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Yao L, Kong Y, Yang W, Tian H, Meng X, Zhao X, Zhang R, Sun G, Rollins JA, Liang X. Two Putative Pheromone Receptors, but Not Their Cognate Pheromones, Regulate Female Fertility in the Atypical Mating Fungus Colletotrichum fructicola. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2023; 113:1934-1945. [PMID: 37141175 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-11-22-0436-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Colletotrichum fungi are a group of damaging phytopathogens with atypical mating type loci (harboring only MAT1-2-1 but not MAT1-1-1) and complex sexual behaviors. Sex pheromones and their cognate G-protein-coupled receptors are conserved regulators of fungal mating. These genes, however, lose function frequently among Colletotrichum species, indicating a possibility that pheromone signaling is dispensable for Colletotrichum sexual reproduction. We have identified two putative pheromone-receptor pairs (PPG1:PRE2, PPG2:PRE1) in C. fructicola, a species that exhibits plus-to-minus mating type switching and plus-minus-mediated mating line development. Here, we report the generation and characterization of gene-deletion mutants for all four genes in both plus and minus strain backgrounds. Single-gene deletion of pre1 or pre2 had no effect on sexual development, whereas their double deletion caused self-sterility in both the plus and minus strains. Moreover, double deletion of pre1 and pre2 caused female sterility in plus-minus outcrossing. Double deletion of pre1 and pre2, however, did not inhibit perithecial differentiation or plus-minus-mediated enhancement of perithecial differentiation. Contrary to the results with pre1 and pre2, double deletion of ppg1 and ppg2 had no effect on sexual compatibility, development, or fecundity. We concluded that pre1 and pre2 coordinately regulate C. fructicola mating by recognizing novel signal molecule(s) distinct from canonical Ascomycota pheromones. The contrasting importance between pheromone receptors and their cognate pheromones highlights the complicated nature of sex regulation in Colletotrichum fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wenrui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Huanhuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiangchen Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xuemei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guangyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jeffrey A Rollins
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Xiaofei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
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MacCready JS, Roggenkamp EM, Gdanetz K, Chilvers MI. Elucidating the Obligate Nature and Biological Capacity of an Invasive Fungal Corn Pathogen. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2023; 36:411-424. [PMID: 36853195 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-10-22-0213-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tar spot is a devasting corn disease caused by the obligate fungal pathogen Phyllachora maydis. Since its initial identification in the United States in 2015, P. maydis has become an increasing threat to corn production. Despite this, P. maydis has remained largely understudied at the molecular level, due to difficulties surrounding its obligate lifestyle. Here, we generated a significantly improved P. maydis nuclear and mitochondrial genome, using a combination of long- and short-read technologies, and also provide the first transcriptomic analysis of primary tar spot lesions. Our results show that P. maydis is deficient in inorganic nitrogen utilization, is likely heterothallic, and encodes for significantly more protein-coding genes, including secreted enzymes and effectors, than previous determined. Furthermore, our expression analysis suggests that, following primary tar spot lesion formation, P. maydis might reroute carbon flux away from DNA replication and cell division pathways and towards pathways previously implicated in having significant roles in pathogenicity, such as autophagy and secretion. Together, our results identified several highly expressed unique secreted factors that likely contribute to host recognition and subsequent infection, greatly increasing our knowledge of the biological capacity of P. maydis, which have much broader implications for mitigating tar spot of corn. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S MacCready
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, U.S.A
| | - Emily M Roggenkamp
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, U.S.A
| | - Kristi Gdanetz
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, U.S.A
| | - Martin I Chilvers
- Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, U.S.A
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Rogério F, Baroncelli R, Cuevas-Fernández FB, Becerra S, Crouch J, Bettiol W, Azcárate-Peril MA, Malapi-Wight M, Ortega V, Betran J, Tenuta A, Dambolena JS, Esker PD, Revilla P, Jackson-Ziems TA, Hiltbrunner J, Munkvold G, Buhiniček I, Vicente-Villardón JL, Sukno SA, Thon MR. Population Genomics Provide Insights into the Global Genetic Structure of Colletotrichum graminicola, the Causal Agent of Maize Anthracnose. mBio 2023; 14:e0287822. [PMID: 36533926 PMCID: PMC9973043 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02878-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic diversity and mechanisms underlying genetic variation in pathogen populations is crucial to the development of effective control strategies. We investigated the genetic diversity and reproductive biology of Colletotrichum graminicola isolates which infect maize by sequencing the genomes of 108 isolates collected from 14 countries using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Clustering analyses based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms revealed three genetic groups delimited by continental origin, compatible with short-dispersal of the pathogen and geographic subdivision. Intra- and intercontinental migration was observed between Europe and South America, likely associated with the movement of contaminated germplasm. Low clonality, evidence of genetic recombination, and high phenotypic diversity were detected. We show evidence that, although it is rare (possibly due to losses of sexual reproduction- and meiosis-associated genes) C. graminicola can undergo sexual recombination. Our results support the hypotheses that intra- and intercontinental pathogen migration and genetic recombination have great impacts on the C. graminicola population structure. IMPORTANCE Plant pathogens cause significant reductions in yield and crop quality and cause enormous economic losses worldwide. Reducing these losses provides an obvious strategy to increase food production without further degrading natural ecosystems; however, this requires knowledge of the biology and evolution of the pathogens in agroecosystems. We employed a population genomics approach to investigate the genetic diversity and reproductive biology of the maize anthracnose pathogen (Colletotrichum graminicola) in 14 countries. We found that the populations are correlated with their geographical origin and that migration between countries is ongoing, possibly caused by the movement of infected plant material. This result has direct implications for disease management because migration can cause the movement of more virulent and/or fungicide-resistant genotypes. We conclude that genetic recombination is frequent (in contrast to the traditional view of C. graminicola being mainly asexual), which strongly impacts control measures and breeding programs aimed at controlling this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Rogério
