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Bacteria can mobilize nematode-trapping fungi to kill nematodes

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    McMaster 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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-, 2014. "Bacteria can mobilize nematode-trapping fungi to kill nematodes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms6776
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6776
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