Trichoderma: the genomics of opportunistic success

Trichoderma: the genomics of opportunistic success

2011-10-09 | Irina S. Druzhinina, Verena Seidl-Seiboth, Alfredo Herrera-Estrella, Benjamin A. Horwitz, Charles M. Kenerley, Enrique Monte, Prasun K. Mukherjee, Susanne Zeilinger, Igor V. Grigoriev, Christian P. Kubicek
The article "Trichoderma: The Genomics of Opportunistic Success" by Irina S. Druzhinina and colleagues reviews recent advances in molecular ecology and genomics that highlight the opportunistic nature of the genus *Trichoderma*. The authors discuss how saprotrophy on fungal biomass (mycotrophy) and various forms of parasitism on other fungi (mycoparasitism), combined with broad environmental adaptability, have driven the evolution of *Trichoderma* interactions with plants and animals. Key findings include: 1. **Mycotrophy and Mycoparasitism**: *Trichoderma* species exhibit both biotrophic and saprotrophic nutritional strategies, with mycotrophy being a widespread property. Mycoparasitism involves the degradation and growth within the resting structures of plant pathogenic fungi. 2. **Genomic Insights**: Comparative genomics of *Hypocrea jecorina* (anamorph *Trichoderma reesei*), *H. virens*, and *H. atroviridis* reveal that mycotrophy is an ancient trait of *Trichoderma*. Genes related to mycotrophy, such as proteases, chitinases, and secondary metabolites, are abundant in these genomes. 3. **Interactions with Plants**: *Trichoderma* species can stimulate plant growth and defense responses, promoting positive interactions with plants. This is facilitated by the presence of potential fungal preys and plant root-derived nutrients in the rhizosphere. 4. **Endophytism**: Some *Trichoderma* species have evolved into endophytes, colonizing plant tissues without causing symptoms. This adaptation may have evolved from traits related to mycotrophy. 5. **Opportunistic Success**: The ability to adapt to various ecological niches and exploit resources has contributed to the environmental success and biotechnological applications of *Trichoderma*. The article emphasizes the importance of further research to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and to explore the potential of *Trichoderma* in biotechnology, agriculture, and other fields.The article "Trichoderma: The Genomics of Opportunistic Success" by Irina S. Druzhinina and colleagues reviews recent advances in molecular ecology and genomics that highlight the opportunistic nature of the genus *Trichoderma*. The authors discuss how saprotrophy on fungal biomass (mycotrophy) and various forms of parasitism on other fungi (mycoparasitism), combined with broad environmental adaptability, have driven the evolution of *Trichoderma* interactions with plants and animals. Key findings include: 1. **Mycotrophy and Mycoparasitism**: *Trichoderma* species exhibit both biotrophic and saprotrophic nutritional strategies, with mycotrophy being a widespread property. Mycoparasitism involves the degradation and growth within the resting structures of plant pathogenic fungi. 2. **Genomic Insights**: Comparative genomics of *Hypocrea jecorina* (anamorph *Trichoderma reesei*), *H. virens*, and *H. atroviridis* reveal that mycotrophy is an ancient trait of *Trichoderma*. Genes related to mycotrophy, such as proteases, chitinases, and secondary metabolites, are abundant in these genomes. 3. **Interactions with Plants**: *Trichoderma* species can stimulate plant growth and defense responses, promoting positive interactions with plants. This is facilitated by the presence of potential fungal preys and plant root-derived nutrients in the rhizosphere. 4. **Endophytism**: Some *Trichoderma* species have evolved into endophytes, colonizing plant tissues without causing symptoms. This adaptation may have evolved from traits related to mycotrophy. 5. **Opportunistic Success**: The ability to adapt to various ecological niches and exploit resources has contributed to the environmental success and biotechnological applications of *Trichoderma*. The article emphasizes the importance of further research to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions and to explore the potential of *Trichoderma* in biotechnology, agriculture, and other fields.
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