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Zhang W, Forester NT, Chettri P, Heilijgers M, Mace WJ, Maes E, Morozova Y, Applegate ER, Johnson RD, Johnson LJ. Characterization of the Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for the Ribosomally Synthesized Cyclic Peptide Epichloëcyclins in Epichloë festucae. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:13965-13978. [PMID: 37704203 PMCID: PMC10540207 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The various grass-induced epichloëcyclins of the Epichloë spp. are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs), produced as small, secreted cyclopeptides from a single gene, gigA. Here, four clustered and coregulated genes (gigA, gigB, gigC, and kexB) with predicted roles in epichloëcyclin production in Epichloë festucae were evaluated through gene disruption. Subsequent chemical analysis indicates that GigB is a DUF3328 domain-containing protein associated with cyclization of epichloëcyclins; GigC is a methyltransferase enzyme responsible for N-methylation of desmethylepichloëcyclins; and KexB is a subtilisin-like enzyme, partly responsible for the propeptide cleavage of epichloëcyclin intermediates. Symbiotic effects on the host phenotype were not observed for gigA, gigC, or kexB mutants, although ΔgigB infection correlated with increased host tiller height and biomass, while only ΔkexB exhibited an effect on endophyte morphology. Disrupting epichloëcyclin biosynthesis showed negligible influence on the biosynthesis of E. festucae-associated alkaloids. Epichloëcyclins may perform other secondary metabolism functions in Epichloë and other fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Grasslands
Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Natasha T. Forester
- Grasslands
Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Pranav Chettri
- Grasslands
Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Maurice Heilijgers
- Grasslands
Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Wade J. Mace
- Grasslands
Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Evelyne Maes
- Lincoln
Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Lincoln 7608, New Zealand
| | - Yulia Morozova
- Grasslands
Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Emma R. Applegate
- Grasslands
Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Richard D. Johnson
- Grasslands
Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Linda J. Johnson
- Grasslands
Research Centre, AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and rapid detection of gene-edited mutants using high-resolution melting in the apple scab fungus, Venturia inaequalis. Fungal Biol 2021; 126:35-46. [PMID: 34930557 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.10.001] [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: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Apple scab, caused by the fungal pathogen Venturia inaequalis, is the most economically important disease of apple (Malus x domestica) worldwide. To develop durable control strategies against this disease, a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the growth, reproduction, virulence and pathogenicity of V. inaequalis is required. A major bottleneck for the genetic characterization of V. inaequalis is the inability to easily delete or disrupt genes of interest using homologous recombination. Indeed, no gene deletions or disruptions in V. inaequalis have yet been published. Using the melanin biosynthesis pathway gene trihydroxynaphthalene reductase (THN) as a target for inactivation, which has previously been shown to result in a light-brown colony phenotype when transcriptionally silenced using RNA interference, we show, for the first time, that the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system can be successfully applied to the apple scab fungus. More specifically, using a CRISPR-Cas9 single guide RNA (sgRNA) targeted to the THN gene, delivered by a single autonomously replicating Golden Gate-compatible plasmid, we were able to identify six of 36 stable transformants with a light-brown phenotype, indicating an ∼16.7% gene inactivation efficiency. Notably, of the six THN mutants, five had an independent mutation. As part of our pipeline, we also report a high-resolution melting (HRM) curve protocol for the rapid detection of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-edited mutants of V. inaequalis. This protocol identified a single base pair deletion mutation in a sample containing only 5% mutant genomic DNA, indicating high sensitivity for mutant screening. In establishing CRISPR-Cas9 as a tool for gene editing in V. inaequalis, we have provided a strong starting point for studies aiming to decipher gene function in this fungus. The associated HRM curve protocol will enable CRISPR-Cas9 transformants to be screened for gene inactivation in a high-throughput and low-cost manner, which will be particularly powerful in cases where the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene inactivation efficiency is low.
