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Nagel A, Leonard M, Maurus I, Starke J, Schmitt K, Valerius O, Harting R, Braus GH. The Frq-Frh Complex Light-Dependently Delays Sfl1-Induced Microsclerotia Formation in Verticillium dahliae. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:725. [PMID: 37504714 PMCID: PMC10381341 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular plant pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae has to adapt to environmental changes outside and inside its host. V. dahliae harbors homologs of Neurospora crassa clock genes. The molecular functions and interactions of Frequency (Frq) and Frq-interacting RNA helicase (Frh) in controlling conidia or microsclerotia development were investigated in V. dahliae JR2. Fungal mutant strains carrying clock gene deletions, an FRH point mutation, or GFP gene fusions were analyzed on transcript, protein, and phenotypic levels as well as in pathogenicity assays on tomato plants. Our results support that the Frq-Frh complex is formed and that it promotes conidiation, but also that it suppresses and therefore delays V. dahliae microsclerotia formation in response to light. We investigated a possible link between the negative element Frq and positive regulator Suppressor of flocculation 1 (Sfl1) in microsclerotia formation to elucidate the regulatory molecular mechanism. Both Frq and Sfl1 are mainly present during the onset of microsclerotia formation with decreasing protein levels during further development. Induction of microsclerotia formation requires Sfl1 and can be delayed at early time points in the light through the Frq-Frh complex. Gaining further molecular knowledge on V. dahliae development will improve control of fungal growth and Verticillium wilt disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Nagel
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Miriam Leonard
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Isabel Maurus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jessica Starke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Schmitt
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Valerius
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rebekka Harting
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gerhard H Braus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Wang L, Zhao F, Liu H, Chen H, Zhang F, Li S, Sun T, Nekrasov V, Huang S, Dong S. A modified Agrobacterium-mediated transformation for two oomycete pathogens. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011346. [PMID: 37083862 PMCID: PMC10156060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oomycetes are a group of filamentous microorganisms that include some of the biggest threats to food security and natural ecosystems. However, much of the molecular basis of the pathogenesis and the development in these organisms remains to be learned, largely due to shortage of efficient genetic manipulation methods. In this study, we developed modified transformation methods for two important oomycete species, Phytophthora infestans and Plasmopara viticola, that bring destructive damage in agricultural production. As part of the study, we established an improved Agrobacterium-mediated transformation (AMT) method by prokaryotic expression in Agrobacterium tumefaciens of AtVIP1 (VirE2-interacting protein 1), an Arabidopsis bZIP gene required for AMT but absent in oomycetes genomes. Using the new method, we achieved an increment in transformation efficiency in two P. infestans strains. We further obtained a positive GFP transformant of P. viticola using the modified AMT method. By combining this method with the CRISPR/Cas12a genome editing system, we successfully performed targeted mutagenesis and generated loss-of-function mutations in two P. infestans genes. We edited a MADS-box transcription factor-encoding gene and found that a homozygous mutation in MADS-box results in poor sporulation and significantly reduced virulence. Meanwhile, a single-copy avirulence effector-encoding gene Avr8 in P. infestans was targeted and the edited transformants were virulent on potato carrying the cognate resistance gene R8, suggesting that loss of Avr8 led to successful evasion of the host immune response by the pathogen. In summary, this study reports on a modified genetic transformation and genome editing system, providing a potential tool for accelerating molecular genetic studies not only in oomycetes, but also other microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Plant Pathology and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests (Ministry of Education), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests (Ministry of Education), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haohao Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests (Ministry of Education), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests (Ministry of Education), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests (Ministry of Education), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Suhua Li
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tongjun Sun
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Vladimir Nekrasov
- Plant Sciences and the Bioeconomy, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Sanwen Huang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Suomeng Dong
- Department of Plant Pathology and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests (Ministry of Education), Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Tran VT, Thai HD, Vu TX, Vu HH, Nguyen GT, Trinh MT, Tran HTT, Pham HTT, Le NTH. An efficient Agrobacterium-mediated system based on the pyrG auxotrophic marker for recombinant expression in the filamentous fungus Penicillium rubens. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:689-702. [PMID: 37071381 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03374-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This work aimed to construct a versatile, effective, and food-grade Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) system for recombinant expression in the filamentous fungus Penicillium rubens (also known as Pencillium chrysogenum). RESULTS In this study, the wild-type P. chrysogenum VTCC 31172 strain was re-classified as P. rubens by a multilocus sequencing analysis. Further, the pyrG gene required for uridine/uracil biosynthesis was successfully deleted in the VTCC 31172 strain by homologous recombination to generate a stable uridine/uracil auxotrophic mutant (ΔpyrG). The growth of the P. rubens ΔpyrG strain could be restored by uridine/uracil supplementation, and a new ATMT system based on the uridine/uracil auxotrophic mechanism was established for this strain. The optimal ATMT efficiency could reach 1750 transformants for 106 spores (equivalent to 0.18%). In addition, supplementation of uridine/uracil at the concentrations of 0.005-0.02% during the co-cultivation process significantly promoted transformation efficiency. Especially, we demonstrated that the pyrG marker and the amyB promoter from the koji mold Aspergillus oryzae were fully functional in P. rubens ΔpyrG. Expression of the DsRed reporter gene under the regulation of the A. oryzae amyB promoter lighted up the mycelium of P. rubens with a robust red signal under fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, genomic integration of multiple copies of the Aspergillus fumigatus phyA gene under the control of the amyB promoter significantly enhanced phytase activity in P. rubens. CONCLUSIONS The ATMT system developed in our work provides a safe genetic platform for producing recombinant products in P. rubens without using drug resistance markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van-Tuan Tran
- National Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Protein Technology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Faculty of Biology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Hanh-Dung Thai
- National Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Protein Technology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Faculty of Biology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tao Xuan Vu
- National Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Protein Technology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Center for Experimental Biology, National Center for Technological Progress, Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, C6 Thanh Xuan Bac, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ha Hong Vu
- National Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Protein Technology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Giang Thu Nguyen
- National Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Protein Technology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Minh Thi Trinh
- National Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Protein Technology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huyen Thi Thanh Tran
- Faculty of Biology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huong Thi Thu Pham
- National Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Protein Technology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nhung Thi Hong Le
- National Key Laboratory of Enzyme and Protein Technology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Faculty of Biology, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Maurus I, Harting R, Herrfurth C, Starke J, Nagel A, Mohnike L, Chen YY, Schmitt K, Bastakis E, Süß MT, Leonard M, Heimel K, Valerius O, Feussner I, Kronstad JW, Braus GH. Verticillium dahliae Vta3 promotes ELV1 virulence factor gene expression in xylem sap, but tames Mtf1-mediated late stages of fungus-plant interactions and microsclerotia formation. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011100. [PMID: 36716333 PMCID: PMC9910802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Verticillium transcription activator of adhesion 3 (Vta3) is required for plant root colonization and pathogenicity of the soil-borne vascular fungus Verticillium dahliae. RNA sequencing identified Vta3-dependent genetic networks required for growth in tomato xylem sap. Vta3 affects the expression of more than 1,000 transcripts, including candidates with predicted functions in virulence and morphogenesis such as Egh16-like virulence factor 1 (Elv1) and Master transcription factor 1 (Mtf1). The genes encoding Elv1 and Mtf1 were deleted and their functions in V. dahliae growth and virulence on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants were investigated using genetics, plant infection experiments, gene expression studies and phytohormone analyses. Vta3 contributes to virulence by promoting ELV1 expression, which is dispensable for vegetative growth and conidiation. Vta3 decreases disease symptoms mediated by Mtf1 in advanced stages of tomato plant colonization, while Mtf1 induces the expression of fungal effector genes and tomato pathogenesis-related protein genes. The levels of pipecolic and salicylic acids functioning in tomato defense signaling against (hemi-) biotrophic pathogens depend on the presence of MTF1, which promotes the formation of resting structures at the end of the infection cycle. In summary, the presence of VTA3 alters gene expression of virulence factors and tames the Mtf1 genetic subnetwork for late stages of plant disease progression and subsequent survival of the fungus in the soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Maurus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Rebekka Harting
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Herrfurth
- Department of Plant Biochemistry and Service Unit for Metabolomics and Lipidomics, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute for Plant Sciences and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jessica Starke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Nagel
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lennart Mohnike
- Department of Plant Biochemistry and Service Unit for Metabolomics and Lipidomics, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute for Plant Sciences and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ying-Yu Chen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Schmitt
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Emmanouil Bastakis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Marian T. Süß
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Miriam Leonard
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kai Heimel
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Valerius
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Ivo Feussner
- Department of Plant Biochemistry and Service Unit for Metabolomics and Lipidomics, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute for Plant Sciences and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - James W. Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gerhard H. Braus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Goettingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Tomato Xylem Sap Hydrophobins Vdh4 and Vdh5 Are Important for Late Stages of Verticillium dahliae Plant Infection. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121252. [PMID: 36547586 PMCID: PMC9783231 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Verticillium dahliae causes economic losses to a wide range of crops as a vascular fungal pathogen. This filamentous ascomycete spends long periods of its life cycle in the plant xylem, a unique environment that requires adaptive processes. Specifically, fungal proteins produced in the xylem sap of the plant host may play important roles in colonizing the plant vasculature and in inducing disease symptoms. RNA sequencing revealed over 1500 fungal transcripts that are significantly more abundant in cells grown in tomato xylem sap compared with pectin-rich medium. Of the 85 genes that are strongly induced in the xylem sap, four genes encode the hydrophobins Vdh1, Vdh2, Vdh4 and Vdh5. Vdh4 and Vhd5 are structurally distinct from each other and from the three other hydrophobins (Vdh1-3) annotated in V. dahliae JR2. Their functions in the life cycle and virulence of V. dahliae were explored using genetics, cell biology and plant infection experiments. Our data revealed that Vdh4 and Vdh5 are dispensable for V. dahliae development and stress response, while both contribute to full disease development in tomato plants by acting at later colonization stages. We conclude that Vdh4 and Vdh5 are functionally specialized fungal hydrophobins that support pathogenicity against plants.
