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Chen M, Yu Y, Tong Y, Wu H, Qu J, Yang Y, Huang B. Hypothetical protein MAA_07646 is required for stress resistance and pathogenicity in Metarhizium robertsii. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:141. [PMID: 38519797 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Metarhizium robertsii, a vital entomopathogenic fungus for pest management, relies on various virulence-related proteins for infection. Identifying these proteins, especially those with unknown functions, can illuminate the fungus's virulence mechanisms. Through RNA-seq, we discovered that the hypothetical protein MAA_07646 was significantly upregulated during appressorium formation in M. robertsii. In this study, we characterized MAA_07646, finding its presence in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Surprisingly, it did not affect vegetative growth, conidiation, or chemical tolerance. However, it played a role in heat and UV radiation sensitivity. Notably, ΔMAA_07646 exhibited reduced virulence in Galleria mellonella larvae due to impaired appressorium formation and decreased expression of virulence-related genes. In conclusion, MAA_07646 contributes to thermotolerance, UV resistance, and virulence in M. robertsii. Understanding its function sheds light on the insecticidal potential of M. robertsii's hypothetical proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- MingYue Chen
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - YaShuai Yu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - YouMin Tong
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - JiaoJiao Qu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
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Yang N, Wu H, Tong Y, Liu Z, Li X, Huang B. The homeobox transcription factor MrHOX7 contributes to stress tolerance and virulence in the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 203:108071. [PMID: 38286328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi, including Metarhizium species, represent promising environmentally friendly biopesticides. Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing their infection processes is vital for enhancing their effectiveness. Transcription factors (TFs) play critical roles in gene regulation, yet the functions of many TFs in M. robertsii remain unknown. Homeobox transcription factors, implicated in diverse cellular processes, have received limited attention in entomopathogenic fungi. Here, we identify and characterize, a homeobox TF, MrHOX7, in the model entomopathogenic fungus M. robertsii. Subcellular localization and transcriptional profiling revealed MrHOX7's nuclear localization and high expression during conidia and appressoria formation. Deletion of Mrhox7 (ΔMrhox7) enhanced conidial tolerance to heat and UV-B stress, accompanying with upregulated stress-related gene expression. Intriguingly, ΔMrhox7 exhibits inhibited virulence exclusively through topical inoculation. Further investigations unveiled reduced conidial adhesion and appressorium formation, with downregulation of the adhesion gene Mad1 and appressorium-related genes, as the underlying causes of the reduced fungal virulence. Our findings illuminate the role of MrHOX7 in stress tolerance and virulence, providing insights into the molecular basis of fungal biopesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Yang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Youmin Tong
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zhenbang Liu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration on Prevention and Control of Pine Wood Nematode Disease, Anhui Academy of Forestry, Hefei 230088, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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Erdos Z, Studholme DJ, Sharma MD, Chandler D, Bass C, Raymond B. Manipulating multi-level selection in a fungal entomopathogen reveals social conflicts and a method for improving biocontrol traits. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011775. [PMID: 38527086 PMCID: PMC10994555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Changes in parasite virulence are commonly expected to lead to trade-offs in other life history traits that can affect fitness. Understanding these trade-offs is particularly important if we want to manipulate the virulence of microbial biological control agents. Theoretically, selection across different spatial scales, i.e. between- and within-hosts, shapes these trade-offs. However, trade-offs are also dependent on parasite biology. Despite their applied importance the evolution of virulence in fungal parasites is poorly understood: virulence can be unstable in culture and commonly fails to increase in simple passage experiments. We hypothesized that manipulating selection intensity at different scales would reveal virulence trade-offs in a fungal pathogen of aphids, Akanthomyces muscarius. Starting with a genetically diverse stock we selected for speed of kill, parasite yield or infectivity by manipulating competition within and between hosts and between-populations of hosts over 7 rounds of infection. We characterized ancestral and evolved lineages by whole genome sequencing and by measuring virulence, growth rate, sporulation and fitness. While several lineages showed increases in virulence, we saw none of the trade-offs commonly found in obligately-killing parasites. Phenotypically