Project

Functional investigations on microRNAs of ghost moths involved in the dimorphic transition of an entomopathogenic fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis

Code
01SC3324
Duration
15 September 2024 → 14 September 2027
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Fellow
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Invertebrate biology
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Mycology
  • Engineering and technology
    • Biological control
Keywords
Functional biology pathogenicity fungus-insect interaction dimorphic fungus
 
Project description

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is an entomopathogenic fungus infecting Thitarodes moths, in which the infection process requires over one year before killing the host. It offers a unique model for studying insect-fungus interactions. This project investigates long-term interactions and explores a crosskingdom
strategy utilizing insect miRNAs to modulate fungal virulence and dimorphic transition, inspiring potential anti-miRNA fungal strains for biological pest control.