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Liu D, Liu Q, Guo W, Liu Y, Wu M, Zhang Y, Li J, Sun W, Wang X, He Q, Tian C. Development of Genetic Tools in Glucoamylase-Hyperproducing Industrial Aspergillus niger Strains. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101396. [PMID: 36290301 PMCID: PMC9599018 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Glucoamylase is one of the most needed industrial enzymes in the food and biofuel industries. Aspergillus niger is a commonly used cell factory for the production of commercial glucoamylase. For decades, genetic manipulation has promoted significant progress in industrial fungi for strain engineering and in obtaining deep insights into their genetic features. However, genetic engineering is more laborious in the glucoamylase-producing industrial strains A. niger N1 and O1 because their fungal features of having few conidia (N1) or of being aconidial (O1) make them difficult to perform transformation on. In this study, we targeted A. niger N1 and O1 and successfully developed high-efficiency transformation tools. We also constructed a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 editing marker-free system using an autonomously replicating plasmid to express Cas9 protein and to guide RNA and the selectable marker. By using the genetic tools developed here, we generated nine albino deletion mutants. After three rounds of sub-culturing under nonselective conditions, the albino deletions lost the autonomously replicating plasmid. Together, the tools and optimization process above provided a good reference to manipulate the tough working industrial strain, not only for the further engineering these two glucoamylase-hyperproducing strains, but also for other industrial strains. Abstract The filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger is widely exploited by the fermentation industry for the production of enzymes, particularly glucoamylase. Although a variety of genetic techniques have been successfully used in wild-type A. niger, the transformation of industrially used strains with few conidia (e.g., A. niger N1) or that are even aconidial (e.g., A. niger O1) remains laborious. Herein, we developed genetic tools, including the protoplast-mediated transformation and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of the A. niger strains N1 and O1 using green fluorescent protein as a reporter marker. Following the optimization of various factors for protoplast release from mycelium, the protoplast-mediated transformation efficiency reached 89.3% (25/28) for N1 and 82.1% (32/39) for O1. The A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation efficiency was 98.2% (55/56) for N1 and 43.8% (28/64) for O1. We also developed a marker-free CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system using an AMA1-based plasmid to express the Cas9 protein and sgRNA. Out of 22 transformants, 9 albA deletion mutants were constructed in the A. niger N1 background using the protoplast-mediated transformation method and the marker-free CRISPR/Cas9 system developed here. The genome editing methods improved here will accelerate the elucidation of the mechanism of glucoamylase hyperproduction in these industrial fungi and will contribute to the use of efficient targeted mutation in other industrial strains of A. niger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and MOA Key Laboratory of Soil Microbiology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Wenzhu Guo
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Yin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Min Wu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Yongli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Jingen Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Wenliang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
| | - Xingji Wang
- Longda Biotechnology Inc., Linyi 276400, China
| | - Qun He
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and MOA Key Laboratory of Soil Microbiology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (Q.H.); (C.T.); Tel.: +86-10-62731206 (Q.H.); +86-22-84861947 (C.T.)
| | - Chaoguang Tian
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- National Technology Innovation Center of Synthetic Biology, Tianjin 300308, China
- Correspondence: (Q.H.); (C.T.); Tel.: +86-10-62731206 (Q.H.); +86-22-84861947 (C.T.)
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Asai Y, Hiratsuka T, Ueda M, Kawamura Y, Asamizu S, Onaka H, Arioka M, Nishimura S, Yoshida M. Differential Biosynthesis and Roles of Two Ferrichrome-Type Siderophores, ASP2397/AS2488053 and Ferricrocin, in Acremonium persicinum. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:207-216. [PMID: 35000376 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ferrichromes are a family of fungal siderophores with cyclic hexapeptide structures. Most fungi produce one or two ferrichrome-type siderophores. Acremonium persicinum MF-347833 produces ferrichrome-like potent Trojan horse antifungal antibiotics ASP2397 and AS2488053, the aluminum- and iron-chelating forms of AS2488059, respectively. Here, we show by gene sequencing followed by gene deletion experiments that A. persicinum MF-347833 possesses two nonribosomal peptide synthetase genes responsible for AS2488059 and ferricrocin assembly. AS2488059 was produced under iron starvation conditions and excreted into the media to serve as a defense metabolite and probably an iron courier. In contrast, ferricrocin was produced under iron-replete conditions and retained inside the cells, likely serving as an iron-sequestering molecule. Notably, the phylogenetic analyses suggest the different evolutionary origin of AS2488059 from that of conventional ferrichrome-type siderophores. Harnessing two ferrichrome-type siderophores with distinct biological properties may give A. persicinum a competitive advantage for surviving the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Asai
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Tomoshige Hiratsuka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Miyu Ueda
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yumi Kawamura
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shumpei Asamizu
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Onaka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Manabu Arioka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shinichi Nishimura
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Minoru Yoshida
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Collaborative Research Institute for Innovative Microbiology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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8
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A large transposable element mediates metal resistance in the fungus Paecilomyces variotii. Curr Biol 2022; 32:937-950.e5. [PMID: 35063120 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The horizontal transfer of large gene clusters by mobile elements is a key driver of prokaryotic adaptation in response to environmental stresses. Eukaryotic microbes face similar stresses; however, a parallel role for mobile elements has not been established. A stress faced by many microorganisms is toxic metal ions in their environment. In fungi, identified mechanisms for protection against metals generally rely on genes that are dispersed within an organism's genome. Here, we discover a large (∼85 kb) region that confers tolerance to five metal/metalloid ions (arsenate, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc) in the genomes of some, but not all, strains of a fungus, Paecilomyces variotii. We name this region HEPHAESTUS (Hφ) and present evidence that it is mobile within the P. variotii genome with features characteristic of a transposable element. HEPHAESTUS contains the greatest complement of host-beneficial genes carried by a transposable element in eukaryotes, suggesting that eukaryotic transposable elements might play a role analogous to bacteria in the horizontal transfer of large regions of host-beneficial DNA. Genes within HEPHAESTUS responsible for individual metal tolerances include those encoding a P-type ATPase transporter-PcaA-required for cadmium and lead tolerance, a transporter-ZrcA-providing tolerance to zinc, and a multicopper oxidase-McoA-conferring tolerance to copper. In addition, a subregion of Hφ confers tolerance to arsenate. The genome sequences of other fungi in the Eurotiales contain further examples of HEPHAESTUS, suggesting that it is responsible for independently assembling tolerance to a diverse array of ions, including chromium, mercury, and sodium.
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9
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Zhang Z, Guo Y, Marasigan KM, Conner JA, Ozias-Akins P. Gene activation via Cre/lox-mediated excision in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). PLANT CELL REPORTS 2022; 41:119-138. [PMID: 34591155 PMCID: PMC8803690 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-021-02789-z] [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: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Expression of Cre recombinase by AtRps5apro or AtDD45pro enabled Cre/lox-mediated recombination at an early embryonic developmental stage upon crossing, activating transgenes in the hybrid cowpea and tobacco. Genetic engineering ideally results in precise spatiotemporal control of transgene expression. To activate transgenes exclusively in a hybrid upon fertilization, we evaluated a Cre/lox-mediated gene activation system with the Cre recombinase expressed by either AtRps5a or AtDD45 promoters that showed activity in egg cells and young embryos. In crosses between Cre recombinase lines and transgenic lines harboring a lox-excision reporter cassette with ZsGreen driven by the AtUbq3 promoter after Cre/lox-mediated recombination, we observed complete excision of the lox-flanked intervening DNA sequence between the AtUbq3pro and the ZsGreen coding sequence in F1 progeny upon genotyping but no ZsGreen expression in F1 seeds or seedlings. The incapability to observe ZsGreen fluorescence was attributed to the activity of the AtUbq3pro. Strong ZsGreen expression in F1 seeds was observed after recombination when ZsGreen was driven by the AtUbq10 promoter. Using the AtDD45pro to express Cre resulted in more variation in recombination frequencies between transgenic lines and crosses. Regardless of the promoter used to regulate Cre, mosaic F1 progeny were rare, suggesting gene activation at an early embryo-developmental stage. Observation of ZsGreen-expressing tobacco embryos at the globular stage from crosses with the AtRps5aproCre lines pollinated by the AtUbq3prolox line supported the early activation mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifen Zhang
- Department of Horticulture and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, 2356 Rainwater Rd, Tifton, GA, 31793, USA
| | - Yinping Guo
- Department of Horticulture and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, 2356 Rainwater Rd, Tifton, GA, 31793, USA
| | - Kathleen Monfero Marasigan
- Department of Horticulture and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, 2356 Rainwater Rd, Tifton, GA, 31793, USA
| | - Joann A Conner
- Department of Horticulture and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, 2356 Rainwater Rd, Tifton, GA, 31793, USA
| | - Peggy Ozias-Akins
- Department of Horticulture and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, University of Georgia, 2356 Rainwater Rd, Tifton, GA, 31793, USA.