similar lineages within treatments often shared multiple single-nucleotide variants, indicating strong convergent evolution. The most dramatic phenotypic changes were in timing of sporulation and spore production in vitro. We found that early sporulation led to reduced competitive fitness but could increase yield of spores on media, a trade-off characteristic of social conflict. Notably, the selection regime with strongest between-population competition and lowest genetic diversity produced the most consistent shift to early sporulation, as predicted by social evolution theory. Multi-level selection therefore revealed social interactions novel to fungi and showed that these biocontrol agents have the genomic flexibility to improve multiple traits-virulence and spore production-that are often in conflict in other parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Erdos
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | | | - Manmohan D. Sharma
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - David Chandler
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Bass
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Raymond
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, United Kingdom
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Li J, Zhang Y, Jiao S, He L, Fan Y, Han X, Sun B, Zhao W, Mei Y, Wei N, Zeng H, Jin D. Bbhox2 is a key regulator for conidiation and virulence in Beauveria bassiana. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 203:108059. [PMID: 38199517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana, a well-known filamentous biocontrol fungus, is the main pathogen of numerous field and forest pests. To explore the potential factors involved in the fungal pathogenicity, Bbhox2, an important and conserved functional transcription factor containing homeodomain was carried out by functional analysis. Homologous recombination was used to disrupt the Bbhox2 gene in B.bassiana. The conidia yield of the deletant fungal strain was significantly reduced. The conidial germination was faster, and stress tolerance to Congo red and high osmotic agents were decreased compared with that in the wildtype. Additionally, ΔBbhox2 showed a dramatic reduction in virulence no matter in topical inoculations or in intra-hemolymph injections against Galleria mellonella larvae, which is likely due to the failure of appressorium formation and the defect in producing hyphal body. These results indicate that the Bbhox2 gene markedly contributes to conidiation and pathogenicity in B. bassiana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Li
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China; Hubei Province Research Center of Engineering Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients, Hubei Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Characteristic Fruits and Vegetables, College of Life Science and Technology, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China; School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shouhao Jiao
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Lian He
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanhua Fan
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemeng Han
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Binda Sun
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenqi Zhao
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanlin Mei
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China
| | - Ning Wei
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyue Zeng
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dan Jin
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China.
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Zhao X, Jiang Y, Wang H, Lu Z, Huang S, Luo Z, Zhang L, Lv T, Tang X, Zhang Y. Fus3/Kss1-MAP kinase and Ste12-like control distinct biocontrol-traits besides regulation of insect cuticle penetration via phosphorylation cascade in a filamentous fungal pathogen. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:2611-2624. [PMID: 36890107 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homolog of the yeast Fus3/Kss1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and its target transcription factor, Ste12-like, are involved in penetration of host cuticle/pathogenicity in many ascomycete pathogens. However, details of their interaction during fungal infection, as well as their controlled other virulence-associated traits, are unclear. RESULTS Ste12-like (BbSte12) and Fus3/Kss1 MAPK homolog (Bbmpk1) interacted in nucleus, and phosphorylation of BbSte12 by Bbmpk1 was essential for penetration of insect cuticle in an insect fungal pathogen, Beauveria bassiana. However, some distinct biocontrol-traits were found to be mediated by Ste12 and Bbmpk1. In contrast to ΔBbmpk1 colony that grew more rapid than wild-type strain, inactivation of BbSte12 resulted in the opposite phenotype, which was consistent with their different proliferation rates in insect hemocoel after direct injection of conidia bypass the cuticle. Reduced conidial yield with decreased hydrophobicity was examined in both mutants, however they displayed distinct conidiogenesis, accompanying with differently altered cell cycle, distinct hyphal branching and septum formation. Moreover, ΔBbmpk1 showed increased tolerance to oxidative agent, whereas the opposite phenotype was seen for ΔBbSte12 strain. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that Bbmpk1 controlled 356 genes depending on BbSte12 during cuticle penetration, but 1077 and 584 genes were independently controlled by Bbmpk1 and BbSte12. CONCLUSION BbSte12 and Bbmpk1 separately participate in additional pathways for control of conidiation, growth and hyphal differentiation, as well as oxidative stress response besides regulating cuticle penetration via phosphorylation cascade. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yahui Jiang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Huifang Wang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zhuoyue Lu