- Instituto de Investigación en Agrobiotecnología (CIALE), Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Riccardo Baroncelli
- Instituto de Investigación en Agrobiotecnología (CIALE), Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francisco Borja Cuevas-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación en Agrobiotecnología (CIALE), Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sioly Becerra
- Instituto de Investigación en Agrobiotecnología (CIALE), Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - JoAnne Crouch
- Foreign Disease and Weed Science Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | | | - M. Andrea Azcárate-Peril
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- UNC Microbiome Core, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Martha Malapi-Wight
- USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, Riverdale, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Albert Tenuta
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, University of Guelph-Ridgetown, Ridgetown, Ontario, Canada
| | - José S. Dambolena
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, IMBIV-CONICET-ICTA, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Paul D. Esker
- Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Pedro Revilla
- Misión Biológica de Galicia, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Pontevedra, Spain
| | | | | | - Gary Munkvold
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Ivica Buhiniček
- BC Institute for Breeding and Production of Field Crops, Dugo Selo, Croatia
| | | | - Serenella A. Sukno
- Instituto de Investigación en Agrobiotecnología (CIALE), Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Michael R. Thon
- Instituto de Investigación en Agrobiotecnología (CIALE), Departamento de Microbiología y Genética, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Liang X, Li B, Zhao X, Yao L, Kong Y, Liu W, Zhang R, Sun G. 1,8-Dihydroxynaphthalene Melanin Biosynthesis in Colletotrichum fructicola Is Developmentally Regulated and Requires the Cooperative Function of Two Putative Zinc Finger Transcription Factors. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2022; 112:2174-2186. [PMID: 36154270 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-01-22-0037-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In ascomycetes, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin plays important protective functions and its production is usually coupled with development and environmental stress responses. The regulation of melanin biosynthesis, however, remains obscure. Colletotrichum fructicola is a phytopathogen with a broad host range that produces melanized appressoria and perithecia. In this study, we annotated melanin genes in a high-quality C. fructicola genome and characterized two zinc finger transcription factors (TFs) (cmr1 and cmr2) that form a loosely organized gene cluster with several melanin biosynthesis genes. Deleting either TF abolished melanization in both mycelia and perithecia but did not affect appressoria. The deletion mutants also showed perithecial development defects. Overexpressing cmr1 in Δcmr2 strongly activated the expression of melanin biosynthesis genes including pks1, scd1, t4hr1, and thr1 and caused hyper-accumulation of charcoal to black pigment(s). On the other hand, overexpressing cmr2 in Δcmr1 activated pks1, t4hr1, and thr1, but not scd1. We conclude that proper DHN melanin accumulation in C. fructicola requires the cooperative function of two in-cluster TFs that also regulate perithecial development. The study clarifies DHN melanin regulations in C. fructicola and expands the function of melanin in-cluster TFs to sex regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Bingxuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xuemei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Liqiang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wenkui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Guangyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
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Wilson AM, Wilken PM, Wingfield MJ, Wingfield BD. Genetic Networks That Govern Sexual Reproduction in the Pezizomycotina. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2021; 85:e0002021. [PMID: 34585983 PMCID: PMC8485983 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00020-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual development in filamentous fungi is a complex process that relies on the precise control of and interaction between a variety of genetic networks and pathways. The mating-type (MAT) genes are the master regulators of this process and typically act as transcription factors, which control the expression of genes involved at all stages of the sexual cycle. In many fungi, the sexual cycle typically begins when the mating pheromones of one mating type are recognized by a compatible partner, followed by physical interaction and fertilization. Subsequently, highly specialized sexual structures are formed, within which the sexual spores develop after rounds of meiosis and mitosis. These spores are then released and germinate, forming new individuals that initiate new cycles of growth. This review provides an overview of the known genetic networks and pathways that are involved in each major stage of the sexual cycle in filamentous ascomycete fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi M. Wilson
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - P. Markus Wilken
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Michael J. Wingfield
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Brenda D. Wingfield
- Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
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Colletotrichum species and complexes: geographic distribution, host range and conservation status. FUNGAL DIVERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13225-021-00491-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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