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10
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Chauhan A, Modgil M, Rajam MV. Establishment of Agrobacterium tumefaciens - mediated genetic transformation of apple pathogen Marssonina coronaria using marker genes under the control of CaMV 35S promoter. Microbiol Res 2021; 253:126878. [PMID: 34607236 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Premature leaf fall of apple caused by Marssonina coronaria is economically very important apple disease and all the commercially available apple cultivars are susceptible to this disease. The non-availability of an efficient transformation system for this fungus hinders the functional genomics research. Herein, we report for the first time, the successful Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in apple leaf blotch fungus M. coronaria by transferring T-DNA harbouring the genes for hygromycin phosphotransferase (hpt), β-glucuronidase (uidA) and green fluorescent protein (gfp) under the control of CaMV 35S promoter. The key factors that affect the transformation efficiency including type of recipient fungal material, acetosyringone concentration, the conditions for co-cultivation, Agrobacterium concentration, Agrobacterium strains and membrane types as support were investigated. The present results have recommended that 250 μM concentration of acetosyringone, 24 °C temperature and 48 h time, 0.5 OD600 of A. tumefaciens, EHA105 Agrobacterium strain and Whatman filter paper were the optimal co-cultivation conditions for the transformation of M. coronaria by using fragmented mycelia suspension and mycelial plugs. We observed that conidia were tedious to transform as compared to the fragmented mycelia and mycelial plugs of this slow growing fungus. These optimized parameters yielded 54 and 70 average transformants per 60 mycelial plugs and 104 fragmented mycelia, respectively. Fungal transformants were analysed for T-DNA integration, gus gene expression and gfp gene expression. Strong gus histochemical staining and green fluorescence expression indicated that the CaMV 35S promoter can drive gene expression in M. croronaria. Some mutants showed difference in the morphology of the colony as compared to the wild type control. This report will be very useful to inspect molecular basis of apple-M. coronaria interactions by deciphering the functional roles of various genes in this pathogenic fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Chauhan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, HP, 173230, India
| | - Manju Modgil
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, HP, 173230, India.
| | - Manchikatla Venkat Rajam
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021, India
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11
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Du Z, Zong Q, Gao H, Guo Q, Liu T, Chen W, Gao L. Development of an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system for Tilletia controversa Kühn. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 189:106313. [PMID: 34453992 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dwarf bunt of wheat caused by Tilletia controversa Kühn has been identified an international quarantine disease, which replace the grain material into millions of teliospores. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) system is a powerful tool for fungi transformation with significant advantages of simple operation, high efficiency, and genetic stability of transformants. In this study, we constructed ATMT system for T. controversa. All the transformants were tested using Acetosyringone (AS) concentration at 150 μmol/l, hygromycin B at 25 μg/ml, 1 × 106 T. controversa hypha cells/ml, A. tumefaciens with OD600 of 0.5 co-cultivation at 16 °C for 48 h and culture was incubated at 16 °C for 20 days. Using the ATMT method, we cultivated 8 generations of transformants on complete medium (CM) containing hygromycin B antibiotic and validated by PCR, which indicate that T-DNA had been successfully inserted into each of T. controversa transformants. In addition, thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR (TAIL-PCR) evaluated the Ti element inserts were at random sites in the fungal genome. Thus, ATMT approach is an efficient tool for insertional mutagenesis of T. controversa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Du
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qianqian Zong
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, China
| | - Haifeng Gao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crop in North-western Oasis, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Urumiqi, Xinjiang 830091, China
| | - Qingyuan Guo
- Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, China
| | - Taiguo Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wanquan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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12
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Chen X, Wang Y, He CY, Wang GL, Zhang GC, Wang CL, Wang DH, Zou X, Wei GY. Improved production of β-glucan by a T-DNA-based mutant of Aureobasidium pullulans. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:6887-6898. [PMID: 34448899 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11538-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To improve β-1,3-1,6-D-glucan (β-glucan) production by Aureobasidium pullulans, an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method was developed to screen a mutant A. pullulans CGMCC 19650. Based on thermal asymmetric-interlaced PCR detection, DNA sequencing, BLAST analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR assay, the T-DNA was identified to be inserted in the coding region of mal31 gene, which encodes a sugar transporter involved in pullulan biosynthesis in the mutant. The maximal biomass and β-glucan production under batch fermentation were significantly increased by 47.6% and 78.6%, respectively, while pullulan production was decreased by 41.7% in the mutant, as compared to the parental strain A. pullulans CCTCC M 2012259. Analysis of the physiological mechanism of these changes revealed that mal31 gene disruption increased the transcriptional levels of pgm2, ugp, fks1, and kre6 genes; increased the amounts of key enzymes associated with UDPG and β-glucan biosynthesis; and improved intracellular UDPG contents and energy supply, all of which favored β-glucan production. However, the T-DNA insertion decreased the transcriptional levels of ags2 genes, and reduced the biosynthetic capability to form pullulan, resulting in the decrease in pullulan production. This study not only provides an effective approach for improved β-glucan production by A. pullulans, but also presents an accurate and useful gene for metabolic engineering of the producer for efficient polysaccharide production. KEY POINTS: • A mutant A. pullulans CGMCC 19650 was screened by using the ATMT method. • The mal31 gene encoding a sugar transporter was disrupted in the mutant. • β-Glucan produced by the mutant was significantly improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199# Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199# Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Yong He
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199# Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Liang Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199# Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Gao-Chuan Zhang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199# Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong-Long Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199# Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Hui Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199# Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Zou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, 2# TianSheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China.
| | - Gong-Yuan Wei
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, 199# Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Spontaneous changes in somatic compatibility in Fusarium circinatum. Fungal Biol 2021; 125:725-732. [PMID: 34420699 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi grow by the elaboration of hyphae, which may fuse to form a network as a colony develops. Fusion of hyphae can occur between genetically different individuals, provided they share a common allele at loci affecting somatic compatibility. Diversity in somatic compatibility phenotypes reduces the frequency of hyphal fusion in a population, thereby slowing the spread of deleterious genetic elements such as viruses and plasmids, which require direct cytoplasmic contact for transmission. Diverse somatic compatibility phenotypes can be generated by recombining alleles through sexual reproduction, but this mechanism may not fully account for the diversity found in nature. For example, multiple compatibility phenotypes of Fusarium circinatum were shown to be associated with the same clonal lineage, which implies they were derived by a mutation rather than recombination through sexual reproduction. Experimental tests of this hypothesis confirmed that spontaneous changes in somatic compatibility can occur at a frequency between 5 and 8 per million spores. Genomic analysis of F. circinatum strains with altered somatic compatibility revealed no consistent evidence of recombination and supported the hypothesis that a spontaneous mutation generated the observed phenotypic change. Genes known to be involved in somatic compatibility had no mutations, suggesting that mutation occurred in a gene with an as yet unexplored function in somatic compatibility.
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14
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Jeong MH, Kim JA, Kang S, Choi ED, Kim Y, Lee Y, Jeon MJ, Yu NH, Park AR, Kim JC, Kim S, Park SY. Optimization of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Xylaria grammica EL000614, an Endolichenic Fungus Producing Grammicin. MYCOBIOLOGY 2021; 49:491-497. [PMID: 34803437 PMCID: PMC8583754 DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2021.1961431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An endolichenic fungus Xylaria grammica EL000614 produces grammicin, a potent nematicidal pyrone derivative that can serve as a new control option for root-knot nematodes. We optimized an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) protocol for X. grammica to support genetic studies. Transformants were successfully generated after co-cultivation of homogenized young mycelia of X. grammica with A. tumefaciens strain AGL-1 carrying a binary vector that contains the bacterial hygromycin B phosphotransferase (hph) gene and the eGFP gene in T-DNA. The resulting transformants were mitotically stable, and PCR analysis showed the integratin of both genes in the genome of transformants. Expression of eGFP was confirmed via fluorescence microscopy. Southern analysis showed that 131 (78.9%) out of 166 transformants contained a single T-DNA insertion. Crucial factors for producing predominantly single T-DNA transformants include 48 h of co-cultivation, pre-treatment of A. tumefaciens cells with acetosyringone before co-cultivation, and using freshly prepared mycelia. The established ATMT protocol offers an efficient tool for random insertional mutagenesis and gene transfer in studying the biology and ecology of X. grammica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hye Jeong
- Department of Plant Medicine, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Korea
| | - Jung A. Kim
- Microorganism Resources Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seogchan Kang
- Department of Plant Pathology & Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Eu Ddeum Choi
- Department of Plant Medicine, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Korea
| | - Youngmin Kim
- Department of Plant Medicine, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Korea
| | - Yerim Lee
- Department of Plant Medicine, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Korea
| | - Mi Jin Jeon
- Microorganism Resources Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon, Korea
| | - Nan Hee Yu
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ae Ran Park
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jin-Cheol Kim
- Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Soonok Kim
- Microorganism Resources Division, National Institute of Biological Resources, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sook-Young Park
- Department of Plant Medicine, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Korea
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15
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Montoya MRA, Massa GA, Colabelli MN, Ridao ADC. Efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system of Diaporthe caulivora. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 184:106197. [PMID: 33713724 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This is the first report describing the genetic transformation of Diaporthe caulivora, the soybean stem canker fungus. A simple and 100% efficient protocol of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation used mycelium as starting material and the hygromycin B resistance and green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a selection and reporter agents, respectively. All transgenic isolates were mitotically stable in two independent experiments and polymerase chain reaction with hygromycin B resistance primers confirmed successful T-DNA integration into the fungal genome. Plant-fungus interaction studies, including pathogenicity, latency, and endophytism, as well as further studies of random and targeted mutagenesis will be possible with GFP-expressing isolates of D. caulivora and other species in the Diaporthe / Phomopsis complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina R A Montoya
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), INTA - CONICET, Ruta 226 Km 73.5 (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina..
