The cysteine-rich virulence factor NipA of Arthrobotrys flagrans interferes with cuticle integrity of Caenorhabditis elegans

Heterologous expression of the fungal virulence factor NipA from Arthrobotrys flagrans in Caenorhabditis elegans resulted in blister formation. Transcriptomic analysis of young adult C. elegans (N2), heterologously expressing NipA in the epidermis, revealed transcriptional changes for ECM and stress response genes.