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Liu K, Wang X, Qi Y, Li Y, Shi Y, Ren Y, Wang A, Cheng P, Wang B. Effector Protein Serine Carboxypeptidase FgSCP Is Essential for Full Virulence in Fusarium graminearum and Is Involved in Modulating Plant Immune Responses. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2024:PHYTO02240068R. [PMID: 38831556 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-02-24-0068-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Fusarium head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum is a significant pathogen affecting wheat crops. During the infection process, effector proteins are secreted to modulate plant immunity and promote infection. The toxin deoxynivalenol is produced in infected wheat grains, posing a threat to human and animal health. Serine carboxypeptidases (SCPs) belong to the α/β hydrolase family of proteases and are widely distributed in plant and fungal vacuoles, as well as animal lysosomes. Research on SCPs mainly focuses on the isolation, purification, and production of a small number of fungi. The role of SCPs in plant secretion, growth and development, and stress resistance has also been extensively studied. However, their functions in F. graminearum, a fungal pathogen, remain relatively unknown. In this study, the biological functions of the FgSCP gene in F. graminearum were investigated. The study revealed that mutations in FgSCP affected the nutritional growth, sexual reproduction, and stress tolerance of F. graminearum. Furthermore, the deletion of FgSCP resulted in reduced pathogenicity and hindered the biosynthesis of deoxynivalenol. The upregulation of FgSCP expression 3 days after infection indicated its involvement in host invasion, possibly acting as a "smokescreen" to deceive the host and suppress the expression of host defensive genes. Subsequently, we confirmed the secretion ability of FgSCP and its ability to inhibit the cell death induced by INF1 in Nicotiana benthamiana cells, indicating its potential role as an effector protein in suppressing plant immune responses and promoting infection. In summary, we have identified FgSCP as an essential effector protein in F. graminearum, playing critical roles in growth, virulence, secondary metabolism, and host invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xintong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yuzhe Qi
- Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Northeast Agricultural Research of China), Changchun, Jilin 136100, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yifeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yanyan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Aolin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Baotong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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Han Z, Schneiter R. Dual functionality of pathogenesis-related proteins: defensive role in plants versus immunosuppressive role in pathogens. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1368467. [PMID: 39157512 PMCID: PMC11327054 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1368467] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Plants respond to pathogen exposure by activating the expression of a group of defense-related proteins known as Pathogenesis-Related (PR) proteins, initially discovered in the 1970s. These PR proteins are categorized into 17 distinct families, denoted as PR1-PR17. Predominantly secreted, most of these proteins execute their defensive roles within the apoplastic space. Several PR proteins possess well-defined enzymatic functions, such as β-glucanase (PR2), chitinases (PR3, 4, 8, 11), proteinase (PR7), or RNase (PR10). Enhanced resistance against pathogens is observed upon PR protein overexpression, while their downregulation renders plants more susceptible to pathogen infections. Many of these proteins exhibit antimicrobial activity in vitro, and due to their compact size, some are classified as antimicrobial peptides. Recent research has unveiled that phytopathogens, including nematodes, fungi, and phytophthora, employ analogous proteins to bolster their virulence and suppress plant immunity. This raises a fundamental question: how can these conserved proteins act as antimicrobial agents when produced by the host plant but simultaneously suppress plant immunity when generated by the pathogen? In this hypothesis, we investigate PR proteins produced by pathogens, which we term "PR-like proteins," and explore potential mechanisms by which this class of virulence factors operate. Preliminary data suggests that these proteins may form complexes with the host's own PR proteins, thereby interfering with their defense-related functions. This analysis sheds light on the intriguing interplay between plant and pathogen-derived PR-like proteins, providing fresh insights into the intricate mechanisms governing plant-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roger Schneiter
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Xiong J, Luo M, Chen Y, Hu Q, Fang Y, Sun T, Hu G, Zhang CJ. Subtilisin-like proteases from Fusarium graminearum induce plant cell death and contribute to virulence. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 195:1681-1693. [PMID: 38478507 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, causes huge annual economic losses in cereal production. To successfully colonize host plants, pathogens secrete hundreds of effectors that interfere with plant immunity and facilitate infection. However, the roles of most secreted effectors of F. graminearum in pathogenesis remain unclear. We analyzed the secreted proteins of F. graminearum and identified 255 candidate effector proteins by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Five subtilisin-like family proteases (FgSLPs) were identified that can induce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Further experiments showed that these FgSLPs induced cell death in cotton (Gossypium barbadense) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). A signal peptide and light were not essential for the cell death-inducing activity of FgSLPs. The I9 inhibitor domain and the entire C-terminus of FgSLPs were indispensable for their self-processing and cell death-inducing activity. FgSLP-induced cell death occurred independent of the plant signal transduction components BRI-ASSOCIATED KINASE 1 (BAK1), SUPPRESSOR OF BIR1 1 (SOBIR1), ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1), and PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT 4 (PAD4). Reduced virulence was observed when FgSLP1 and FgSLP2 were simultaneously knocked out. This study reveals a class of secreted toxic proteins essential for F. graminearum virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Xiong