| | - Gabriela A Massa
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), INTA - CONICET, Ruta 226 Km 73.5 (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 226 Km 73.5 (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.; Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (FCA, UNMdP), Ruta 226 Km 73.5 (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mabel N Colabelli
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (FCA, UNMdP), Ruta 226 Km 73.5 (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Azucena Del Carmen Ridao
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (FCA, UNMdP), Ruta 226 Km 73.5 (7620), Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Starke J, Harting R, Maurus I, Leonard M, Bremenkamp R, Heimel K, Kronstad JW, Braus GH. Unfolded Protein Response and Scaffold Independent Pheromone MAP Kinase Signaling Control Verticillium dahliae Growth, Development, and Plant Pathogenesis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040305. [PMID: 33921172 PMCID: PMC8071499 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040305] [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: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation, growth, and virulence of the vascular plant pathogen Verticillium dahliae depend on a network of interconnected cellular signaling cascades. The transcription factor Hac1 of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated unfolded protein response (UPR) is required for initial root colonization, fungal growth, and vascular propagation by conidiation. Hac1 is essential for the formation of microsclerotia as long-time survival resting structures in the field. Single endoplasmic reticulum-associated enzymes for linoleic acid production as precursors for oxylipin signal molecules support fungal growth but not pathogenicity. Microsclerotia development, growth, and virulence further require the pheromone response mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, but without the Ham5 scaffold function. The MAPK phosphatase Rok1 limits resting structure development of V.dahliae, but promotes growth, conidiation, and virulence. The interplay between UPR and MAPK signaling cascades includes several potential targets for fungal growth control for supporting disease management of the vascular pathogen V.dahliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Starke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (J.S.); (R.H.); (I.M.); (M.L.); (R.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Rebekka Harting
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (J.S.); (R.H.); (I.M.); (M.L.); (R.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Isabel Maurus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (J.S.); (R.H.); (I.M.); (M.L.); (R.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Miriam Leonard
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (J.S.); (R.H.); (I.M.); (M.L.); (R.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Rica Bremenkamp
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (J.S.); (R.H.); (I.M.); (M.L.); (R.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Kai Heimel
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (J.S.); (R.H.); (I.M.); (M.L.); (R.B.); (K.H.)
| | - James W. Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Gerhard H. Braus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany; (J.S.); (R.H.); (I.M.); (M.L.); (R.B.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)551-39-33771
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17
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Liu ZC, Zhou L, Wang JL, Liu XS. Expression of a phenoloxidase cascade inhibitor enhances the virulence of the fungus Beauveria bassiana against the insect Helicoverpa armigera. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 117:103986. [PMID: 33359739 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi have high potential for controlling insect pests, although the slow killing speed has blocked their widespread application. To increase the virulence of entomopathogenic fungi, genetic modification can be employed. Egf1.0 is an immunosuppressive protein encoded by polydnavirus, carried by parasitoid wasp Microplitis demolitor, which blocks the prophenoloxidase (PPO) activation response of host insects. In this study, we explored the feasibility of genetically modifying entomopathogenic fungi with increased virulence by expressing Egf1.0. In comparison with the wild-type parents, the median lethal concentration (LC50) of Beauveria bassiana expressing Egf1.0 against Helicoverpa armigera was reduced by 2.7-fold, and the median lethal time (LT50) was reduced by 22.8%. In vitro assay showed that recombinant Egf1.0 was able to inhibit the PPO activation response of H. armigera. In vivo assay revealed that the expression of Egf1.0 in B. bassiana caused a higher degree of suppression to PPO activation response of H. armigera. These assays suggested that the increased virulence of the transgenic fungi is due to the increased ability to suppress the host insect's immune response. Moreover, colony growth, conidia yield, and germination assays revealed that the expression of Egf1.0 in B. bassiana had no effect on its growth and development. In conclusion, the expression of Egf1.0 can significantly enhance the pathogenicity of B. bassiana against host insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Chi Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Liu Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Jia-Lin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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18
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Chambers KR, Van de Wouw AP, Gardiner DM, Elliott CE, Idnurm A. A conserved Zn 2Cys 6 transcription factor, identified in a spontaneous mutant from in vitro passaging, is involved in pathogenicity of the blackleg fungus Leptosphaeria maculans. Fungal Biol 2021; 125:541-550. [PMID: 34140150 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Continuous passaging in vitro can lead to the accumulation of changes in DNA sequence that potentially affect the properties of microbes, making them different from the original isolates. The identification of such genetic alterations is rare in fungi. A set of insertional mutants in the plant pathogenic fungus Leptosphaeria maculans, all derived from the same transformation experiment, had independent Agrobacterium T-DNA insertions and reduced pathogenicity on canola (Brassica napus). None of the insertions co-segregated in progeny from crosses with the reduction in pathogenicity. Genome sequences of three strains were analysed, and a mutation identified in a gene (ptf1, for pathogenicity-associated transcription factor 1) encoding a putative Zn2(II)Cys6 transcription factor. Homologs are found in other ascomycetes, and are required for pathogenicity by Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum and Magnaporthe oryzae. The mutation in the L. maculans ptf1 gene co-segregates in progeny from crosses with the reduction in pathogenicity, a strain with an independent mutant allele isolated using CRISPR-Cas9 editing has reduced pathogenicity, and addition of wild type copies of the gene restores pathogenicity. Thus, this work defines a base pair substitution that occurred during in vitro passaging of a fungus that contributed to an attenuation of pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie R Chambers
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia; Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Northam, WA, 6401, Australia
| | | | - Donald M Gardiner
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Candace E Elliott
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Alexander Idnurm
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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19
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Goh JPZ, Ianiri G, Heitman J, Dawson TL. Expression of a Malassezia Codon Optimized mCherry Fluorescent Protein in a Bicistronic Vector. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:367. [PMID: 32793513 PMCID: PMC7387403 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of fluorescent proteins allows a multitude of approaches from live imaging and fixed cells to labeling of whole organisms, making it a foundation of diverse experiments. Tagging a protein of interest or specific cell type allows visualization and studies of cell localization, cellular dynamics, physiology, and structural characteristics. In specific instances fluorescent fusion proteins may not be properly functional as a result of structural changes that hinder protein function, or when overexpressed may be cytotoxic and disrupt normal biological processes. In our study, we describe application of a bicistronic vector incorporating a Picornavirus 2A peptide sequence between a NAT antibiotic selection marker and mCherry. This allows expression of multiple genes from a single open reading frame and production of discrete protein products through a cleavage event within the 2A peptide. We demonstrate integration of this bicistronic vector into a model Malassezia species, the haploid strain M. furfur CBS 14141, with both active selection, high fluorescence, and proven proteolytic cleavage. Potential applications of this technology can include protein functional studies, Malassezia cellular localization, and co-expression of genes required for targeted mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joleen P. Z. Goh
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency of Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Giuseppe Ianiri
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Centre, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Centre, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Thomas L. Dawson
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency of Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Drug Discovery, School of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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20
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Wu C, Chen Y, Qiu Y, Niu X, Zhu N, Chen J, Yao H, Wang W, Ma Y. A simple approach to mediate genome editing in the filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei by CRISPR/Cas9-coupled in vivo gRNA transcription. Biotechnol Lett 2020; 42:1203-1210. [PMID: 32300998 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-020-02887-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To simplify CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in the industrial filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei based on in vivo guide RNA (gRNA) transcription. RESULTS Two putative RNA polymerase III U6 snRNA genes were identified in the genome of T. reesei QM6a by BLASTN using Myceliophthora. thermophila U6 snRNA gene as the template. The regions approximately 500 bp upstream of two U6 genes were efficient promoters for the in vivo expression of gRNA. The CRISPR system consisting of Cas9 and in vivo synthesized gRNA under control of the T. reesei U6 snRNA promoters was sufficient to cause a frameshift mutation in the ura5 gene via non-homologous end-joining-mediated events. CONCLUSIONS We report a simple gene editing method using a CRISPR/Cas9-coupled in vivo gRNA transcription system in T. reesei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wu
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O.B. 311, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yumeng Chen
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O.B. 311, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yifei Qiu
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O.B. 311, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xiao Niu
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O.B. 311, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ningjian Zhu
- The First Affiliated Middle School of East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200086, China
| | - Jiehui Chen
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O.B. 311, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Hong Yao
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O.B. 311, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O.B. 311, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Yushu Ma
- State Key Lab of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, P.O.B. 311, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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21
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Medina EM, Robinson KA, Bellingham-Johnstun K, Ianiri G, Laplante C, Fritz-Laylin LK, Buchler NE. Genetic transformation of Spizellomyces punctatus, a resource for studying chytrid biology and evolutionary cell biology. eLife 2020; 9:52741. [PMID: 32392127 PMCID: PMC7213984 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chytrids are early-diverging fungi that share features with animals that have been lost in most other fungi. They hold promise as a system to study fungal and animal evolution, but we lack genetic tools for hypothesis testing. Here, we generated transgenic lines of the chytrid Spizellomyces punctatus, and used fluorescence microscopy to explore chytrid cell biology and development during its life cycle. We show that the chytrid undergoes multiple rounds of synchronous nuclear division, followed by cellularization, to create and release many daughter ‘zoospores’. The zoospores, akin to animal cells, crawl using actin-mediated cell migration. After forming a cell wall, polymerized actin reorganizes into fungal-like cortical patches and cables that extend into hyphal-like structures. Actin perinuclear shells form each cell cycle and polygonal territories emerge during cellularization. This work makes Spizellomyces a genetically tractable model for comparative cell biology and understanding the evolution of fungi and early eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar M Medina
- University of Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, United States.,Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Kristyn A Robinson
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | | | - Giuseppe Ianiri
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Caroline Laplante
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, United States
| | | | - Nicolas E Buchler
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, United States
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22
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Thyrostroma carpophilum insertional mutagenesis: A step towards understanding its pathogenicity mechanism. J Microbiol Methods 2020; 171:105885. [PMID: 32147575 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.105885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Thyrostroma carpophilum, a causal agent of shot hole disease of stone fruits, cause severe loss in economically important fruit crops of Kashmir. Understanding its pathogenesis at molecular level will aid in devising a better management strategy. In this study, we optimized Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation (ATMT) conditions for T. carpophilum using PBIF2-EGFP construct. Using this protocol, we obtained 328 positive transformants per 104 spores and subsequent sub-culturing of transformants on selective and non-selective media resulted in stable T-DNA integration. Southern blot analysis revealed that most of the transformants embodied single T-DNA integration. Using this method, we obtained a small-scale transformant library (2050 transformants). Among this pool, we tested 1005 transformants for their pathogenicity; out of which 185 showed complete pathogenicity loss, 35 displayed reduced virulence and 785 were pathogenically similar to wild type. Out of this experimental stock, three transformants from each category were randomly selected to dissect the infection assay. The findings deciphered that transformants with complete pathogenicity loss failed to penetrate the host tissue and a few transformants failed to sporulate in laboratory. Transformants from reduced category could not form appressorium and occasionally sporulated. Transformants similar to wild type were morphologically and pathogenically similar to wild type because of un-alteration in their modus operandi. Our work provides a new platform to understand the pathogenicity mechanism of T. carpophilum. The optimized ATMT protocol will help in developing large transformant library that can help to identify the virulence arsenals necessary for the pathogen to cause disease.