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Antimycobacterial, Anticancer, Antioxidant and Photocatalytic Activity of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Berberis Integerrima. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, TRANSACTIONS A: SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40995-021-01226-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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4
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Li W, Fan J, Liao G, Yin WB, Li SM. Precursor Supply Increases the Accumulation of 4-Hydroxy-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-α-pyrone after NRPS-PKS Gene Expression. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:2380-2384. [PMID: 34286580 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Expression of a nonribosomal peptide synthetase-nonreducing polyketide synthase hybrid gene pcr10109 from Penicillium crustosum PRB-2 in Aspergillus nidulans led to the accumulation of 4-hydroxy-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-α-pyrone (1). Adding para-hydroxybenzoic acid into the medium in which the overexpressing mutant is growing increased the product yield up to 5-fold. This strategy could be helpful for heterologous gene expression experiments requiring special substrates for product formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie und Biotechnologie, Fachbereich Pharmazie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Robert-Koch Straße 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Jie Fan
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie und Biotechnologie, Fachbereich Pharmazie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Robert-Koch Straße 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Liao
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie und Biotechnologie, Fachbereich Pharmazie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Robert-Koch Straße 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Wen-Bing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Ming Li
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie und Biotechnologie, Fachbereich Pharmazie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Robert-Koch Straße 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
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5
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The Impact of Alkaloid-Producing Epichloë Endophyte on Forage Ryegrass Breeding: A New Zealand Perspective. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13020158. [PMID: 33670470 PMCID: PMC7922046 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
For 30 years, forage ryegrass breeding has known that the germplasm may contain a maternally inherited symbiotic Epichloë endophyte. These endophytes produce a suite of secondary alkaloid compounds, dependent upon strain. Many produce ergot and other alkaloids, which are associated with both insect deterrence and livestock health issues. The levels of alkaloids and other endophyte characteristics are influenced by strain, host germplasm, and environmental conditions. Some strains in the right host germplasm can confer an advantage over biotic and abiotic stressors, thus acting as a maternally inherited desirable ‘trait’. Through seed production, these mutualistic endophytes do not transmit into 100% of the crop seed and are less vigorous than the grass seed itself. This causes stability and longevity issues for seed production and storage should the ‘trait’ be desired in the germplasm. This makes understanding the precise nature of the relationship vitally important to the plant breeder. These Epichloë endophytes cannot be ‘bred’ in the conventional sense, as they are asexual. Instead, the breeder may modulate endophyte characteristics through selection of host germplasm, a sort of breeding by proxy. This article explores, from a forage seed company perspective, the issues that endophyte characteristics and breeding them by proxy have on ryegrass breeding, and outlines the methods used to assess the ‘trait’, and the application of these through the breeding, production, and deployment processes. Finally, this article investigates opportunities for enhancing the utilisation of alkaloid-producing endophytes within pastures, with a focus on balancing alkaloid levels to further enhance pest deterrence and improving livestock outcomes.
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Genetic Manipulation of the Ergot Alkaloid Pathway in Epichloë festucae var. lolii and Its Effect on Black Beetle Feeding Deterrence. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13020076. [PMID: 33498584 PMCID: PMC7909537 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epichloë endophytes are filamentous fungi (family Clavicipitaceae) that live in symbiotic associations with grasses in the sub family Poöideae. In New Zealand, E. festucae var. lolii confers significant resistance to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) against insect and animal herbivory and is an essential component of pastoral agriculture, where ryegrass is a major forage species. The fungus produces in planta a range of bioactive secondary metabolites, including ergovaline, which has demonstrated bioactivity against the important pasture pest black beetle, but can also cause mammalian toxicosis. We genetically modified E. festucae var. lolii strain AR5 to eliminate key enzymatic steps in the ergovaline pathway to determine if intermediate ergot alkaloid compounds can still provide insecticidal benefits in the absence of the toxic end product ergovaline. Four genes (dmaW, easG, cloA, and lpsB) spanning the pathway were deleted and each deletion mutant was inoculated into five different plant genotypes of perennial ryegrass, which were later harvested for a full chemical analysis of the ergot alkaloid compounds produced. These associations were also used in a black beetle feeding deterrence study. Deterrence was seen with just chanoclavine present, but was cumulative as more intermediate compounds in the pathway were made available. Ergovaline was not detected in any of the deletion associations, indicating that bioactivity towards black beetle can be obtained in the absence of this mammalian toxin.
