薛雁冰 Yen-Ping Hsueh

Predator-prey interactions and coevolution between carnivorous fungi and C. elegans

My laboratory studies the biology of predatory fungi and their interactions with nematode prey, using nematode- trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora, the oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, and the nematode C. elegans as the models. We aim to understand this cross-kingdom predator-prey interaction across scales in time and space, at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels and strive to uncover the mechanism of their coevolution. Carnivory has independently emerged in various fungal lineages. Within the Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, and Zygomycetes, multiple species have evolved unique strategies to prey on nematodes, Earth’s most abundant animals. Despite their fascinating biology, these predatory fungi have been minimally explored at molecular and cellular levels. Over recent years, my team has been at the forefront of developing genetic models for two carnivorous fungi: A. oligospora from the Ascomycetes and P. ostreatus from the Basidiomycetes. Each employs distinct predatory strategies. In parallel, we leverage powerful genetics and diverse ancillary resources for C. elegans to study nematode’s interactions with fungal predators. In our systems, both fungi and nematodes are genetically tractable, enabling an in-depth analysis of interactions from both sides. Our work not only addresses fundamental biological questions but also illuminates the evolutionary arms races between predators and prey. Moreover, our findings could lead to novel treatments or biocontrol methods for managing parasitic nematode infections in humans, animals, and agriculture—a pressing need in light of rising anthelmintic drug resistance.