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Mingyu Luo
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Yunshen Chen
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Henan University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Qianyong Hu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Ying Fang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tongjun Sun
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Guanjing Hu
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Cui-Jun Zhang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
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Niu G, Yang Q, Liao Y, Sun D, Tang Z, Wang G, Xu M, Wang C, Kang J. Advances in Understanding Fusarium graminearum: Genes Involved in the Regulation of Sexual Development, Pathogenesis, and Deoxynivalenol Biosynthesis. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:475. [PMID: 38674409 PMCID: PMC11050156 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040475] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The wheat head blight disease caused by Fusarium graminearum is a major concern for food security and the health of both humans and animals. As a pathogenic microorganism, F. graminearum produces virulence factors during infection to increase pathogenicity, including various macromolecular and small molecular compounds. Among these virulence factors, secreted proteins and deoxynivalenol (DON) are important weapons for the expansion and colonization of F. graminearum. Besides the presence of virulence factors, sexual reproduction is also crucial for the infection process of F. graminearum and is indispensable for the emergence and spread of wheat head blight. Over the last ten years, there have been notable breakthroughs in researching the virulence factors and sexual reproduction of F. graminearum. This review aims to analyze the research progress of sexual reproduction, secreted proteins, and DON of F. graminearum, emphasizing the regulation of sexual reproduction and DON synthesis. We also discuss the application of new gene engineering technologies in the prevention and control of wheat head blight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Niu
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.N.); (Q.Y.); (Y.L.); (D.S.); (Z.T.); (G.W.); (M.X.)
| | - Qing Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.N.); (Q.Y.); (Y.L.); (D.S.); (Z.T.); (G.W.); (M.X.)
| | - Yihui Liao
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.N.); (Q.Y.); (Y.L.); (D.S.); (Z.T.); (G.W.); (M.X.)
| | - Daiyuan Sun
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.N.); (Q.Y.); (Y.L.); (D.S.); (Z.T.); (G.W.); (M.X.)
| | - Zhe Tang
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.N.); (Q.Y.); (Y.L.); (D.S.); (Z.T.); (G.W.); (M.X.)
| | - Guanghui Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.N.); (Q.Y.); (Y.L.); (D.S.); (Z.T.); (G.W.); (M.X.)
| | - Ming Xu
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.N.); (Q.Y.); (Y.L.); (D.S.); (Z.T.); (G.W.); (M.X.)
| | - Chenfang Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.N.); (Q.Y.); (Y.L.); (D.S.); (Z.T.); (G.W.); (M.X.)
- Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Jiangang Kang
- College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (G.N.); (Q.Y.); (Y.L.); (D.S.); (Z.T.); (G.W.); (M.X.)
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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Chen A, Zhou Y, Ren Y, Liu C, Han X, Wang J, Ma Z, Chen Y. Ubiquitination of acetyltransferase Gcn5 contributes to fungal virulence in Fusarium graminearum. mBio 2023; 14:e0149923. [PMID: 37504517 PMCID: PMC10470610 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01499-23] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone acetyltransferase general control non-depressible 5 (Gcn5) plays a critical role in the epigenetic landscape and chromatin modification for regulating a wide variety of biological events. However, the post-translational regulation of Gcn5 itself is poorly understood. Here, we found that Gcn5 was ubiquitinated and deubiquitinated by E3 ligase Tom1 and deubiquitinating enzyme Ubp14, respectively, in the important plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum. Tom1 interacted with Gcn5 in the nucleus and subsequently ubiquitinated Gcn5 mainly at K252 to accelerate protein degradation. Conversely, Ubp14 deubiquitinated Gcn5 and enhanced its stability. In the deletion mutant Δubp14, protein level of Gcn5 was significantly reduced and resulted in attenuated virulence in the fungus by affecting the mycotoxin production, autophagy process, and the penetration ability. Our findings indicate that Tom1 and Ubp14 show antagonistic functions in the control of the protein stability of Gcn5 via post-translational modification and highlight the importance of Tom1-Gcn5-Ubp14 circuit in the fungal virulence. IMPORTANCE Post-translational modification (PTM) enzymes have been reported to be involved in regulating numerous cellular processes. However, the modification of these PTM enzymes themselves is largely unknown. In this study, we found that the E3 ligase Tom1 and deubiquitinating enzyme Ubp14 contributed to the regulation of ubiquitination and deubiquitination of acetyltransferase Gcn5, respectively, in Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of Fusarium head blight of cereals. Our findings provide deep insights into the modification of acetyltransferase Gcn5 and its dynamic regulation via ubiquitination and deubiquitination. To our knowledge, this work is the most comprehensive analysis of a regulatory network of ubiquitination that impinges on acetyltransferase in filamentous pathogens. Moreover, our findings are important because we present the novel roles of the Tom1-Gcn5-Ubp14 circuit in fungal virulence, providing novel possibilities and targets to control fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiyi Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingmin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhonghua Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Wang Y, Liu F, Pei J, Yan H, Wang Y. The AwHog1 Transcription Factor Influences the Osmotic Stress Response, Mycelium Growth, OTA Production, and Pathogenicity in Aspergillus westerdijkiae fc-1. