Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genome analysis of a pathogenic Cordyceps confragosa CHL02 strain isolated from Perca fluviavilis

Abstract:

Cordyceps confragosa is an entomopathogenic fungus that was isolated and identified from the disease Perca fluviavilis. The anamorphic stage, Lecanicillium lecanii, has been widely used as an insect biocontrol agent in agriculture. To date, whole-genome sequencing of C. confragosa isolated from fish has never been reported. This study used the Illumina PE150 sequencing platform to whole-genome sequence CHL02 strain, and the sequencing data were assembled and analyzed by the corresponding software. Gene prediction and functional annotation were conducted, secondary metabolite synthesis gene clusters were predicted, and pathogen-host interactions and comparative genomic analyses were performed. The sequencing results showed that the CHL02 genome is 36.17 Mb with a GC content of 53.09%. There were 8093 identified genes, 1618 TEs (Transposable elements), 4572 tandem repeats, and 114 transfer RNAs (tRNAs). A total of 7724 genes were annotated, 1985 of which were obtained by KOG annotation, and 2687 genes were involved in metabolic processes in the Gene Ontology (GO) cluster analysis. Twenty-two secondary metabolite synthesis gene clusters were predicted, and 1162 genes were involved in the pathogen-host interaction mechanisms. Gene cluster analysis and the phylogenetic tree showed high homology with the reference strain C. confragosa RCEF 1005 of insect origin. This study, for the first time, reported the whole genome sequencing and comparative analysis of C. confragosa CHL02 isolated from P. fluviavilis. These results provide an important theoretical foundation for further research into the mechanisms of perch pathogen infections.