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23
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Harting R, Höfer A, Tran VT, Weinhold LM, Barghahn S, Schlüter R, Braus GH. The Vta1 transcriptional regulator is required for microsclerotia melanization in Verticillium dahliae. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:490-500. [PMID: 32389312 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many fungi are able to produce resting structures, which ensure survival and protect them against various stresses in their habitat such as exposure to UV light, temperature variations, drought as well as changing pH and nutrient conditions. Verticillium dahliae is a plant pathogenic fungus that forms melanized resting structures, called microsclerotia, for survival of time periods without a host. These highly stress resistant microsclerotia persist in the soil for many years and are therefore problematic for an effective treatment of the fungus. The Verticillium transcription activator of adhesion 1 (Vta1) was initially identified as one of several transcriptional regulators that rescue adhesion in non-adhesive Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Vta2 and Vta3 are required for early steps in plant infection and colonization and additionally control microsclerotia formation. Here, we show that Vta1 function is different, because it is dispensable for root colonization and infection. Vta1 is produced in the fungal cell during microsclerotia development. Analysis of the deletion mutant revealed that the absence of Vta1 allows microsclerotia production, but they are colorless and no more melanized. Vta1 is required for melanin production and activates transcription of melanin biosynthesis genes including the polyketide synthase encoding PKS1 and the laccase LAC1. The primary function of Vta1 in melanin production is important for survival of microsclerotia as resting structures of V. dahliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Harting
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Annalena Höfer
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Van-Tuan Tran
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lisa-Maria Weinhold
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sina Barghahn
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rabea Schlüter
- Imaging Center of the Department of Biology, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 15, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Gerhard H Braus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen and Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Grisebachstr. 8, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany.
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24
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Hettiarachchige IK, Ludlow EJ, Ekanayake PN, Brohier ND, Sahab S, Sawbridge TI, Spangenberg GC, Guthridge KM. Generation of Epichloë Strains Expressing Fluorescent Proteins Suitable for Studying Host-Endophyte Interactions and Characterisation of a T-DNA Integration Event. Microorganisms 2019; 8:E54. [PMID: 31892173 PMCID: PMC7023320 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods for the identification and localisation of endophytic fungi are required to study the establishment, development, and progression of host-symbiont interactions, as visible reactions or disease symptoms are generally absent from host plants. Fluorescent proteins have proved valuable as reporter gene products, allowing non-invasive detection in living cells. This study reports the introduction of genes for two fluorescent proteins, green fluorescent protein (GFP) and red fluorescent protein, DsRed, into the genomes of two distinct perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)-associated Epichloë endophyte strains using A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Comprehensive characterisation of reporter gene-containing endophyte strains was performed using molecular genetic, phenotypic, and bioinformatic tools. A combination of long read and short read sequencing of a selected transformant identified a single complex T-DNA insert of 35,530 bp containing multiple T-DNAs linked together. This approach allowed for comprehensive characterisation of T-DNA integration to single-base resolution, while revealing the unanticipated nature of T-DNA integration in the transformant analysed. These reporter gene endophyte strains were able to establish and maintain stable symbiotum with the host. In addition, the same endophyte strain labelled with two different fluorescent proteins were able to cohabit the same plant. This knowledge can be used to provide the basis to develop strategies to gain new insights into the host-endophyte interaction through independent and simultaneous monitoring in planta throughout its life cycle in greater detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inoka K. Hettiarachchige
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (I.K.H.); (E.J.L.); (P.N.E.); (N.D.B.); (S.S.); (T.I.S.); (G.C.S.)
| | - Emma J. Ludlow
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (I.K.H.); (E.J.L.); (P.N.E.); (N.D.B.); (S.S.); (T.I.S.); (G.C.S.)
| | - Piyumi N. Ekanayake
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (I.K.H.); (E.J.L.); (P.N.E.); (N.D.B.); (S.S.); (T.I.S.); (G.C.S.)
| | - Natasha D. Brohier
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (I.K.H.); (E.J.L.); (P.N.E.); (N.D.B.); (S.S.); (T.I.S.); (G.C.S.)
| | - Sareena Sahab
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (I.K.H.); (E.J.L.); (P.N.E.); (N.D.B.); (S.S.); (T.I.S.); (G.C.S.)
| | - Timothy I. Sawbridge
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (I.K.H.); (E.J.L.); (P.N.E.); (N.D.B.); (S.S.); (T.I.S.); (G.C.S.)
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - German C. Spangenberg
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (I.K.H.); (E.J.L.); (P.N.E.); (N.D.B.); (S.S.); (T.I.S.); (G.C.S.)
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Kathryn M. Guthridge
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (I.K.H.); (E.J.L.); (P.N.E.); (N.D.B.); (S.S.); (T.I.S.); (G.C.S.)
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25
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Establishment of an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system for Tilletia foetida. J Microbiol Methods 2019; 169:105810. [PMID: 31857144 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2019.105810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tilletia foetida causes wheat common smut disease with severe loss of yield production and seed quality. In this study, a low-cost, rapid, and efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) system for T. foetida mutagenesis was constructed: Transformants were screened with hygromycin B at 100 μg/ml, cefotaxime sodium concentrations with 200 μg/ml, Acetosyringone (AS) concentration at 200 μmol/l, 1 × 106 T. foetida hypha cells/ml, co-cultivation at 22 °C with 24 h and culture was incubated at 16 °C up to day 7. Fourteen transformants were randomly selected and confirmed using the specific primers to amplify the fragment of hygromycin phosphotransferase gene. At the same time, PCR analysis was performed to detect Agrobacterium tumefaciens Vir gene to eliminate false positives. The transformants were cultivated up to 8 generations on hygromycine B-containing complete medium (CM) and confirmed by PCR. The results indicated that 80% of T. foetida transformants were hygromycine B resistant. In conclusion, our analyses identified an efficient T-DNA insertion system for T. foetida and the results will be useful for further understanding the pathogenic mechanism via generation of the insertional mutants.