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:432. [PMID: 37505700 PMCID: PMC10467130 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070432] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus westerdijkiae, known as the major ochratoxin A (OTA) producer, usually occurs on agricultural crops, fruits, and dry-cured meats. Microorganisms produce OTA to adapt to the high osmotic pressure environment that is generated during food processing and storage. To investigate the relationship between OTA biosynthesis and the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway, the transcription factor AwHog1 gene in A. westerdijkiae was functionally characterised by means of a loss-of-function mutant. Our findings demonstrated that the growth and OTA production of a mutant lacking AwHog1 decreased significantly and was more sensitive to high osmotic media. The ΔAwHog1 mutant displayed a lower growth rate and a 73.16% reduction in OTA production in the wheat medium compared to the wild type. After three days of culture, the growth rate of the ΔAwHog1 mutant in medium with 60 g/L NaCl and 150 g/L glucose was slowed down 19.57% and 13.21%, respectively. Additionally, the expression of OTA biosynthesis genes was significantly reduced by the deletion of the AwHog1 gene. The infection ability of the ΔAwHog1 mutant was decreased, and the scab diameter of the pear was 6% smaller than that of the wild type. These data revealed that transcription factor AwHog1 plays a key role in the osmotic response, growth, OTA production, and pathogenicity in A. westerdijkiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18 Chaowang Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310014, China; (Y.W.); (J.P.)
| | - Fei Liu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Jingying Pei
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18 Chaowang Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310014, China; (Y.W.); (J.P.)
| | - Hao Yan
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, No. 18 Chaowang Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310014, China; (Y.W.); (J.P.)
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Han S, Sheng B, Zhu D, Chen J, Cai H, Zhang S, Guo C. Role of FoERG3 in Ergosterol Biosynthesis by Fusarium oxysporum and the Associated Regulation by Bacillus subtilis HSY21. PLANT DISEASE 2023:PDIS05221010RE. [PMID: 36320138 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-05-22-1010-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Ergosterol is an important component of the fungal cell membrane and represents an effective target of chemical pesticides. However, the current understanding of ergosterol biosynthesis in the soybean root rot pathogen Fusarium oxysporum remains limited. In addition, the regular use of fungicides that inhibit ergosterol synthesis will seriously harm the ecological environment and human health. Bacillus subtilis is gradually replacing chemical control as a safe and effective biological agent; to investigate its effect on ergosterol synthesis of F. oxysporum, we verified the biological function of the FoERG3 gene of F. oxysporum by constructing knockout mutants. The results showed that knocking out FoERG3 blocked ergosterol biosynthesis, restricted mycelial growth, and increased the sensitivity to external stressors (NaCl, D-sorbitol, Congo Red, and H2O2). The increased permeability of the cell membrane promoted increased extracellular K+ levels and decreased mitochondrial cytochrome C contents. Treatment with suspension of B. subtilis HSY21 cells resulted in similar damage as observed when treating FoERG3-knockout F. oxysporum cells with ergosterol, which was characterised by deformity and swelling of the mycelium surface; increased membrane permeability; decreased pathogenicity to soybeans; and significantly decreased activities of cellulase, β-glucosidase, amylase, and pectin-methyl galactosylase. Notably, deleting FoERG3 resulted in a significant lag in the defense-response time of soybeans. Our results suggest that FoERG3 strongly influences the virulence of F. oxysporum and may be used as a potential antimicrobial target by B. subtilis HSY21 to inhibit ergosterol synthesis, which supports the use of B. subtilis as a biological control agent for protecting against F. oxysporum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyang Han
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Boxiang Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Hongsheng Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Shuzhen Zhang
- Soybean Research Institute of Northeast Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Changhong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150030, China