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Taghavizadeh Yazdi ME, Amiri MS, Akbari S, Sharifalhoseini M, Nourbakhsh F, Mashreghi M, EhsanYousefi, Abbasi MR, Modarres M, Es-haghi A. Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Helichrysum graveolens for Biomedical Applications and Wastewater Treatment. BIONANOSCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12668-020-00794-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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8
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Green KA, Berry D, Feussner K, Eaton CJ, Ram A, Mesarich CH, Solomon P, Feussner I, Scott B. Lolium perenne apoplast metabolomics for identification of novel metabolites produced by the symbiotic fungus Epichloë festucae. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 227:559-571. [PMID: 32155669 PMCID: PMC7317419 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Epichloë festucae is an endophytic fungus that forms a symbiotic association with Lolium perenne. Here we analysed how the metabolome of the ryegrass apoplast changed upon infection of this host with sexual and asexual isolates of E. festucae. A metabolite fingerprinting approach was used to analyse the metabolite composition of apoplastic wash fluid from uninfected and infected L. perenne. Metabolites enriched or depleted in one or both of these treatments were identified using a set of interactive tools. A genetic approach in combination with tandem MS was used to identify a novel product of a secondary metabolite gene cluster. Metabolites likely to be present in the apoplast were identified using MarVis in combination with the BioCyc and KEGG databases, and an in-house Epichloë metabolite database. We were able to identify the known endophyte-specific metabolites, peramine and epichloëcyclins, as well as a large number of unknown markers. To determine whether these methods can be applied to the identification of novel Epichloë-derived metabolites, we deleted a gene encoding a NRPS (lgsA) that is highly expressed in planta. Comparative MS analysis of apoplastic wash fluid from wild-type- vs mutant-infected plants identified a novel Leu/Ile glycoside metabolite present in the former.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Green
- School of Fundamental SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
- Bioprotection Research CentreMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
| | - Daniel Berry
- School of Fundamental SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
- Bioprotection Research CentreMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
| | - Kirstin Feussner
- Department of Plant BiochemistryAlbrecht von Haller Institute for Plant SciencesUniversity of GoettingenD‐37077GoettingenGermany
- Service Unit for Metabolomics and LipidomicsGoettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB)University of GoettingenD‐37077GoettingenGermany
| | - Carla J. Eaton
- School of Fundamental SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
- Bioprotection Research CentreMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
| | - Arvina Ram
- School of Fundamental SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
| | - Carl H. Mesarich
- Bioprotection Research CentreMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
- School of Agriculture and EnvironmentMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
| | - Peter Solomon
- Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACT0200Australia
| | - Ivo Feussner
- Department of Plant BiochemistryAlbrecht von Haller Institute for Plant SciencesUniversity of GoettingenD‐37077GoettingenGermany
- Service Unit for Metabolomics and LipidomicsGoettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB)University of GoettingenD‐37077GoettingenGermany
- Department of Plant BiochemistryGoettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB)University of GoettingenD‐37077GoettingenGermany
| | - Barry Scott
- School of Fundamental SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
- Bioprotection Research CentreMassey UniversityPalmerston North4442New Zealand
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9
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Hassing B, Eaton CJ, Winter D, Green KA, Brandt U, Savoian MS, Mesarich CH, Fleissner A, Scott B. Phosphatidic acid produced by phospholipase D is required for hyphal cell-cell fusion and fungal-plant symbiosis. Mol Microbiol 2020; 113:1101-1121. [PMID: 32022309 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although lipid signaling has been shown to serve crucial roles in mammals and plants, little is known about this process in filamentous fungi. Here we analyze the contribution of phospholipase D (PLD) and its product phosphatidic acid (PA) in hyphal morphogenesis and growth of Epichloë festucae and Neurospora crassa, and in the establishment of a symbiotic interaction between E. festucae and Lolium perenne. Growth of E. festucae and N. crassa PLD deletion strains in axenic culture, and for E. festucae in association with L. perenne, were analyzed by light-, confocal- and electron microscopy. Changes in PA distribution were analyzed in E. festucae using a PA biosensor and the impact of these changes on the endocytic recycling and superoxide production investigated. We found that E. festucae PldB, and the N. crassa ortholog, PLA-7, are required for polarized growth and cell fusion and contribute to ascospore development, whereas PldA/PLA-8 are dispensable for these functions. Exogenous addition of PA rescues the cell-fusion phenotype in E. festucae. PldB is also crucial for E. festucae to establish a symbiotic association with L. perenne. This study identifies a new component of the cell-cell communication and cell fusion signaling network for hyphal morphogenesis and growth of filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Hassing
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Carla J Eaton
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - David Winter
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Kimberly A Green
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Ulrike Brandt
- Institute for Genetics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Matthew S Savoian
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Carl H Mesarich
