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Capriotti L, Molesini B, Pandolfini T, Jin H, Baraldi E, Cecchin M, Mezzetti B, Sabbadini S. RNA interference-based strategies to control Botrytis cinerea infection in cultivated strawberry. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:201. [PMID: 39048858 PMCID: PMC11269516 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-024-03288-7] [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: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Gene silencing of BcDCL genes improves gray mold disease control in the cultivated strawberry. Gene silencing technology offers new opportunities to develop new formulations or new pathogen-resistant plants for reducing impacts of agricultural systems. Recent studies offered the proof of concept that the symptoms of gray mold can be reduced by downregulating Dicer-like 1 (DCL1) and 2 (DCL2) genes of Botrytis cinerea. In this study, we demonstrate that both solutions based on dsRNA topical treatment and in planta expression targeting BcDCL1 and BcDCL2 genes can be used to control the strawberry gray mold, the most harmful disease for different fruit crops. 50, 70 and 100 ng μL-1 of naked BcDCL1/2 dsRNA, sprayed on plants of Fragaria x ananassa cultivar Romina in the greenhouse, displayed significant reduction of susceptibility, compared to the negative controls, but to a lesser extent than the chemical fungicide. Three independent lines of Romina cultivar were confirmed for their stable expression of the hairpin gene construct that targets the Bc-DCL1 and 2 sequences (hp-Bc-DCL1/2), and for the production of hp construct-derived siRNAs, by qRT-PCR and Northern blot analyses. In vitro and in vivo detached leaves, and fruits from the hp-Bc-DCL1/2 lines showed significantly enhanced tolerance to this fungal pathogen compared to the control. This decreased susceptibility was correlated to the reduced fungal biomass and the downregulation of the Bc-DCL1 and 2 genes in B. cinerea. These results confirm the potential of both RNAi-based products and plants for protecting the cultivated strawberry from B. cinerea infection, reducing the impact of chemical pesticides on the environment and the health of consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Capriotti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Molesini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pandolfini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Elena Baraldi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science, DISTAL, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Cecchin
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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Berindean IV, Taoutaou A, Rida S, Ona AD, Stefan MF, Costin A, Racz I, Muntean L. Modern Breeding Strategies and Tools for Durable Late Blight Resistance in Potato. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1711. [PMID: 38931143 PMCID: PMC11207681 DOI: 10.3390/plants13121711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a major crop worldwide. It occupies the second place after cereals (corn, rice, and wheat). This important crop is threatened by the Oomycete Phytophthora infestans, the agent of late blight disease. This pathogen was first encountered during the Irish famine during the 1840s and is a reemerging threat to potatoes. It is mainly controlled chemically by using fungicides, but due to health and environmental concerns, the best alternative is resistance. When there is no disease, no treatment is required. In this study, we present a summary of the ongoing efforts concerning resistance breeding of potato against this devastating pathogen, P. infestans. This work begins with the search for and selection of resistance genes, whether they are from within or from outside the species. The genetic methods developed to date for gene mining, such as effectoromics and GWAS, provide researchers with the ability to identify genes of interest more efficiently. Once identified, these genes are cloned using molecular markers (MAS or QRL) and can then be introduced into different cultivars using somatic hybridization or recombinant DNA technology. More innovative technologies have been developed lately, such as gene editing using the CRISPR system or gene silencing, by exploiting iRNA strategies that have emerged as promising tools for managing Phytophthora infestans, which can be employed. Also, gene pyramiding or gene stacking, which involves the accumulation of two or more R genes on the same individual plant, is an innovative method that has yielded many promising results. All these advances related to the development of molecular techniques for obtaining new potato cultivars resistant to P. infestans can contribute not only to reducing losses in agriculture but especially to ensuring food security and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Virginia Berindean
- Department of Crops Sciences: Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.V.B.)
| | - Abdelmoumen Taoutaou
- Laboratoire de Phytopathologie et Biologie Moléculaire, Département de Botanique, École Nationale, Supérieure Agronomique, Avenue Pasteur (ENSA-ES 1603), Hassan Badi, El-Harrach, Algiers 16200, Algeria
| | - Soumeya Rida
- Département d’Agronomie, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie (SNV), Université Chadli Bendjedid, BP N°73, El Tarf 36000, Algeria
| | - Andreea Daniela Ona
- Department of Crops Sciences: Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.D.O.)
| | - Maria Floriana Stefan
- National Institute of Research and Development for Potato and Sugar Beet Braşov, Fundaturii Street 2, 500470 Braşov, Romania
| | - Alexandru Costin
- Department of Crops Sciences: Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.D.O.)
| | - Ionut Racz
- Department of Crops Sciences: Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.V.B.)
| | - Leon Muntean
- Department of Crops Sciences: Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.D.O.)