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26
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A newly constructed Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system revealed the influence of nitrogen sources on the function of the LaeA regulator in Penicillium chrysogenum. Fungal Biol 2019; 123:830-842. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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27
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Ianiri G, Dagotto G, Sun S, Heitman J. Advancing Functional Genetics Through Agrobacterium-Mediated Insertional Mutagenesis and CRISPR/Cas9 in the Commensal and Pathogenic Yeast Malassezia. Genetics 2019; 212:1163-1179. [PMID: 31243056 PMCID: PMC6707463 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malassezia encompasses a monophyletic group of basidiomycetous yeasts naturally found on the skin of humans and other animals. Malassezia species have lost genes for lipid biosynthesis, and are therefore lipid-dependent and difficult to manipulate under laboratory conditions. In this study, we applied a recently-developed Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation protocol to perform transfer (T)-DNA random insertional mutagenesis in Malassezia furfur A total of 767 transformants were screened for sensitivity to 10 different stresses, and 19 mutants that exhibited a phenotype different from the wild type were further characterized. The majority of these strains had single T-DNA insertions, which were identified within open reading frames of genes, untranslated regions, and intergenic regions. Some T-DNA insertions generated chromosomal rearrangements while others could not be characterized. To validate the findings of our forward genetic screen, a novel clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system was developed to generate targeted deletion mutants for two genes identified in the screen: CDC55 and PDR10 This system is based on cotransformation of M. furfur mediated by A. tumefaciens, to deliver both a CAS9-gRNA construct that induces double-strand DNA breaks and a gene replacement allele that serves as a homology-directed repair template. Targeted deletion mutants for both CDC55 and PDR10 were readily generated with this method. This study demonstrates the feasibility and reliability of A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation to aid in the identification of gene functions in M. furfur, through both insertional mutagenesis and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeted gene deletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Ianiri
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Gabriel Dagotto
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Sheng Sun
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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28
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Nielsen MR, Sondergaard TE, Giese H, Sørensen JL. Advances in linking polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides to their biosynthetic gene clusters in Fusarium. Curr Genet 2019; 65:1263-1280. [DOI: 10.1007/s00294-019-00998-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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29
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Sayari M, van der Nest MA, Steenkamp ET, Adegeye OO, Marincowitz S, Wingfield BD. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Ceratocystis albifundus. Microbiol Res 2019; 226:55-64. [PMID: 31284945 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Functional association between genomic loci and specific biological traits remains lacking in many fungi, including the African tree pathogen Ceratocystis albifundus. This is mainly because of the absence of suitable transformation systems for allowing genetic manipulation of this and other fungi. Here, we present an optimized protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of C. albifundus. Strain AGL-1 of A. tumefaciens and four binary T-DNA vectors (conferring hygromycin B or geneticin resistance and/or expressing the green fluorescent protein [GFP]) were used for transforming germinated conidia of three isolates of C. albifundus. Stable expression of these T-DNA-encoded traits was confirmed through sequential sub-culturing of fungal transformants on selective and non-selective media and by using PCR and sequence analysis. Single-copy integration of the respective T-DNAs into the genomes of these fungi was confirmed using Southern hybridization analysis. The range of experimental parameters determined and optimised included: (i) concentrations of hygromycin B and geneticin required for inhibiting growth of the wild type fungus and (ii) the dependence of transformation on acetosyringone for inducing the bacterium's virulence genes, as well as (iii) the duration of fungus-bacterium co-cultivation periods and (iv) the concentrations of fungal conidia and bacterial cells used for the latter. The system developed in this study is stable with a high-efficiency, yielding up to 400 transformants per 106 conidia. This is the first report of a transformation protocol for C. albifundus and its availability will be invaluable for functional studies in this important fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sayari
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - M A van der Nest
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa; Biotechnology Platform, Agricultural Research Council, Onderstepoort Campus, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - E T Steenkamp
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - O O Adegeye
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - S Marincowitz
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
| | - B D Wingfield
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa.
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30
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Urquhart AS, Mondo SJ, Mäkelä MR, Hane JK, Wiebenga A, He G, Mihaltcheva S, Pangilinan J, Lipzen A, Barry K, de Vries RP, Grigoriev IV, Idnurm A. Genomic and Genetic Insights Into a Cosmopolitan Fungus, Paecilomyces variotii (Eurotiales). Front Microbiol 2018; 9:3058. [PMID: 30619145 PMCID: PMC6300479 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Species in the genus Paecilomyces, a member of the fungal order Eurotiales, are ubiquitous in nature and impact a variety of human endeavors. Here, the biology of one common species, Paecilomyces variotii, was explored using genomics and functional genetics. Sequencing the genome of two isolates revealed key genome and gene features in this species. A striking feature of the genome was the two-part nature, featuring large stretches of DNA with normal GC content separated by AT-rich regions, a hallmark of many plant-pathogenic fungal genomes. These AT-rich regions appeared to have been mutated by repeat-induced point (RIP) mutations. We developed methods for genetic transformation of P. variotii, including forward and reverse genetics as well as crossing techniques. Using transformation and crossing, RIP activity was identified, demonstrating for the first time that RIP is an active process within the order Eurotiales. A consequence of RIP is likely reflected by a reduction in numbers of genes within gene families, such as in cell wall degradation, and reflected by growth limitations on P. variotii on diverse carbon sources. Furthermore, using these transformation tools we characterized a conserved protein containing a domain of unknown function (DUF1212) and discovered it is involved in pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Urquhart
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Mondo
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - Miia R Mäkelä
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Viikki Biocenter 1, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - James K Hane
- CCDM Bioinformatics, Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.,Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Ad Wiebenga
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute and Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Guifen He
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - Sirma Mihaltcheva
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - Jasmyn Pangilinan
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - Anna Lipzen
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - Kerrie Barry
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - Ronald P de Vries
- Fungal Physiology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute and Fungal Molecular Physiology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Igor V Grigoriev
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, United States
| | - Alexander Idnurm
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Widinugraheni S, Niño-Sánchez J, van der Does HC, van Dam P, García-Bastidas FA, Subandiyah S, Meijer HJG, Kistler HC, Kema GHJ, Rep M. A SIX1 homolog in Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense tropical race 4 contributes to virulence towards Cavendish banana. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205896. [PMID: 30346962 PMCID: PMC6197647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Focub) causes Fusarium wilt of banana. Focub strains are divided into races according to their host specificity, but which virulence factors underlie these interactions is currently unknown. In the F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (Fol)-tomato system, small secreted fungal proteins, called Six proteins, were identified in the xylem sap of infected plants. The Fol Six1 protein contributes to virulence and has an avirulence function by activating the I-3 immune receptor of tomato. The Focub tropical race 4 (TR4) genome harbors three SIX1 homologs: SIX1a, b and c. In this study, the role of Focub-SIX1a in pathogenicity was evaluated since this homolog is present in not only TR4 but also in other races. A deletion mutant of the SIX1a gene from Focub TR4 strain II5 was generated (FocubΔSIX1a) and tested in planta. Mutants were found to be severely compromised in their virulence. Ectopic integration of the Focub-SIX1a gene in the FocubΔSIX1a strain restored virulence to wild type levels. We conclude that Focub-SIX1a is required for full virulence of Focub TR4 towards Cavendish banana.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Widinugraheni
- Molecular Plant Pathology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Agriculture, Nusa Cendana University, Kupang, Indonesia
| | - J. Niño-Sánchez
- ARS-USDA Cereal Disease Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - H. C. van der Does
- Molecular Plant Pathology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P. van Dam
- Molecular Plant Pathology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - F. A. García-Bastidas
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - S. Subandiyah
- Dept. Plant Protection, Fac. Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Research Center for Biotechnology, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - H. J. G. Meijer
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - H. C. Kistler
- ARS-USDA Cereal Disease Laboratory, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - G. H. J. Kema
- Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Plant Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M. Rep
- Molecular Plant Pathology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Lv S, Chen X, Mou C, Dai S, Bian Y, Kang H. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of the ascomycete mushroom Morchella importuna using polyubiquitin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter-based binary vectors. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 34:148. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-018-2529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Sun J, Xu R, Xiao S, Lu Y, Zhang Q, Xue C. Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated transformation as an efficient tool for insertional mutagenesis of Kabatiella zeae. J Microbiol Methods 2018; 149:96-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Poyedinok NL, Blume YB. Advances, Problems, and Prospects of Genetic Transformation of Fungi. CYTOL GENET+ 2018. [DOI: 10.3103/s009545271802007x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Idnurm A, Urquhart AS, Vummadi DR, Chang S, Van de Wouw AP, López-Ruiz FJ. Spontaneous and CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutation of the osmosensor histidine kinase of the canola pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2017; 4:12. [PMID: 29270298 PMCID: PMC5732519 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-017-0043-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The dicarboximide fungicide iprodione has been used to combat blackleg disease of canola (Brassica napus), caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans. For example, in Australia the fungicide was used in the late 1990s but is no longer registered for use against blackleg disease, and therefore the impact of iprodione on L. maculans has not been investigated. Results Resistance to iprodione emerged spontaneously under in vitro conditions at high frequency. A basis for this resistance was mutations in the hos1 gene that encodes a predicted osmosensing histidine kinase. While loss of the homologous histidine kinase in some fungi has deleterious effects on growth and pathogenicity, the L. maculans strains with the hos1 gene mutated had reduced growth under high salt conditions, but were still capable of causing lesions on B. napus. The relative ease to isolate mutants with resistance to iprodione provided a method to develop and then optimize a CRISPR/Cas9 system for gene disruptions in L. maculans, a species that until now has been particularly difficult to manipulate by targeted gene disruptions. Conclusions While iprodione is initially effective against L. maculans in vitro, resistance emerges easily and these strains are able to cause lesions on canola. This may explain the limited efficacy of iprodione in field conditions. Iprodione resistance, such as through mutations of genes like hos1, provides an effective direction for the optimization of gene disruption techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Idnurm
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Building 122, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Andrew S Urquhart
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Building 122, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Dinesh R Vummadi
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Building 122, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Steven Chang
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102 Australia
| | - Angela P Van de Wouw
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Building 122, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Francisco J López-Ruiz
- Department of Environment and Agriculture, Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102 Australia
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A highly efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system for the postharvest pathogen Penicillium digitatum using DsRed and GFP to visualize citrus host colonization. J Microbiol Methods 2017; 144:134-144. [PMID: 29175534 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Penicillium digitatum is a major postharvest pathogen of citrus crops. This fungus broadly spreads worldwide and causes green mold disease, which results in severe losses for citrus production. Understanding of the citrus infection by P. digitatum may help develop effective strategies for controlling this pathogen. In this study, we have characterized a virulent strain of P. digitatum isolated in Vietnam and established a highly efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) system for this fungal strain with two newly constructed binary vectors. These binary vectors harbor dominant selectable markers for hygromycin or nourseothricin resistance, and expression cassettes for the red fluorescent protein (DsRed) or the green fluorescent protein (GFP), respectively. Using the established ATMT system, the transformation efficiency of the Vietnamese strain could reach a very high yield of 1240±165 transformants per 106 spores. Interestingly, we found that GFP is much better than DsRed for in situ visualization of citrus fruit colonization by the fungus. Additionally, we showed that the transformation system can also be used to generate T-DNA insertion mutants for screening non-pathogenic or less virulent strains. Our work provides a new platform including a virulent tropical strain of P. digitatum, an optimized ATMT method and two newly constructed binary vectors for investigation of the postharvest pathogen. This platform will help develop strategies to dissect molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions in more detail as well as to identify potential genes of pathogenicity by either insertional mutagenesis or gene disruption in this important pathogenic fungus.