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Shuaishuai Huang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Zhibing Luo
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Liuyi Zhang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Ting Lv
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohan Tang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, P. R. China
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Li C, Xia Y, Jin K. N-terminal zinc fingers of MaNCP1 contribute to growth, stress tolerance, and virulence in Metarhizium acridum. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 216:426-436. [PMID: 35809667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
C2H2 zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are a class of important transcriptional regulators in eukaryotes involved in multiple biological regulation processes. Here, MaNCP1, a C2H2 ZFP, was functionally characterized in the model entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum. Deletion of MaNCP1 delayed conidial germination and hyphal growth, decreased the conidial yield and reduced the tolerances to UV-B irradiation and heat-shock. The N-terminal zinc fingers (ZFs) of MaNCP1 made the main contributions to these traits. In addition, disruption of MaNCP1 altered the conidial surface structure and decreased the conidial hydrophobicity. Bioassays showed that the virulence of the MaNCP1-disruption strain (ΔMaNCP1) was reduced in topical inoculation compared to the WT or the mutant complemented strain (CP), and the N-terminal C2H2 ZFs made a major contribution to virulence. Furthermore, the ΔMaNCP1 and C2H2 ZFs deletion mutants (MaNCP1∆N and MaNCP1∆N+C) impaired cuticular penetration. RNA-seq showed that several cuticle-degrading genes were down-regulated in the ΔMaNCP1 background, suggesting that MaNCP1 plays vital roles in regulating insect cuticle penetration. In summary, MaNCP1 affected the growth, stress tolerances and virulence of M. acridum, and the N-terminal C2H2 ZFs played indispensable roles in these important biocontrol traits. These results provide further insights into the functions of C2H2 ZFPs in entomopathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaochuang Li
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, PR China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing 401331, PR China; Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies Under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Yuxian Xia
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, PR China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing 401331, PR China; Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies Under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, PR China.
| | - Kai Jin
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, PR China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing 401331, PR China; Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies Under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, PR China.
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Host–Pathogen Interactions between Metarhizium spp. and Locusts. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8060602. [PMID: 35736085 PMCID: PMC9224550 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The progress in research on the interactions between Metarhizium spp. and locusts has improved our understanding of the interactions between fungal infection and host immunity. A general network of immune responses has been constructed, and the pathways regulating fungal pathogenicity have also been explored in depth. However, there have been no systematic surveys of interaction between Metarhizium spp. and locusts. The pathogenesis of Metarhizium comprises conidial attachment, germination, appressorial formation, and colonization in the body cavity of the host locusts. Meanwhile, the locust resists fungal infection through humoral and cellular immunity. Here, we summarize the crucial pathways that regulate the pathogenesis of Metarhizium and host immune defense. Conidial hydrophobicity is mainly affected by the contents of hydrophobins and chitin. Appressorial formation is regulated by the pathways of MAPKs, cAMP/PKA, and Ca2+/calmodulin. Lipid droplets degradation and secreted enzymes contributed to fungal penetration. The humoral response of locust is coordinated by the Toll pathway and the ecdysone. The regulatory mechanism of hemocyte differentiation and migration is elusive. In addition, behavioral fever and density-dependent population immunity have an impact on the resistance of hosts against fungal infection. This review depicts a prospect to help us understand host–pathogen interactions and provides a foundation for the engineering of entomopathogenic fungi and the discovery of insecticidal targets to control insect pests.
