AoMbp1 Governs Conidiation and Trap Morphogenesis in Arthrobotrys oligospora Via Direct Transcriptional Activation of the MAPK Sensor AoSho1

The nematode-trapping fungus (NTF) <i>Arthrobotrys oligospora</i> (<i>A. oligospora</i>) is a promising biocontrol agent, but the transcriptional regulators governing its predation remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that the APSES transcription factor <i>AoMbp1</i> is a master regulator of its development and stress adaptation. Deletion of <i>AoMbp1</i> severely impaired mycelial growth, conidiation, trap formation, and tolerance to oxidative and osmotic stresses. Transcriptome analysis revealed that these defects were associated with the widespread downregulation of genes, including those within the MAPK signaling pathway. Crucially, we showed that <i>AoMbp1</i> directly binds to the promoter of <i>AoSho1</i>, a key upstream sensor of the MAPK cascade, and activates its expression. This finding establishes a direct <i>AoMbp1</i>-<i>AoSho1</i> regulatory axis controlling trap morphogenesis and environmental adaptation. Our study provides novel mechanistic insights into the regulation of nematode trapping and identifies a potential target for enhancing the efficacy of <i>A. oligospora</i> as a biocontrol agent.