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Chen X, Li X, Duan Y, Pei Z, Liu H, Yin W, Huang J, Luo C, Chen X, Li G, Xie K, Hsiang T, Zheng L. A secreted fungal subtilase interferes with rice immunity via degradation of SUPPRESSOR OF G2 ALLELE OF skp1. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:1474-1489. [PMID: 35861434 PMCID: PMC9516721 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease subtilase, found widely in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, participates in various biological processes. However, how fungal subtilase regulates plant immunity is a major concern. Here, we identified a secreted fungal subtilase, UvPr1a, from the rice false smut (RFS) fungus Ustilaginoidea virens. We characterized UvPr1a as a virulence effector localized to the plant cytoplasm that inhibits plant cell death induced by Bax. Heterologous expression of UvPr1a in rice (Oryza sativa) enhanced plant susceptibility to rice pathogens. UvPr1a interacted with the important rice protein SUPPRESSOR OF G2 ALLELE OF skp1 (OsSGT1), a positive regulator of innate immunity against multiple rice pathogens, degrading OsSGT1 in a protease activity-dependent manner. Furthermore, host-induced gene silencing of UvPr1a compromised disease resistance of rice plants. Our work reveals a previously uncharacterized fungal virulence strategy in which a fungal pathogen secretes a subtilase to interfere with rice immunity through degradation of OsSGT1, thereby promoting infection. These genetic resources provide tools for introducing RFS resistance and further our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuhang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhangxin Pei
- Wuhan Institute of Landscape Architecture, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Hao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Weixiao Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junbin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Chaoxi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaolin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guotian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Kabin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology/Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tom Hsiang
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph N1G 2W1, Canada
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Hu J, Chang R, Yuan Y, Li Z, Wang Y. Identification of Key Residues Essential for the Activation of Plant Immunity by Subtilisin From Bacillus velezensis LJ02. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:869596. [PMID: 36046019 PMCID: PMC9421249 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.869596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Subtilisin, a serine protease, can trigger defense responses in a wide variety of plants, both locally and systemically, to protect against pathogens. However, key residues of subtilisin to improve resistance to plant diseases remain unknown. In this study, Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) leaves expressing subtilisin from Bacillus velezensis LJ02 were shown to improve protection against Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea). Furthermore, the underlying mechanism that LJ02 subtilisin improved the protective effect was explored, and the direct inhibitory effect of subtilisin on B. cinerea was excluded in vitro. Subsequently, reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst and upregulation of resistance-related genes in systemic leaves of N. benthamiana further verified that subtilisin could induce systemic protection against B. cinerea. G307A/T308A and S213A/L214A/G215A subtilisin significantly reduced the ability to resist B. cinerea infection in N. benthamiana. Furthermore, the ROS content and expression levels of resistance-related genes of both mutants were significantly decreased compared with that of wild-type subtilisin. This work identified key residues essential for the activation function of subtilisin plant immunity and was crucial in inducing plant defense responses against B. cinerea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Hu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruokui Chang
- College of Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yujin Yuan
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhuoran Li
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
- Zhuoran Li,
| | - Yuanhong Wang
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanhong Wang,
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Pathogenic Process-Associated Transcriptome Analysis of Stemphylium lycopersici from Tomato. Int J Genomics 2022; 2022:4522132. [PMID: 35634482 PMCID: PMC9142275 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4522132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) gray leaf spot disease is a predominant foliar disease of tomato in China that is caused mainly by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Stemphylium lycopersici. Little is known regarding the pathogenic mechanisms of this broad-host-range pathogen. In this study, a comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed and more genetic information on the pathogenicity determinants of S. lycopersici during the infection process in tomato were obtained. Through an RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, 1,642 and 1,875 genes upregulated during the early infection and necrotrophic phases, respectively, were identified and significantly enriched in 44 and 24 pathways, respectively. The induction of genes associated with pectin degradation, adhesion, and colonization was notable during the early infection phase, whereas during the necrotrophic phase, some structural molecule activity-related genes were prominently induced. Additionally, some genes involved in signal regulation or encoding hemicellulose- and cellulose-degrading enzymes and extracellular proteases were commonly upregulated during pathogenesis. Overall, we present some putative key genes and processes that may be crucial for S. lycopersici pathogenesis. The abilities to adhere and colonize a host surface, effectively damage host cell walls, regulate signal transduction to manage infection, and survive in a hostile plant environment are proposed as important factors for the pathogenesis of S. lycopersici in tomato. The functional characterization of these genes provides an invaluable resource for analyses of this important pathosystem between S. lycopersici and tomato, and it may facilitate the generation of control strategies against this devastating disease.