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Tang D, Tang X, Fang W. New Downstream Signaling Branches of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascades Identified in the Insect Pathogenic and Plant Symbiotic Fungus Metarhizium robertsii. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:911366. [PMID: 37746179 PMCID: PMC10512405 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.911366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Fungi rely on major signaling pathways such as the MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) signaling pathways to regulate their responses to fluctuating environmental conditions, which is vital for fungi to persist in the environment. The cosmopolitan Metarhizium fungi have multiple lifestyles and remarkable stress tolerance. Some species, especially M. robertsii, are emerging models for investigating the mechanisms underlying ecological adaptation in fungi. Here we review recently identified new downstream branches of the MAPK cascades in M. robertsii, which controls asexual production (conidiation), insect infection and selection of carbon and nitrogen nutrients. The Myb transcription factor RNS1 appears to be a central regulator that channels information from the Fus3- and Slt2-MAPK cascade to activate insect infection and conidiation, respectively. Another hub regulator is the transcription factor AFTF1 that transduces signals from the Fus3-MAPK and the membrane protein Mr-OPY2 for optimal formation of the infection structures on the host cuticle. Homologs of these newly identified regulators are found in other Metarhizium species and many non-Metarhizium fungi, indicating that these new downstream signaling branches of the MAPK cascades could be widespread.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Weiguo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Science, Institute of Microbiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Yu H, Yi L, Lu Z. Silencing of Chitin-Binding Protein with PYPV-Rich Domain Impairs Cuticle and Wing Development in the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13040353. [PMID: 35447795 PMCID: PMC9027310 DOI: 10.3390/insects13040353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Molting is extremely important for insect growth and development, which is accompanied the degradation of old cuticle and synthesis of new cuticle. Chitin and proteins, as major components of insect cuticle, maintain the rigidity of the exoskeleton. The functions of chitin-binding proteins have not, to date, been characterized in Diaphorina citri. In the current study, we identified a cuticle protein (DcCP64) according to chitin column purification and LC-MS/MS analysis. Silencing of DcCP64 induced an abnormal phenotype and increased the permeability of the abdomen and wings. Additionally, the mortality and malformation rate significantly increased, and the molting rate decreased after inhibition of DcCP64. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that up-regulated DEGs were mainly related to oxidative phosphorylation, whereas down-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in MAPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Our results provide a basis for further functional research on DcCP64 in D. citri. Abstract Chitin is a major component of the arthropod exoskeleton, always working together with chitin-binding proteins to maintain the functions of extracellular structures. In the present study, we identified a cuticle protein 64 from Diaphorina citri using a chitin-binding assay. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that DcCP64 contained eight conserved PYPV motifs but lacked a Rebers–Riddiford (R–R) consensus and other chitin-binding domains. RT-qPCR analysis suggested that DcCP64 had the highest expression level in the wing and fifth-instar nymph stage. Knockdown of DcCP64 by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in a malformed-wing phenotype, higher mortality and decreased molting rate. Furthermore, transcriptomics analysis revealed that 1244 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were up-regulated and 580 DEGs were down-regulated, compared with dsDcCP64 groups and dsGFP groups. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that up-regulated DEGs were mainly related to oxidative phosphorylation, whereas down-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in the MAPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Moreover, inhibition of DcCP64 significantly affected the cuticle surface, and increased the permeability of the abdomen and wings. Further chitin- and cellulose-binding assay confirmed the chitin-binding properties of recombinant DcCP64 in vitro. These results indicate that DcCP64 might play an important role in the cuticle and wing development of D. citri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhong Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China;
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Nanling Insect Biology, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Long Yi
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China;
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (Z.L.); Tel.: +86-0797-8397738 (L.Y. & Z.L.)
| | - Zhanjun Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China;
- National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Nanling Insect Biology, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (Z.L.); Tel.: +86-0797-8397738 (L.Y. & Z.L.)