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Idnurm A, Bailey AM, Cairns TC, Elliott CE, Foster GD, Ianiri G, Jeon J. A silver bullet in a golden age of functional genomics: the impact of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of fungi. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2017; 4:6. [PMID: 28955474 PMCID: PMC5615635 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-017-0035-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The implementation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens as a transformation tool revolutionized approaches to discover and understand gene functions in a large number of fungal species. A. tumefaciens mediated transformation (AtMT) is one of the most transformative technologies for research on fungi developed in the last 20 years, a development arguably only surpassed by the impact of genomics. AtMT has been widely applied in forward genetics, whereby generation of strain libraries using random T-DNA insertional mutagenesis, combined with phenotypic screening, has enabled the genetic basis of many processes to be elucidated. Alternatively, AtMT has been fundamental for reverse genetics, where mutant isolates are generated with targeted gene deletions or disruptions, enabling gene functional roles to be determined. When combined with concomitant advances in genomics, both forward and reverse approaches using AtMT have enabled complex fungal phenotypes to be dissected at the molecular and genetic level. Additionally, in several cases AtMT has paved the way for the development of new species to act as models for specific areas of fungal biology, particularly in plant pathogenic ascomycetes and in a number of basidiomycete species. Despite its impact, the implementation of AtMT has been uneven in the fungi. This review provides insight into the dynamics of expansion of new research tools into a large research community and across multiple organisms. As such, AtMT in the fungi, beyond the demonstrated and continuing power for gene discovery and as a facile transformation tool, provides a model to understand how other technologies that are just being pioneered, e.g. CRISPR/Cas, may play roles in fungi and other eukaryotic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Idnurm
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Andy M. Bailey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Timothy C. Cairns
- Department of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Candace E. Elliott
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Gary D. Foster
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Giuseppe Ianiri
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | - Junhyun Jeon
- College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
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Exogenous and endogenous increase in fungal GGPP increased fungal Taxol production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 101:7523-7533. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8509-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tayal P, Raj S, Sharma E, Kumar M, Dayaman V, Verma N, Jogawat A, Dua M, Kapoor R, Johri AK. A Botrytis cinerea KLP-7 Kinesin acts as a Virulence Determinant during Plant Infection. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10664. [PMID: 28878341 PMCID: PMC5587557 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09409-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic pathogen that infects many important crops. In an attempt to unravel some novel factors that govern pathogenicity in B. cinerea, Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation (ATMT) was deployed, and a number of tagged transformants were generated. Among these, a mutant, BCM-29 exhibited slower growth rate, reduced conidia size, conidiation and penetration. The mutant was also defective in secretion of oxalic acid (OA) and exhibited reduced activities of polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methyl esterases (PME). TAIL-PCR followed by BLAST search identified the tagged gene as KLP-7 that encodes for kinesin. Targeted deletion of KLP-7 resulted in several folds decrease in virulence of mutants as compared to WT, while complementation of the gene helped in rescue of virulence traits. This is the first time when a unique kinesin KLP-7 that is mainly found in the phylum Pezizomycotina has been linked to virulence in B. cinerea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamil Tayal
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 007, India
| | - Sumit Raj
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, 110 067, India
| | - Esha Sharma
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 007, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, 110 067, India
| | - Vikram Dayaman
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, 110 067, India
| | - Nidhi Verma
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, 110 067, India
| | - Abhimanyu Jogawat
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, 110 067, India
| | - Meenakshi Dua
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110 067, India
| | - Rupam Kapoor
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110 007, India.
| | - Atul Kumar Johri
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, 110 067, India.
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Yemelin A, Brauchler A, Jacob S, Laufer J, Heck L, Foster AJ, Antelo L, Andresen K, Thines E. Identification of factors involved in dimorphism and pathogenicity of Zymoseptoria tritici. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183065. [PMID: 28829795 PMCID: PMC5568738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
A forward genetics approach was applied in order to investigate the molecular basis of morphological transition in the wheat pathogenic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. Z. tritici is a dimorphic plant pathogen displaying environmentally regulated morphogenetic transition between yeast-like and hyphal growth. Considering the infection mode of Z. tritici, the switching to hyphal growth is essential for pathogenicity allowing the fungus the host invasion through natural openings like stomata. We exploited a previously developed Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) to generate a mutant library by insertional mutagenesis including more than 10,000 random mutants. To identify genes involved in dimorphic switch, a plate-based screening system was established. With this approach eleven dimorphic switch deficient random mutants were recovered, ten of which exhibited a yeast-like mode of growth and one mutant predominantly growing filamentously, producing high amount of mycelium under different incubation conditions. Using genome walking approach previously established, the T-DNA integration sites were recovered and the disrupted genomic loci of corresponding mutants were identified and validated within reverse genetics approach. As prove of concept, two of the random mutants obtained were selected for further investigation using targeted gene inactivation. Both genes deduced were found to encode known factors, previously characterized in other fungi: Ssk1p being constituent of HOG pathway and Ade5,7p involved in de novo purine biosynthesis. The targeted mutant strains defective in these genes exhibit a drastically impaired virulence within infection assays on whole wheat plants. Moreover exploiting further physiological assays the predicted function for both gene products could be confirmed in concordance with conserved biological role of homologous proteins previously described in other fungal organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Yemelin
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Annamaria Brauchler
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Microbiology and Wine Research, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Jacob
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Julian Laufer
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Larissa Heck
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Andrew J. Foster
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Luis Antelo
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Microbiology and Wine Research, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Karsten Andresen
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Microbiology and Wine Research, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eckhard Thines
- Institute for Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF gGmbH), Kaiserslautern, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Microbiology and Wine Research, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Abstract
Swainsonine—a cytotoxic fungal alkaloid and a potential cancer therapy drug—is produced by the insect pathogen and plant symbiont Metarhizium robertsii, the clover pathogen Slafractonia leguminicola, locoweed symbionts belonging to Alternaria sect. Undifilum, and a recently discovered morning glory symbiont belonging to order Chaetothyriales. Genome sequence analyses revealed that these fungi share orthologous gene clusters, designated “SWN,” which included a multifunctional swnK gene comprising predicted adenylylation and acyltransferase domains with their associated thiolation domains, a β-ketoacyl synthase domain, and two reductase domains. The role of swnK was demonstrated by inactivating it in M. robertsii through homologous gene replacement to give a ∆swnK mutant that produced no detectable swainsonine, then complementing the mutant with the wild-type gene to restore swainsonine biosynthesis. Other SWN cluster genes were predicted to encode two putative hydroxylases and two reductases, as expected to complete biosynthesis of swainsonine from the predicted SwnK product. SWN gene clusters were identified in six out of seven sequenced genomes of Metarhzium species, and in all 15 sequenced genomes of Arthrodermataceae, a family of fungi that cause athlete’s foot and ringworm diseases in humans and other mammals. Representative isolates of all of these species were cultured, and all Metarhizium spp. with SWN clusters, as well as all but one of the Arthrodermataceae, produced swainsonine. These results suggest a new biosynthetic hypothesis for this alkaloid, extending the known taxonomic breadth of swainsonine producers to at least four orders of Ascomycota, and suggest that swainsonine has roles in mutualistic symbioses and diseases of plants and animals.
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A new and efficient approach for construction of uridine/uracil auxotrophic mutants in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2017; 33:107. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-017-2275-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Abstract
The genus Malassezia includes 14 species that are found on the skin of humans and animals and are associated with a number of diseases. Recent genome sequencing projects have defined the gene content of all 14 species; however, to date, genetic manipulation has not been possible for any species within this genus. Here, we develop and then optimize molecular tools for the transformation of Malassezia furfur and Malassezia sympodialis using Agrobacterium tumefaciens delivery of transfer DNA (T-DNA) molecules. These T-DNAs can insert randomly into the genome. In the case of M. furfur, targeted gene replacements were also achieved via homologous recombination, enabling deletion of the ADE2 gene for purine biosynthesis and of the LAC2 gene predicted to be involved in melanin biosynthesis. Hence, the introduction of exogenous DNA and direct gene manipulation are feasible in Malassezia species. Species in the genus Malassezia are a defining component of the microbiome of the surface of mammals. They are also associated with a wide range of skin disease symptoms. Many species are difficult to culture in vitro, and although genome sequences are available for the species in this genus, it has not been possible to assess gene function to date. In this study, we pursued a series of possible transformation methods and identified one that allows the introduction of DNA into two species of Malassezia, including the ability to make targeted integrations into the genome such that genes can be deleted. This research opens a new direction in terms of now being able to analyze gene functions in this little understood genus. These tools will contribute to define the mechanisms that lead to the commensalism and pathogenicity in this group of obligate fungi that are predominant on the skin of mammals.