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Cai L, Huang X, Feng H, Fan G, Sun X. Antimicrobial mechanisms of g-C 3 N 4 @ZnO against oomycetes Phytophthora capsici: from its metabolism, membrane structures and growth. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2096-2108. [PMID: 38135506 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7946] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytophthora capsici, a refractory and model oomycete plant pathogen, especially threatens multiple vegetable crops. A limited number of chemical pesticides play a vital role in controlling oomycete plant diseases. However, this approach often leads to excessive use of chemical agent, exacerbates environmental issues and more and more drug-resistant strains of oomycete. Therefore, it is imperative to devise innovative solutions that can effectively address the infection of oomycete while maintaining high levels of environmental sustainability and low toxicity. RESULTS In this study, g-C3 N4 @ZnO heterostructure was synthesized and characterized. The g-C3 N4 @ZnO showed higher toxicity on Phytophthora capsici than graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 N4 ) nanosheets and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo. Except the hyphal growth of Phytophthora capsici, their germination rate of spores, sporangium formation and number of spores were all suppressed by g-C3 N4 @ZnO heterostructure. Furthermore, we found that this g-C3 N4 @ZnO heterostructure has higher photocatalytic activity under visible light, which potentially enhanced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated stress on Phytophthora capsici. Ultrastructural morphology, global changes of gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analysis all supported that the anti-oomycete activity of g-C3 N4 @ZnO was manifested in the destruction of membrane system and inhibition of multiple metabolisms of Phytophthora capsici under visible irradiation, which also could be attributed to the ROS and zinc ion (Zn2+ ) mediated stress. CONCLUSION This works offers a novel oomycete disease management strategy by using g-C3 N4 @ZnO, which were attributed to the ROS stress, destruction of membrane system and inhibition of multiple metabolisms. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cai
- Guizhou Key Laboratory for Tobacco Quality, College of Tobacco Science of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xunliang Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hui Feng
- Guizhou Key Laboratory for Tobacco Quality, College of Tobacco Science of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guangjin Fan
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xianchao Sun
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Chauhan S, Rajam MV. Host RNAi-mediated silencing of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici specific-fasciclin-like protein genes provides improved resistance to Fusarium wilt in Solanum lycopersicum. PLANTA 2024; 259:79. [PMID: 38431538 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04360-y] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Tomato transgenics expressing dsRNA against FoFLPs act as biofungicides and result in enhanced disease resistance upon Fol infection, by downregulating the endogenous gene expression levels of FoFLPs within Fol. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) hijacks plant immunity by colonizing within the host and further instigating secondary infection causing vascular wilt disease in tomato that leads to significant yield loss. Here, RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to determine its potential in enduring resistance against Fusarium wilt in tomato. To gain resistance against Fol infection, host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) of Fol-specific genes encoding for fasciclin-like proteins (FoFLPs) was done by generating tomato transgenics harbouring FoFLP1, FoFLP4 and FoFLP5 RNAi constructs confirmed by southern hybridizations. These tomato transgenics were screened for stable siRNA production in T0 and T1 lines using northern hybridizations. This confirmed stable dsRNAhp expression in tomato transgenics and suggested durable trait heritability in the subsequent progenies. FoFLP-specific siRNAs producing T1 tomato progenies were further selected to ascertain its disease resistance ability using seedling infection assays. We observed a significant reduction in FoFLP1, FoFLP4 and FoFLP5 transcript levels in Fol, upon infecting their respective RNAi tomato transgenic lines. Moreover, tomato transgenic lines, expressing intended siRNA molecules in the T1 generation, exhibit delayed disease onset with improved resistance. Furthermore, reduced fungal colonization was observed in the roots of Fol-infected T1 tomato progenies, without altering the plant photosynthetic efficiency of transgenic plants. These results substantiate the cross-kingdom dsRNA or siRNA delivery from transgenic tomato to Fol, leading to enhanced resistance against Fusarium wilt disease. The results also demonstrated that HIGS is a successful approach in rendering resistance to Fol infection in tomato plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sambhavana Chauhan
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Manchikatla Venkat Rajam
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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Cao W, Yang L, Zhuang M, Lv H, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Ji J. Plant non-coding RNAs: The new frontier for the regulation of plant development and adaptation to stress. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 208:108435. [PMID: 38402798 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108435] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Most plant transcriptomes constitute functional non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that lack the ability to encode proteins. In recent years, more research has demonstrated that ncRNAs play important regulatory roles in almost all plant biological processes by modulating gene expression. Thus, it is important to study the biogenesis and function of ncRNAs, particularly in plant growth and development and stress tolerance. In this review, we systematically explore the process of formation and regulatory mechanisms of ncRNAs, particularly those of microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in ncRNAs research, including their regulation of plant growth and development (seed germination, root growth, leaf morphogenesis, floral development, and fruit and seed development) and responses to abiotic and biotic stress (drought, heat, cold, salinity, pathogens and insects). We also discuss research challenges and provide recommendations to advance the understanding of the roles of ncRNAs in agronomic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Cao
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Limei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Mu Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Honghao Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yangyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Jialei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 ZhongGuanCun South St., Beijing 100081, China.