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10
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Slt2-MAPK/RNS1 Controls Conidiation via Direct Regulation of the Central Regulatory Pathway in the Fungus Metarhizium robertsii. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 8:jof8010026. [PMID: 35049966 PMCID: PMC8779605 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascomycete fungi usually produce small hydrophobic asexual conidia that are easily dispersed and essential for long-term survival under a variety of environmental conditions. Several upstream signaling regulators have been documented to control conidiation via regulation of the central regulatory pathway that contains the transcription factors BrlA, AbaA and WetA. Here, we showed that the Slt2-MAPK signaling pathway and the transcription factor RNS1 constitute a novel upstream signaling cascade that activates the central regulatory pathway for conidiation in the Ascomycetes fungus M. robertsii. The BrlA gene has two overlapping transcripts BrlAα and BrlAβ; they have the same major ORF, but the 5' UTR of BrlAβ is 835 bp longer than the one of BrlAα. During conidiation, Slt2 phosphorylates the serine residue at the position 306 in RNS1, which self-induces. RNS1 binds to the BM2 motif in the promoter of the BrlA gene and induces the expression of the transcript BlrAα, which in turn activates the expression of the genes AbaA and WetA. In conclusion, the Slt2/RNS1 cascade represents a novel upstream signaling pathway that initiates conidiation via direct activation of the central regulatory pathway. This work provides significant mechanistic insights into the production of asexual conidia in an Ascomycete fungus.
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11
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Yan Y, Xiang B, Xie Q, Lin Y, Shen G, Hao X, Zhu X. A Putative C 2H 2 Transcription Factor CgTF6, Controlled by CgTF1, Negatively Regulates Chaetoglobosin A Biosynthesis in Chaetomium globosum. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2021; 2:756104. [PMID: 37744158 PMCID: PMC10512409 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2021.756104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Gα signaling pathway as well as the global regulator LaeA were demonstrated to positively regulate the biosynthesis of chaetoglobosin A (ChA), a promising biotic pesticide produced by Chaetomium globosum. Recently, the regulatory function of Zn2Cys6 binuclear finger transcription factor CgcheR that lies within the ChA biosynthesis gene cluster has been confirmed. However, CgcheR was not merely a pathway specific regulator. In this study, we showed that the homologs gene of CgcheR (designated as Cgtf1) regulate ChA biosynthesis and sporulation in C. globosum NK102. More importantly, RNA-seq profiling demonstrated that 1,388 genes were significant differentially expressed as Cgtf1 deleted. Among them, a putative C2H2 transcription factor, named Cgtf6, showed the highest gene expression variation in zinc-binding proteins encoding genes as Cgtf1 deleted. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that expression of Cgtf6 was significantly reduced in CgTF1 null mutants. Whereas, deletion of Cgtf6 resulted in the transcriptional activation and consequent increase in the expression of ChA biosynthesis gene cluster and ChA production in C. globosum. These data suggested that CgTF6 probably acted as an end product feedback effector, and interacted with CgTF1 to maintain a tolerable concentration of ChA for cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Biyun Xiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaohong Xie
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Xiamen No. 1 High School of Fujian, Xiamen, China
| | - Yamin Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Senior High School Group, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guangya Shen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoran Hao
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstrating Center, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xudong Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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12
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Zhang X, Meng Y, Huang Y, Zhang D, Fang W. A novel cascade allows Metarhizium robertsii to distinguish cuticle and hemocoel microenvironments during infection of insects. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001360. [PMID: 34347783 PMCID: PMC8366996 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi precisely respond to dynamic microenvironments during infection, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii is a representative fungus in which to study broad themes of fungal pathogenicity as it resembles some major plant and mammalian pathogenic fungi in its pathogenesis. Here we report on a novel cascade that regulates response of M. robertsii to 2 distinct microenvironments during its pathogenesis. On the insect cuticle, the transcription factor COH2 activates expression of cuticle penetration genes. In the hemocoel, the protein COH1 is expressed due to the reduction in epigenetic repression conferred by the histone deacetylase HDAC1 and the histone 3 acetyltransferase HAT1. COH1 interacts with COH2 to reduce COH2 stability, and this down-regulates cuticle penetration genes and up-regulates genes for hemocoel colonization. Our work significantly advances the insights into fungal pathogenicity in insects. Pathogenic fungi respond precisely to dynamic microenvironments during infection, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study identifies a regulatory cascade in a fungal pathogen of insects that acts as a switch to turn genes on or off in response to two distinct host microenvironments; the insect cuticle and the hemocoel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yamin Meng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yizhou Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiguo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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13
