Molecular mechanism of prey-sensing and trap development in the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora

Advisor: Yen-Ping Hsueh

Location: Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen

One fascinating feature of the nematode-trapping fungi is that they are able to sense the presence of prey, which then triggered the trap morphogenesis. Our lab has established that complex nematode signals, including ascarosides and non-ascaroside signals from the nematodes are cues to be sensed by the fungal predator. Several members of the GPCRs have been identified to recognize the nematode cues, and several conserved signaling pathways are been shown to be essential for nematode-sensing and trap morphogenesis (Kuo et al Nature Microbiology 2024). This project aims to continue to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that governs trap development in A. oligospora

Image of a trap in the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora — Image of a trap in the nematode-trapping fungus *Arthrobotrys oligospora*

Image of a trap in the nematode-trapping fungus *Arthrobotrys oligospora*

References:

The nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora detects prey pheromones via G protein-coupled receptors CY Kuo, RJ Tay, HC Lin, SC Juan, G Vidal-Diez de Ulzurrun, YC Chang, ... Nature Microbiology, 1-14
Key processes required for the different stages of fungal carnivory by a nematode-trapping fungus HC Lin, GVD de Ulzurrun, SA Chen, CT Yang, RJ Tay, T Iizuka, TY Huang, ...PLoS biology 21 (11), e3002400
Meet the fungus that can transform into a carnivorous predator - National Geographic (2023)

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