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Zhu Z, Xiong Z, Zou W, Shi Z, Li S, Zhang X, Liu S, Liu Y, Luo X, Ren J, Zhu Z, Dong P. Anti-oomycete ability of scopolamine against Phytophthora infestans, a terrible pathogen of potato late blight. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2023; 103:6416-6428. [PMID: 37209269 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytophthora infestans causes late blight, threatening potato production. The tropane alkaloid scopolamine from some industrial plants (Datura, Atropa, etc.) has a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic effect, but its effect on P. infestans is unknown. RESULTS In the present study, scopolamine inhibited the mycelial growth of phytopathogenic oomycete P. infestans, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) was 4.25 g L-1 . The sporangia germination rates were 61.43%, 16.16%, and 3.99% at concentrations of zero (control), 0.5 IC50 , and IC50 , respectively. The sporangia viability of P. infestans was significantly reduced after scopolamine treatment through propidium iodide and fluorescein diacetate staining, speculating that scopolamine destroyed cell membrane integrity. The detached potato tuber experiment demonstrated that scopolamine lessened the pathogenicity of P. infestans in potato tubers. Under stress conditions, scopolamine showed good inhibition of P. infestans, indicating that scopolamine could be used in multiple adverse conditions. The combination effect of scopolamine and the chemical pesticide Infinito on P. infestans was more effective than the use of scopolamine or Infinito alone. Moreover, transcriptome analysis suggested that scopolamine leaded to a downregulation of most P. infestans genes, functioning in cell growth, cell metabolism, and pathogenicity. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first study to detect scopolamine inhibitory activity against P. infestans. Also, our findings highlight the potential of scopolamine as an eco-friendly option for controlling late blight in the future. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Hongshen Honors School, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ziwen Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Hongshen Honors School, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjin Zou
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Hongshen Honors School, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiwen Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Hongshen Honors School, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shanying Li
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Hongshen Honors School, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinze Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shicheng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Hongshen Honors School, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xunguang Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Breeding for Tuber and Root Crops, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Breeding for Tuber and Root Crops, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenglin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Breeding for Tuber and Root Crops, Chongqing, China
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Raruang Y, Omolehin O, Hu D, Wei Q, Promyou S, Parekattil LJ, Rajasekaran K, Cary JW, Wang K, Chen ZY. Targeting the Aspergillus flavus p2c gene through host-induced gene silencing reduces A. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination in transgenic maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1150086. [PMID: 37229129 PMCID: PMC10203651 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1150086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that infects maize and produces aflatoxins. Using biocontrol or developing resistant cultivars to reduce aflatoxin contamination has only achieved limited success. Here, the A. flavus polygalacturonase gene (p2c) was targeted for suppression through host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) to reduce aflatoxin contamination in maize. An RNAi vector carrying a portion of the p2c gene was constructed and transformed into maize B104. Thirteen out of fifteen independent transformation events were confirmed to contain p2c. The T2 generation kernels containing the p2c transgene had less aflatoxin than those without the transgene in six out of eleven events we examined. Homozygous T3 transgenic kernels from four events produced significantly less aflatoxins (P ≤ 0.02) than the kernels from the null or B104 controls under field inoculation conditions. The F1 kernels from the crosses between six elite inbred lines with P2c5 and P2c13 also supported significantly less aflatoxins (P ≤ 0.02) than those from the crosses with null plants. The reduction in aflatoxin ranged from 93.7% to 30.3%. Transgenic leaf (T0 and T3) and kernel tissues (T4) were also found to have significantly higher levels of p2c gene-specific small RNAs. Further, homozygous transgenic maize kernels had significantly less fungal growth (27~40 fold) than the null control kernels 10 days after fungal inoculation in the field. The calculated suppression of p2c gene expression based on RNAseq data was 57.6% and 83.0% in P2c5 and P2c13 events, respectively. These results indicate clearly that the reduced aflatoxin production in the transgenic kernels is due to RNAi-based suppression of p2c expression, which results in reduced fungal growth and toxin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenjit Raruang
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Olanike Omolehin
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Dongfang Hu
