The dynamic cell wall in the mycoparasitic fungus Trichoderma atroviride

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Project duration: 1 July 2021 - 30 June 2025

As pests on plants, phytopathogenic fungi pose an enormous challenge for agriculture. So-called mycoparasites are used as a promising alternative to conventional pesticides as biological plant protection products in agricultural biotechnology. Pathogens are attacked and killed by mycoparasites through special infection structures, the production of metabolites and the secretion of enzymes. Some filamentous soil fungi of the genus Trichoderma are known for their parasitic behaviour towards phytopathogenic fungi.

The most important components of the cell wall of fungi are chitin, chitosan and glucan. In particular, chitosan, the deacetylated form of chitin, plays a crucial role in the resistance of filamentous fungi during interaction with hosts. Strategies by which the cell wall evades the host immune system are common to all plant and human pathogens, but have not yet been investigated in mycoparasites.

The present project "Dynamic cell wall architecture in TRICHODERMA mycoparasitism" deals with the characterisation of the modular structure of the components chitin, chitosan and glucan in the cell wall of Trichoderma atroviride and the interaction of selected enzymes. The synergistic behaviour of chitin-, chitosan- and glucan-modifying enzymes during mycoparasitic interaction and during hyphal development is analysed using fluorescence microscopy methods. The development of a specific probe enables detection processes of chitosan during fungal interactions in vivo, and could also be further developed for rapid tests to detect other pests.

The aim is to obtain a holistic picture of the dynamic cell wall of fungi during their attack on a host. In addition, Trichoderma atroviride as a mycoparasite contributes to expanding knowledge about organic farming with regard to biocontrol. The climate crisis requires a rethink in agriculture and in particular with regard to the amended EU directives with the aim of reducing the use of pesticides. Ultimately, the knowledge gained could also be transferred to pathogenic fungi for humans, animals and plants and thus drive the development of new and alternative drugs used for fungal infections, so-called antimycotics.

Research objectives

Investigate the biocontrol properties of Trichoderma species to control fungal pathogens to replace chemical pesticides and promote food security and human health.
Analysing chitin and chitosan in the cell wall synthesis of Trichoderma atroviride to understand the mechanisms of their function in mycoparasites and further improve biological control.
Research into fungal cell wall enzymes for the environmentally friendly production of chitosan with a focus on their application in industry.
Gaining valuable insights into cell biology and enzymology