AfSwi6 Regulates the Stress Response, Chlamydospore Production, and Pathogenicity in the Nematode-Trapping Fungus Arthrobotrys flagrans

Abstract

Nematode-trapping (NT) fungi are a major resource for controlling parasitic nematodes. Arthrobotrys flagrans, as a typical NT fungus, can capture nematodes by producing three-dimensional nets. The APSES transcription factor Swi6 plays a vital role in fungal growth and the pathogenicity of pathogens. In this study, we characterized AfSwi6 via gene disruption using the homologous recombinant method and transcriptome sequencing. Knockout of the AfSwi6 gene caused defects in mycelial growth, trap formation and pathogenicity, chlamydospore production, and stress response. Moreover, the transcriptome data indicated that AfSwi6 was related to DNA repair, stress response, and plasma membrane fusion. The result showed that AfSwi6 has a significant effect on trap development and chlamydospore production in A. flagrans.