The evolution and development of toxocyst in the Pleurotus mushrooms

Advisor: Yen-Ping Hsueh

Location: Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of toxocysts on Pleurotus ostreatus hyphae — Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of toxocysts on *Pleurotus ostreatus* hyphae

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of toxocysts on *Pleurotus ostreatus* hyphae

The oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus is carnivorous, capable of paralyzing and killing nematodes. Researchers have identified a specific structure, the toxocyst, and a volatile compound that disrupts the nervous systems of nematodes, which is essential for nematode-killing (Lee et al. Science Advances). Unbiased genetic screens had identified ~20 genes essential for the development of toxocyst. This project aims to dissect the function of these genes and to illuminate the molecular mechanism of toxocyst development.

References:

A carnivorous mushroom paralyzes and kills nematodes via a volatile ketone CH Lee, YY Lee, YC Chang, WL Pon, SP Lee, N Wali, T Nakazawa, ..Science advances 9 (3), eade4809
The Toxin That Helps Oyster Mushrooms Devour Worm Flesh - New York Times (2023)
How a Carnivorous Mushroom Poisons Its Prey - scientificamerican.com (2021)

More information about the research of Yen-Ping Hsueh and a selection of recent publications can be found on her faculty page.

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Application deadline: 27 January 2025