Journal Article
Theme:
Agriculture
Authors:
Bekker, C. de, Ohm, R.A., Evans, H.C., Brachmann, A, Hughes, D.P.

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.

Ant-infecting Ophiocordyceps genomes reveal a high diversity of potential behavioral manipulation genes and a possible major role for enterotoxins

Published 1 October 2017
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