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand.,School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Andre Fleissner
- Institute for Genetics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Barry Scott
- School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.,Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln, New Zealand
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10
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Rahnama M, Maclean P, Fleetwood DJ, Johnson RD. VelA and LaeA are Key Regulators of Epichloë festucae Transcriptomic Response during Symbiosis with Perennial Ryegrass. Microorganisms 2019; 8:microorganisms8010033. [PMID: 31878026 PMCID: PMC7023048 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
VelA (or VeA) is a key global regulator in fungal secondary metabolism and development which we previously showed is required during the symbiotic interaction of Epichloë festucae with perennial ryegrass. In this study, comparative transcriptomic analyses of ∆velA mutant compared to wild-type E. festucae, under three different conditions (in culture, infected seedlings, and infected mature plants), were performed to investigate the impact of VelA on E. festucae transcriptome. These comparative transcriptomic studies showed that VelA regulates the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in membrane transport, fungal cell wall biosynthesis, host cell wall degradation, and secondary metabolism, along with a number of small secreted proteins and a large number of proteins with no predictable functions. In addition, these results were compared with previous transcriptomic experiments that studied the impact of LaeA, another key global regulator of secondary metabolism and development that we have shown is important for E. festucae–perennial ryegrass interaction. The results showed that although VelA and LaeA regulate a subset of E. festucae genes in a similar manner, they also regulated many other genes independently of each other suggesting specialised roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Rahnama
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (P.M.); (D.J.F.)
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (R.D.J.)
| | - Paul Maclean
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (P.M.); (D.J.F.)
| | - Damien J. Fleetwood
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (P.M.); (D.J.F.)
- Biotelliga Ltd, Auckland 1052, New Zealand
| | - Richard D. Johnson
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (P.M.); (D.J.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (R.D.J.)
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11
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Strategies for gene disruption and expression in filamentous fungi. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:6041-6059. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09953-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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12
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Rahnama M, Maclean P, Fleetwood DJ, Johnson RD. The LaeA orthologue in Epichloë festucae is required for symbiotic interaction with Lolium perenne. Fungal Genet Biol 2019; 129:74-85. [PMID: 31071427 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
LaeA is a conserved global regulator of secondary metabolism and development in fungi. It is often required for successful pathogenic interactions. In this study, the laeA homologue in the fungal grass endophyte E. festucae was deleted and functionally characterised in vitro and its role in the mutualistic E. festucae interaction with Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) was determined. We showed that laeA in E. festucae is required for normal hyphal morphology, resistance to oxidative stress, and conidiation under nutrient-limited in vitro conditions. In planta studies revealed that laeA is expressed in a tissue-specific manner and is required to form a compatible plant interaction, with the majority of seedlings inoculated with a laeA deletion mutant either dying or being uninfected. In mature infected plants no difference was observed in the number or morphology of endophytic hyphae. However, the number of epiphyllous hyphae were greatly increased. Comparative transcriptomics analyses suggested roles for plant cell wall degradation, fungal cell wall composition, secondary metabolism and small-secreted proteins in Epichloë foliar symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rahnama
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand; School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - P Maclean
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D J Fleetwood
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand; Biotelliga Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - R D Johnson
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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13
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Comparative transcriptomics analysis of compatible wild type and incompatible Δ laeA mutant strains of Epichloë festucae in association with perennial ryegrass. Data Brief 2019; 24:103843. [PMID: 31049371 PMCID: PMC6484362 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.103843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epichloë festucae fungi form bioprotective endophytic symbioses with perennial ryegrass. Although this interaction is economically important, relatively little is known about the molecular processes and regulatory genes that are involved in establishing a compatible symbiosis. The present study utilised next-generation sequencing to investigate the genes required for establishing a compatible symbiotic interaction between E. festucae and perennial ryegrass. A comparative transcriptomics study, comparing the compatible symbiotic interaction of E. festucae/perennial ryegrass with the incompatible interaction of a ΔlaeA mutant strain of E.festucae/perennial ryegrass, was performed two weeks after inoculation. Differentially expressed genes were identified and classified according to gene ontology and functional annotation analyses. The raw data of this study have been deposited at SRA database with the BioProject ID PRJNA513830.
