Comparative gene clusters analysis of Cordyceps militaris and related entomopathogenic fungi

Abstract

Cordyceps militaris is an entomopathogenic fungus, which is being used as a biocontrol agent for insects as well as used as a fungal cell factory for pharmaceutical and industrial biotechnology. Comparative gene clusters analysis provides details on gene cluster function that can lead to a better understanding of evolution of fungal entomopathogenicity. In this study, we aimed to identify genome-specific and shared gene clusters together with their functions by comparative gene clusters analysis of C. militaris and other related entomopathogenic fungi. Initially, we retrieved the C. militaris and other related entomopathogenic fungal genome sequences, including two species of Cordyceps, three species of Metarhizium, Moelleriella libera, Isaria fumosorosea and Beauveria bassiana. Their genomes were then annotated for gene clusters associated with secondary metabolites by antiSMASH and SMURF tools together with manual curation. Accordingly, the results showed that 720 gene clusters were genome-specific and the remaining 391 gene clusters were shared between genomes. Of shared gene clusters, interestingly, we observed two gene clusters which were Huperzine A and Fumosorinone (2-pyridone alkaloid molecule) with orthologous genes between C. militaris and I. fumosorosea. This suggests that these species may have close evolutionary relationship than the other entomopathogenic fungi. This study provides useful information in gene clusters that are associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis in C. militaris and related entomopathogenic fungi. It can be essential for metabolic analysis of this fungal species and can serve as a way to further develop in pharmacological and industrial fields in the future.