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Lin Y, Wang J, Yang K, Fan L, Wang Z, Yin Y. Regulation of conidiation, polarity growth, and pathogenicity by MrSte12 transcription factor in entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium rileyi. Fungal Genet Biol 2021; 155:103612. [PMID: 34303798 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2021.103612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Metarhizium rileyi, a well-known filamentous biocontrol fungus, is the main pathogen of numerous field pests, especially noctuid pests. To explore the potential factors involved in the fungal pathogenicity, MrSte12, an important and conserved functional transcription factor in mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was carried out by functional analysis. Homologous recombination was used to disrupt the MrSte12 gene in M. rileyi. The deletant fungal strain exhibited malformed hyphae and impaired conidiogenesis, and conidia could not be collected from △MrSte12 in vitro towards SMAY medium. Although conidia could be collected again supplemented with KCl within SMAY medium, the conidial germination, growth and stress tolerance were much weaker compared with that in WT. Additionally, △MrSte12 showed a dramatic reduction in virulence in intra-hemolymph injections and no pathogenicity in topical inoculations against noctuid pests, which is due to the failure of appressorium formation. Moreover, the content of chitin and β-1, 3-glucan in cell wall significantly reduced in mutant conidia. These results indicate that the MrSte12 gene markedly contributes to invasive growth and conidiation, as well as the major pathogenicity in M. rileyi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Lin
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- Instituty of Tobacco Scientific and Technology of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqin Fan
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongkang Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Youping Yin
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, People's Republic of China.
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14
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A Novel Nitrogen and Carbon Metabolism Regulatory Cascade Is Implicated in Entomopathogenicity of the Fungus Metarhizium robertsii. mSystems 2021; 6:e0049921. [PMID: 34156296 PMCID: PMC8269237 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00499-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii can switch among parasitic, saprophytic, and symbiotic lifestyles in response to changing nutritional conditions, which is attributed to its extremely versatile metabolism. Here, we found that the Fus3–mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the transcription factor regulator of nutrient selection 1 (RNS1) constitute a novel fungal cascade that regulates the degradation of insect cuticular lipids, proteins, and chitin to obtain nutrients for hyphal growth and enter the insect hemocoel for subsequent colonization. On the insect cuticle, Fus3-MAPK physically contacts and phosphorylates RNS1, which facilitates the entry of RNS1 into nuclei. The phosphorylated RNS1 binds to the DNA motif BM2 (ACCAGAC) in its own promoter to self-induce expression, which then activates the expression of genes for degrading cuticular proteins, chitin, and lipids. We further found that the Fus3-MAPK/RNS1 cascade also activates genes for utilizing complex and less-favored nitrogen and carbon sources (casein, colloid chitin, and hydrocarbons) that were not derived from insects, which is repressed by favored organic carbon and nitrogen nutrients, including glucose and glutamine. In conclusion, we discovered a novel regulatory cascade that controls fungal nitrogen and carbon metabolism and is implicated in the entomopathogenicity of M. robertsii. IMPORTANCE Penetration of the cuticle, the first physical barrier to pathogenic fungi, is the prerequisite for fungal infection of insects. In the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii, we found that the Fus3–mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the transcription factor regulator of nutrient selection 1 (RNS1) constitute a novel cascade that controls cuticle penetration by regulating degradation of cuticular lipids, proteins, and chitin to obtain nutrients for hyphal growth and entry into the insect hemocoel. In addition, during saprophytic growth, the Fus3-MAPK/RNS1 cascade also activates utilization of complex and less-favored carbon and nitrogen sources that are not derived from insects. The homologs of Fus3-MAPK and RNS1 are widely found in ascomycete filamentous fungi, including saprophytes and pathogens with diverse hosts, suggesting that the regulation of utilization of nitrogen and carbon sources by the Fus3-MAPK/RNS1 cascade could be widespread. Our work provides significant insights into regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in fungi and fungal pathogenesis in insects.
