Organism: Entomopathogenic fungus *Metarhizium brunneum*

Impact: Understanding fungicide resistance in pathogenic species

Details:

- *M. brunneum* is a fungus that attacks insects and is used as a biocontrol agent in agriculture

- To study the fungus's ability to infect and kill insects, researchers isolated the *M. brunneum* protein that helps the fungus invade the insect's body.

- They discovered that the protein, called 43 kDa protease (PR1), can break down the tough outer layer of the insect's body making it easier for the fungus to enter and spread.

- Interestingly, the researchers also found that PR1 can break down a commonly-used class of agricultural fungicides designed to combat *M. brunneum* and other fungal pathogens.

Insight:

- This discovery highlights the potential role of PR1 in fungicide resistance in pathogenic fungi, which could affect crop protection and human health.

- Further studies are needed to investigate the prevalence and significance of PR1-mediated fungicide resistance in plant pathogens and identify strategies to mitigate its impact on agriculture.