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14
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Lou H, Ye Z, Yun F, Lin J, Guo L, Chen B, Mu Z. Targeted Gene Deletion in Cordyceps militaris Using the Split-Marker Approach. Mol Biotechnol 2018; 60:380-385. [PMID: 29605840 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-018-0080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The macrofungus Cordyceps militaris contains many kinds of bioactive ingredients that are regulated by functional genes, but the functions of many genes in C. militaris are still unknown. In this study, to improve the frequency of homologous integration, a genetic transformation system based on a split-marker approach was developed for the first time in C. militaris to knock out a gene encoding a terpenoid synthase (Tns). The linear and split-marker deletion cassettes were constructed and introduced into C. militaris protoplasts by PEG-mediated transformation. The transformation of split-marker fragments resulted in a higher efficiency of targeted gene disruption than the transformation of linear deletion cassettes did. The color phenotype of the Tns gene deletion mutants was different from that of wild-type C. militaris. Moreover, a PEG-mediated protoplast transformation system was established, and stable genetic transformants were obtained. This method of targeted gene deletion represents an important tool for investigating the role of C. militaris genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- HaiWei Lou
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Food Science and Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - ZhiWei Ye
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Food Science and Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Fan Yun
- Alchemy Biotechnology Co., Ltd. of Guangzhou City, Guangzhou, 510760, China
| | - JunFang Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Food Science and Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - LiQiong Guo
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Food Science and Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
- Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - BaiXiong Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Food Science and Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Research Center for Micro-Ecological Agent Engineering and Technology of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - ZhiXian Mu
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Food Science and Institute of Food Biotechnology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, China
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15
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Rahnama M, Johnson RD, Voisey CR, Simpson WR, Fleetwood DJ. The Global Regulatory Protein VelA Is Required for Symbiosis Between the Endophytic Fungus Epichloë festucae and Lolium perenne. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2018; 31:591-604. [PMID: 29315021 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-11-17-0286-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Epichloë species fungi form bioprotective endophytic symbioses with many cool-season grasses, including agriculturally important forage grasses. Despite its importance, relatively little is known about the molecular details of the interaction and the regulatory genes involved. The conserved velvet-domain protein VelA (or VeA) is a global regulator of a number of cellular and developmental functions in fungi. In this study, the E. festucae velA gene was functionally characterized in vitro and during interaction with perennial ryegrass. The velA gene is required in E. festucae for resistance to osmotic and cell wall-damaging stresses, repression of conidiation, and normal hyphal morphology during nutrient-limited in-vitro conditions. Expression of velA in E. festucae is light- and nitrogen-dependent and is tissue-specific in mature infected plants. In-planta studies showed that velA is required in E. festucae for a compatible interaction. Inoculating seedlings with mutant ΔvelA induced callose deposition and H2O2 production, and a high level of seedling death was observed. In surviving plants infected with ΔvelA mutant fungi, plants were stunted and we observed increased biomass and invasion of vascular bundles. Overall, this work characterizes a key fungal regulatory factor in this increasingly important model symbiotic association.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rahnama
- 1 AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand; and
- 2 School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - R D Johnson
- 1 AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand; and
| | - C R Voisey
- 1 AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand; and
| | - W R Simpson
- 1 AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand; and
| | - D J Fleetwood
- 1 AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand; and
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Contrasting roles of fungal siderophores in maintaining iron homeostasis in Epichloë festucae. Fungal Genet Biol 2018; 111:60-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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