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15
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Yang Z, Wu Q, Fan J, Huang J, Wu Z, Lin J, Bin S, Shu B. Effects of the entomopathogenic fungus Clonostachys rosea on mortality rates and gene expression profiles in Diaphorina citri adults. J Invertebr Pathol 2021; 179:107539. [PMID: 33508316 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is a serious pest of citrus. The insect also transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the pathogen of a devastating citrus disease called Huanglongbing. Clonostachys rosea is a versatile fungus that possesses nematicidal and insecticidal activities. The effect of C. rosea against D. citri remains unclear. Here we examined the pathogenicity of C. rosea against D. citri adults. A mortality rate of 46.67% was observed in adults treated with 1 × 108 conidia/mL spore suspension. Comparative transcriptomic analyses identified 259 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between controls and samples treated with fungi. Among the DEGs, 183 were up-regulated and 76 down-regulated. Genes with altered expression included those involved in immunity, apoptosis and cuticle formation. Our preliminary observation indicated that C. rosea is virulent against ACP adults and has the potential as a biological control agent for ACP management in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Yang
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qijing Wu
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlan Fan
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jierong Huang
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongzhen Wu
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintian Lin
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuying Bin
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Benshui Shu
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China.
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16
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Wang Z, Feng J, Jiang Y, Xu X, Xu L, Zhou Q, Huang B. MrPEX33 is involved in infection-related morphogenesis and pathogenicity of Metarhizium robertsii. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:1079-1090. [PMID: 33443633 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-11071-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisomes, being indispensable organelles, play an important role in different biological processes in eukaryotes. PEX33, a filamentous fungus-specific peroxin of the docking machinery of peroxisomes, is involved in the virulence and development of other fungal pathogens. However, it is not clear whether PEX33 is necessary for the pathogenicity and development of an insect pathogenic fungus. In the present study, we report the presence of homologs of PEX33, namely MrPEX33 (MAA_05331), in the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium robertsii. An M. robertsii transgenic strain expressing the fusion protein with MrPEX33-GFP and mCherry-PTS1 showed that MrPEX33 localizes to peroxisomes. The results also demonstrated that MrPEX33 is involved in the peroxisomal import pathway by peroxisomal targeting signals. Targeted gene deletion of MrPEX33 led to a significant decline in the asexual sporulation capacity, which was accompanied by downregulation of several conidiation-associated genes, such as wetA, abaA, and brlA. More importantly, our bioassay results showed that the virulence of ∆MrPEX33 mutants, against Galleria mellonella through cuticle infection, was greatly reduced. This was further accompanied by a significant drop in appressorium formation and cuticle penetration. Additionally, ∆MrPEX33 mutants showed a significant decrease in tolerance to cell wall integrity and oxidative stress. Taken together, our results suggest that MrPEX33 is involved in the cuticle infection-related morphogenesis and pathogenicity. KEY POINTS: • MrPEX33 is a specific peroxin of the docking machinery of peroxisomes. • MrPEX33 localizes to peroxisomes and is involved in the import of matrix proteins. • MrPEX33 is involved in the pathogenicity associated with cuticle infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangxun Wang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Jianyu Feng
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xiuzhen Xu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Liuyi Xu
- Key Laboratory of State Forestry Administration on Prevention and Control of Pine Wood Nematode Disease, Anhui Academy of Forestry, Hefei, 230088, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.,Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
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17