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Zhao Y, Zhang L, Ju C, Zhang X, Huang J. Quantitative multiplexed proteomics analysis reveals reshaping of the lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylome in Fusarium graminearum by tebuconazole. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:145. [PMID: 35180840 PMCID: PMC8855566 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08372-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylation (Khib) is a newly discovered posttranslational modification (PTM) and has been identified in several prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Fusarium graminearum, a major pathogen of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in cereal crops, can cause considerable yield loss and produce various mycotoxins that threaten human health. The application of chemical fungicides such as tebuconazole (TEC) remains the major method to control this pathogen. However, the distribution of Khib in F. graminearum and whether Khib is remodified in response to fungicide stress remain unknown. Results Here, we carried out a proteome-wide analysis of Khib in F. graminearum, identifying the reshaping of the lysine 2-hydroxyisobutyrylome by tebuconazole, using the most recently developed high-resolution LC–MS/MS technique in combination with high-specific affinity enrichment. Specifically, 3501 Khib sites on 1049 proteins were identified, and 1083 Khib sites on 556 modified proteins normalized to the total protein content were changed significantly after TEC treatment. Bioinformatics analysis showed that Khib proteins are involved in a wide range of biological processes and may be involved in virulence and deoxynivalenol (DON) production, as well as sterol biosynthesis, in F. graminearum. Conclusions Here, we provided a wealth of resources for further study of the roles of Khib in the fungicide resistance of F. graminearum. The results enhanced our understanding of this PTM in filamentous ascomycete fungi and provided insight into the remodification of Khib sites during azole fungicide challenge in F. graminearum. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08372-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiang Zhao
- College of Plant Health and Medicine and Key Lab of Integrated Crop Disease and Pest Management of Shandong Province, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong Province, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- College of Plant Health and Medicine and Key Lab of Integrated Crop Disease and Pest Management of Shandong Province, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chao Ju
- College of Plant Health and Medicine and Key Lab of Integrated Crop Disease and Pest Management of Shandong Province, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jinguang Huang
- College of Plant Health and Medicine and Key Lab of Integrated Crop Disease and Pest Management of Shandong Province, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong Province, China.
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Shi D, Zhang Y, Wang J, Ren W, Zhang J, Mbadianya JI, Zhu Y, Chen C, Ma H. S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase FgSah1 is required for fungal development and virulence in Fusarium graminearum. Virulence 2021; 12:2171-2185. [PMID: 34424830 PMCID: PMC8386609 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1965821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (Sah1) plays a crucial role in methylation and lipid metabolism in yeast and mammals, yet its function remains elusive in filamentous fungi. In this study, we characterized Sah1 in the phytopathogenic fungus F. graminearum by generating knockout and knockout-complemented strains of FgSAH1. We found that the FgSah1-GFP fusion protein was localized to the cytoplasm, and that deletion of FgSAH1 resulted in defects in vegetative growth, asexual and sexual reproduction, stress responses, virulence, lipid metabolism, and tolerance against fungicides. Moreover, the accumulations of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (AdoHcy) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) (the methyl group donor in most methyl transfer reactions) in ΔFgSah1 were seven- and ninefold higher than those in the wild-type strain, respectively. All of these defective phenotypes in ΔFgSah1 mutants were rescued by target gene complementation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that FgSah1 plays essential roles in methylation metabolism, fungal development, full virulence, multiple stress responses, lipid metabolism, and fungicide sensitivity in F. graminearum. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the systematic functional characterization of Sah1 in F. graminearum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongya Shi
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Crop Protection, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forest University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weichao Ren
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jane Ifunanya Mbadianya
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanye Zhu
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Changjun Chen
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongyu Ma
- Department of Pesticide Science, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Santos RB, Figueiredo A. Two sides of the same story in grapevine-pathogen interactions. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:3367-3380. [PMID: 33631010 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Proteases are an integral part of plant defence systems, and their role in plant-pathogen interactions is unequivocal. Emerging evidence suggests that different protease families contribute to the establishment not only of hypersensitive response, priming, and signalling, but also of recognition events through complex proteolytic cascades. Moreover, they play a crucial role in pathogen/microbe-associated molecular pattern (PAMP/MAMP)-triggered immunity as well as in effector-triggered immunity. However, despite important advances in our understanding of the role of proteases in plant defence, the contribution of proteases to pathogen defence in grapevine remains poorly understood. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the main grapevine pathosystems and explore the role of serine, cysteine, and aspartic proteases from both the host and pathogen point of views.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita B Santos
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Andreia Figueiredo
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisboa, Portugal
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