Bacteria can mobilize nematode-trapping fungi to kill nematodes

Xin Wang, Guo-Hong Li, Cheng-Gang Zou, Xing-Lai Ji, Tong Liu, Pei-Ji Zhao, Lian-Ming Liang, Jian-Ping Xu, Zhi-Qiang An, Xi Zheng, Yue-Ke Qin, Meng-Qing Tian, You-Yao Xu, Yi-Cheng Ma, Ze-Fen Yu, Xiao-Wei Huang, Shu-Qun Liu, Xue-Mei Niu, Jin-Kui Yang, Ying Huang and Ke-Qin Zhang ()
Additional contact information
Xin Wang: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Guo-Hong Li: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Cheng-Gang Zou: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Xing-Lai Ji: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Tong Liu: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Pei-Ji Zhao: State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lian-Ming Liang: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Jian-Ping Xu: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Zhi-Qiang An: Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center
Xi Zheng: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Yue-Ke Qin: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Meng-Qing Tian: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
You-Yao Xu: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Yi-Cheng Ma: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Ze-Fen Yu: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Xiao-Wei Huang: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Shu-Qun Liu: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Xue-Mei Niu: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Jin-Kui Yang: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Ying Huang: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University
Ke-Qin Zhang: Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, Yunnan University

Nature Communications, 2014, vol. 5, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract In their natural habitat, bacteria are consumed by bacterivorous nematodes; however, they are not simply passive preys. Here we report a defensive mechanism used by certain bacteria to mobilize nematode-trapping fungi to kill nematodes. These bacteria release urea, which triggers a lifestyle switch in the fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora from saprophytic to nematode–predatory form; this predacious form is characterized by formation of specialized cellular structures or ‘traps’. The bacteria significantly promote the elimination of nematodes by A. oligospora. Disruption of genes involved in urea transport and metabolism in A. oligospora abolishes the urea-induced trap formation. Furthermore, the urea metabolite ammonia functions as a signal molecule in the fungus to initiate the lifestyle switch to form trap structures. Our findings highlight the importance of multiple predator–prey interactions in prey defense mechanisms.

Date: 2014
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6776

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