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Huang A, Lu M, Ling E, Li P, Wang C. A M35 family metalloprotease is required for fungal virulence against insects by inactivating host prophenoloxidases and beyond. Virulence 2021; 11:222-237. [PMID: 32079481 PMCID: PMC7051145 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1731126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A diverse family of metalloproteases (MPs) is distributed in eukaryotes. However, the functions of MPs are still understudied. We report that seven MPs belonging to the M35 family are encoded in the genome of the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii. By gene deletions and insect bioassays, we found that one of the M35-family MPs, i.e. MrM35-4, is required for fungal virulence against insect hosts. MrM35-4 is a secretable enzyme and shows a proteolytic activity implicated in facilitating fungal penetration of insect cuticles. After gene rescue and overexpression, insect bioassays indicated that MrM35-4 contributes to inhibiting insect cuticular and hemocyte melanization activities. Enzymatic cleavage assays revealed that the recombinant prophenoloxidases PPO1 and PPO2 of Drosophila melanogaster could be clipped by MrM35-4 in a manner differing from a serine protease that can activate PPO activities. In addition, it was found that MrM35-4 is involved in suppressing antifungal gene expression in insects. Consistent with the evident apoptogenic effect of MrM35-4 on host cells, we found that the PPO mutant flies differentially succumbed to the infections of the wild-type and mutant strains of M. robertsii. Thus, MrM35-4 plays a multifaceted role beyond targeting PPOs during fungus-insect interactions, which represents a previously unsuspected strategy employed by Metarhizium to outmaneuver insect immune defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antian Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengting Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Erjun Ling
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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18
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González-Hernández GA, Padilla-Guerrero IE, Martínez-Vázquez A, Torres-Guzmán JC. Virulence Factors of the Entomopathogenic Genus Metarhizium. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:324-330. [PMID: 31951168 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666200116092407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The fungal genus Metarhizium has been used as an entomopathogen worldwide for approximately 140 years, and its mechanism of infection and its virulence factors have been studied. The present review is a compilation of virulence factors described in the literature to date and their participation in specific stages of the infection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria A González-Hernández
- Department of Biology, Division of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Guanajuato, Campus Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Israel E Padilla-Guerrero
- Department of Biology, Division of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Guanajuato, Campus Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | - Juan C Torres-Guzmán
- Department of Biology, Division of Natural and Exact Sciences, University of Guanajuato, Campus Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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19
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Shang J, Shang Y, Tang G, Wang C. Identification of a key G-protein coupled receptor in mediating appressorium formation and fungal virulence against insects. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 64:466-477. [PMID: 32712834 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1763-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fungal G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) play essential roles in sensing environmental cues including host signals. The study of GPCR in mediating fungus-insect interactions is still limited. Here we report the evolution of GPCR genes encoded in the entomopathogenic Metarhizium species and found the expansion of Pth11-like GPCRs in the generalist species with a wide host range. By deletion of ten candidate genes MrGpr1-MrGpr10 selected from the six obtained subfamilies in the generalist M. robertsii, we found that each of them played a varied level of roles in mediating appressorium formation. In particular, deletion of MrGpr8 resulted in the failure of appressorium formation on different substrates and the loss of virulence during topical infection of insects but not during injection assays when compared with the wild-type (WT) strain. Further analysis revealed that disruption of MrGpr8 substantially impaired the nucleus translocation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Mero-Fus3 but not the MAPK Mero-Slt2 during appressorium formation. We also found that the defect of AMrGpr8 could not be rescued with the addition of cyclic AMP for appressorium formation. Relative to the WT, differential expression of the selected genes have also been detected in AMrGpr8. The results of this study may benefit the understanding of fungus-interactions mediated by GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Shang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yanfang Shang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guirong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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