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Qijian Wei
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Surassawadee Promyou
- Faculty of Natural Resources and Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Sakonnakhon, Thailand
| | - Lidiya J. Parekattil
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Kanniah Rajasekaran
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jeffrey W. Cary
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kan Wang
- Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Zhi-Yuan Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Kostov K, Andonova-Lilova B, Smagghe G. Inhibitory activity of carbon quantum dots against Phytophthora infestans and fungal plant pathogens and their effect on dsRNA-induced gene silencing. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2022.2146533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kaloyan Kostov
- Department of Functional Genetics, Abiotic and Biotic Stress, Agrobioinstitute, Agricultural Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Boika Andonova-Lilova
- Department of Agrobiotechnology, Agrobioinstitute, Agricultural Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences, Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Maksimov IV, Shein MY, Burkhanova GF. RNA Interference in Plant Protection from Fungal and Oomycete Infection. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683822100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
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10
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Kong X, Yang M, Le BH, He W, Hou Y. The master role of siRNAs in plant immunity. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2022; 23:1565-1574. [PMID: 35869407 PMCID: PMC9452763 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing mediated by small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) is a fundamental gene regulation mechanism in eukaryotes that broadly governs cellular processes. It has been established that sRNAs are critical regulators of plant growth, development, and antiviral defence, while accumulating studies support positive roles of sRNAs in plant defence against bacteria and eukaryotic pathogens such as fungi and oomycetes. Emerging evidence suggests that plant sRNAs move between species and function as antimicrobial agents against nonviral parasites. Multiple plant pathosystems have been shown to involve a similar exchange of small RNAs between species. Recent analysis about extracellular sRNAs shed light on the understanding of the selection and transportation of sRNAs moving from plant to parasites. In this review, we summarize current advances regarding the function and regulatory mechanism of plant endogenous small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in mediating plant defence against pathogen intruders including viruses, bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, and parasitic plants. Beyond that, we propose potential mechanisms behind the sorting of sRNAs moving between species and the idea that engineering siRNA-producing loci could be a useful strategy to improve disease resistance of crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhen Kong
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri‐Seeds/School of Agriculture and BiologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Meng Yang
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri‐Seeds/School of Agriculture and BiologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Brandon H. Le
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, Institute of Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCaliforniaUSA
| | - Wenrong He
- Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology LaboratorySalk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yingnan Hou
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri‐Seeds/School of Agriculture and BiologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
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Host-induced gene silencing of PcCesA3 and PcOSBP1 confers resistance to Phytophthora capsici in Nicotiana benthamiana through NbDCL3 and NbDCL4 processed small interfering RNAs. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:1665-1675. [PMID: 36167102 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) is a RNA-based system depend on the biological macromolecules generated in plants to control diseases. However, the effector proteins active in the HIGS are uncertain, which impedes its further application, especially for oomycete that lack efficient HIGS targets. Phytophthora capsici is an important oomycete causes blight in over 70 crops. Here, we comprehensively screened efficient HIGS vectors targeting PcCesA3 or PcOSBP1 in P. capsici to better control it and explore the characteristics of efficient HIGS vectors. Among the 26 vectors with different lengths and structures, we found that hairpin vectors with a 70 nt loop and ~ 500 bp stem showed the highest control efficacy, with the expressing of the screened vectors, the infection and fertility of P. capsici were greatly inhibited in transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana. Based on these efficient vectors, we demonstrated that the amount of HIGS vector generated small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) was positively related to gene silencing efficiency and resistance, and that NbDCL3 and NbDCL4 were the key effectors producing siRNAs. This work discovers the principles for efficient HIGS vectors design, and elucidates the molecular mechanism of HIGS, which could benefit the control of many other plant diseases based on HIGS.
