The genome sequence and gene predictions of Arthrobotrys oligospora were not determined by the JGI, but were downloaded from NCBI and have been published (Jinkui Yang et al, 2011). Please note that this copy of the genome is not maintained by the author and is therefore not automatically updated.
Nematode-trapping fungi are a heterogeneous group of organisms broadly distributed in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. These fungi are capable of developing specific trapping devices such as adhesive networks, adhesive knobs, and constricting rings to capture nematodes and then extract nutrients from their nematode prey. Most nematode-trapping fungi can live as both saprophytes and parasites. They play important roles in maintaining nematode population density in diverse natural environments. Their broad adaptability and flexible lifestyles also make them ideal agents for controlling parasitic nematodes of plants and animals.
Arthrobotrys oligospora (teleomorph Orbilia auricolor) is one of the best-studied nematode-trapping fungi. Strains of A. oligospora have been found in diverse soil environments including heavy metal-polluted soils and decaying wood where they live mainly as saprophytes. In the presence of nematodes, A. oligospora enters the parasitic stage by forming complex three-dimensional networks to trap nematodes. The trapping initiates a series of processes including adhesion, penetration, and immobilization of nematodes. The ability to trap nematodes makes it an attractive candidate agent for controlling parasitic nematodes of plants and animals. Indeed, two commercial biological nematicides, Royal 300 and Royal 350, have been developed based on two species closely related to A. oligospora: A. robusta and A. irregularis.
Genome Reference(s)
Yang J, Wang L, Ji X, Feng Y, Li X, Zou C, Xu J, Ren Y, Mi Q, Wu J, Liu S, Liu Y, Huang X, Wang H, Niu X, Li J, Liang L, Luo Y, Ji K, Zhou W, Yu Z, Li G, Liu Y, Li L, Qiao M, Feng L, Zhang KQ
Genomic and proteomic analyses of the fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora provide insights into nematode-trap formation.
PLoS Pathog. 2011 Sep;7(9):e1002179. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002179