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Ianiri G, Boyce KJ, Idnurm A. Isolation of conditional mutations in genes essential for viability of Cryptococcus neoformans. Curr Genet 2016; 63:519-530. [PMID: 27783209 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-016-0659-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Discovering the genes underlying fundamental processes that enable cells to live and reproduce is a technical challenge, because loss of gene function in mutants results in organisms that cannot survive. This study describes a forward genetics method to identify essential genes in fungi, based on the propensity for Agrobacterium tumefaciens to insert T-DNA molecules into the promoters or 5' untranslated regions of genes and by placing a conditional promoter within the T-DNA. Insertions of the promoter of the GAL7 gene were made in the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Nine strains of 960 T-DNA insertional mutants screened grew on media containing galactose, but had impaired growth on media containing glucose, which suppresses expression from GAL7. T-DNA insertions were found in the homologs of IDI1, MRPL37, NOC3, NOP56, PRE3 and RPL17, all of which are essential in ascomycete yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Altering the carbon source in the medium provided a system to identify phenotypes in response to stress agents. The pre3 proteasome subunit mutant was further characterized. The T-DNA insertion and phenotype co-segregate in progeny from a cross, and the growth defect is complemented by the reintroduction of the wild type gene into the insertional mutant. A deletion allele was generated in a diploid strain, this heterozygous strain was sporulated, and analysis of the progeny provided additional genetic evidence that PRE3 is essential. The experimental design is applicable to other fungi and has other forward genetic applications such as to isolate over-expression suppressors or enhance the production of traits of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Ianiri
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti, Università degli Studi del Molise, Via F. De Sanctis Snc, 86100, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Kylie J Boyce
- School of BioSciences, BioSciences 2, University of Melbourne, Building 122, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Alexander Idnurm
- School of BioSciences, BioSciences 2, University of Melbourne, Building 122, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Koch A, Biedenkopf D, Furch A, Weber L, Rossbach O, Abdellatef E, Linicus L, Johannsmeier J, Jelonek L, Goesmann A, Cardoza V, McMillan J, Mentzel T, Kogel KH. An RNAi-Based Control of Fusarium graminearum Infections Through Spraying of Long dsRNAs Involves a Plant Passage and Is Controlled by the Fungal Silencing Machinery. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005901. [PMID: 27737019 PMCID: PMC5063301 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Meeting the increasing food and energy demands of a growing population will require the development of ground-breaking strategies that promote sustainable plant production. Host-induced gene silencing has shown great potential for controlling pest and diseases in crop plants. However, while delivery of inhibitory noncoding double-stranded (ds)RNA by transgenic expression is a promising concept, it requires the generation of transgenic crop plants which may cause substantial delay for application strategies depending on the transformability and genetic stability of the crop plant species. Using the agronomically important barley—Fusarium graminearum pathosystem, we alternatively demonstrate that a spray application of a long noncoding dsRNA (791 nt CYP3-dsRNA), which targets the three fungal cytochrome P450 lanosterol C-14α-demethylases, required for biosynthesis of fungal ergosterol, inhibits fungal growth in the directly sprayed (local) as well as the non-sprayed (distal) parts of detached leaves. Unexpectedly, efficient spray-induced control of fungal infections in the distal tissue involved passage of CYP3-dsRNA via the plant vascular system and processing into small interfering (si)RNAs by fungal DICER-LIKE 1 (FgDCL-1) after uptake by the pathogen. We discuss important consequences of this new finding on future RNA-based disease control strategies. Given the ease of design, high specificity, and applicability to diverse pathogens, the use of target-specific dsRNA as an anti-fungal agent offers unprecedented potential as a new plant protection strategy. RNA interference has emerged as a powerful genetic tool for scientific research. The demonstration that agricultural pests, such as insects and nematodes, are killed by exogenously supplied RNA targeting their essential genes has raised the possibility that plant predation can be controlled by lethal RNA signals. We show that spraying barley with a 791 nt long dsRNA (CYP3-dsRNA) targeting the three fungal ergosterol biosynthesis genes (CYP51A, CYP51B, CYP51C), whose respective proteins also are known as azole fungicide targets, efficiently inhibited the necrotrophic fungus Fusarium graminearum in directly sprayed and systemic leaf tissue. Strong inhibition of fungal growth required an operational fungal RNA interference mechanism as demonstrated by the fact that a Fusarium DICER-LIKE-1 mutant was insensitive to CYP3-dsRNA in systemic, non-sprayed leaf areas. Our findings will help in the efficient design of RNAi-based plant disease control. We provide essential information on a fundamentally new plant protection strategy, thereby opening novel avenues for improving crop yields in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Koch
- Institute for Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Biedenkopf
- Institute for Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Furch
- Institute of General Botany and Plant Physiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Lennart Weber
- Institute for Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver Rossbach
- Institute of Biochemistry, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Eltayb Abdellatef
- Institute for Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lukas Linicus
- Institute for Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jan Johannsmeier
- Institute for Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lukas Jelonek
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alexander Goesmann
- Institute for Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Vinitha Cardoza
- BASF Plant Science LP, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - John McMillan
- BASF Plant Science LP, Research Triangle Park, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Karl-Heinz Kogel
- Institute for Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Characterization of T-DNA insertion mutants with decreased virulence in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana JEF-007. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:8889-900. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7734-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Toh SS, Treves DS, Barati MT, Perlin MH. Reliable transformation system for Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae informed by genome and transcriptome project. Arch Microbiol 2016; 198:813-25. [PMID: 27215216 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-016-1244-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae is a member of a species complex infecting host plants in the Caryophyllaceae. It is used as a model system in many areas of research, but attempts to make this organism tractable for reverse genetic approaches have not been fruitful. Here, we exploited the recently obtained genome sequence and transcriptome analysis to inform our design of constructs for use in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation techniques currently available for other fungi. Reproducible transformation was demonstrated at the genomic, transcriptional and functional levels. Moreover, these initial proof-of-principle experiments provide evidence that supports the findings from initial global transcriptome analysis regarding expression from the respective promoters under different growth conditions of the fungus. The technique thus provides for the first time the ability to stably introduce transgenes and over-express target M. lychnidis-dioicae genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su San Toh
- Department of Biology and Program on Disease Evolution, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA
| | | | - Michelle T Barati
- Kidney Disease Program, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Michael H Perlin
- Department of Biology and Program on Disease Evolution, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
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Light-inducible genetic engineering and control of non-homologous end-joining in industrial eukaryotic microorganisms: LML 3.0 and OFN 1.0. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20761. [PMID: 26857594 PMCID: PMC4746737 DOI: 10.1038/srep20761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi play important roles in the production of plant cell-wall degrading enzymes. In recent years, homologous recombinant technologies have contributed significantly to improved enzymes production and system design of genetically manipulated strains. When introducing multiple gene deletions, we need a robust and convenient way to control selectable marker genes, especially when only a limited number of markers are available in filamentous fungi. Integration after transformation is predominantly nonhomologous in most fungi other than yeast. Fungal strains deficient in the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway have limitations associated with gene function analyses despite they are excellent recipient strains for gene targets. We describe strategies and methods to address these challenges above and leverage the power of resilient NHEJ deficiency strains. We have established a foolproof light-inducible platform for one-step unmarked genetic modification in industrial eukaryotic microorganisms designated as 'LML 3.0', and an on-off control protocol of NHEJ pathway called 'OFN 1.0', using a synthetic light-switchable transactivation to control Cre recombinase-based excision and inversion. The methods provide a one-step strategy to sequentially modify genes without introducing selectable markers and NHEJ-deficiency. The strategies can be used to manipulate many biological processes in a wide range of eukaryotic cells.
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Swett CL, Kirkpatrick SC, Gordon TR. Evidence for a Hemibiotrophic Association of the Pitch Canker Pathogen Fusarium circinatum with Pinus radiata. PLANT DISEASE 2016; 100:79-84. [PMID: 30688583 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-15-0270-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Fusarium circinatum can be a cause of mortality in pine seedlings but it is also possible for infected seedlings to remain symptomless. The results of this study documented a biotrophic phase in symptomless Pinus radiata seedlings that can persist for at least 52 weeks. A strain of F. circinatum, transformed to express the green fluorescent protein, was observed to grow intercellularly in the root cortex, with no evidence of damage to surrounding cells. Under experimental conditions, shoot symptoms developed only following collar infection, and root deterioration was seen only in plants that first expressed aboveground symptoms. This sequence of events implies that damage to the root system was a secondary consequence of girdling. If so, root symptoms may not reliably detect seedlings infected by F. circinatum. Supplemental mineral nutrition increased the incidence of infection and symptom development in seedlings but some infected plants remained symptomless, precluding the use of this approach to detect infected seedlings. Overall, our findings suggest that the ecological activities of F. circinatum may not be limited to a necrotrophic association with pine trees. A more comprehensive understanding of the life history of this fungus may yield insights that contribute to more effective management of pitch canker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L Swett
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park 20742
| | | | - Thomas R Gordon
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis 95616
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McCluskey K. Boosting Research and Industry by Providing Extensive Resources for Fungal Research. Fungal Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-27951-0_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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