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Li X, Mu K, Yang S, Wei J, Wang C, Yan W, Yuan F, Wang H, Han D, Kang Z, Zeng Q. Reduction of Rhizoctonia cerealis Infection on Wheat Through Host- and Spray-Induced Gene Silencing of an Orphan Secreted Gene. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2022; 35:803-813. [PMID: 36102883 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-04-22-0075-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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Rhizoctonia cerealis is a soilborne fungus that can cause sharp eyespot in wheat, resulting in massive yield losses found in many countries. Due to the lack of resistant cultivars, fungicides have been widely used to control this pathogen. However, chemical control is not environmentally friendly and is costly. Meanwhile, the lack of genetic transformation tools has hindered the functional characterization of virulence genes. In this study, we attempted to characterize the function of virulence genes by two transient methods, host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which use RNA interference to suppress the pathogenic development. We identified ten secretory orphan genes from the genome. After silencing these ten genes, only the RcOSP1 knocked-down plant significantly inhibited the growth of R. cerealis. We then described RcOSP1 as an effector that could impair wheat biological processes and suppress pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity in the infection process. These findings confirm that HIGS and SIGS can be practical tools for researching R. cerealis virulence genes. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 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)
- Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Keqing Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Shuqing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jiajing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Congnawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Weiyi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fengping Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Dejun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zhensheng Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Yangling Seed Industry Innovation Center, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qingdong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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Zand Karimi H, Innes RW. Molecular mechanisms underlying host-induced gene silencing. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:3183-3199. [PMID: 35666177 PMCID: PMC9421479 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) refers to the silencing of genes in pathogens and pests by expressing homologous double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) or artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) in the host plant. The discovery of such trans-kingdom RNA silencing has enabled the development of RNA interference-based approaches for controlling diverse crop pathogens and pests. Although HIGS is a promising strategy, the mechanisms by which these regulatory RNAs translocate from plants to pathogens, and how they induce gene silencing in pathogens, are poorly understood. This lack of understanding has led to large variability in the efficacy of various HIGS treatments. This variability is likely due to multiple factors, such as the ability of the target pathogen or pest to take up and/or process RNA from the host, the specific genes and target sequences selected in the pathogen or pest for silencing, and where, when, and how the dsRNAs or amiRNAs are produced and translocated. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about the molecular mechanisms underlying HIGS, identify key unanswered questions, and explore strategies for improving the efficacy and reproducibility of HIGS treatments in the control of crop diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Zand Karimi
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
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Bilir Ö, Göl D, Hong Y, McDowell JM, Tör M. Small RNA-based plant protection against diseases. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:951097. [PMID: 36061762 PMCID: PMC9434005 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.951097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plant diseases cause significant decreases in yield and quality of crops and consequently pose a very substantial threat to food security. In the continuous search for environmentally friendly crop protection, exploitation of RNA interferance machinery is showing promising results. It is well established that small RNAs (sRNAs) including microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) are involved in the regulation of gene expression via both transcriptional and post-transcriptional RNA silencing. sRNAs from host plants can enter into pathogen cells during invasion and silence pathogen genes. This process has been exploited through Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS), in which plant transgenes that produce sRNAs are engineered to silence pest and pathogen genes. Similarly, exogenously applied sRNAs can enter pest and pathogen cells, either directly or via the hosts, and silence target genes. This process has been exploited in Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS). Here, we focus on the role of sRNAs and review how they have recently been used against various plant pathogens through HIGS or SIGS-based methods and discuss advantages and drawbacks of these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Bilir
- Department of Biotechnology, Trakya Agricultural Research Institute, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Deniz Göl
- Department of Biology, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Yiguo Hong
- Department of Biology, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
- Research Centre for Plant RNA Signaling, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - John M. McDowell
- School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Mahmut Tör
- Department of Biology, School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
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Bocos-Asenjo IT, Niño-Sánchez J, Ginésy M, Diez JJ. New Insights on the Integrated Management of Plant Diseases by RNA Strategies: Mycoviruses and RNA Interference. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9236. [PMID: 36012499 PMCID: PMC9409477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-based strategies for plant disease management offer an attractive alternative to agrochemicals that negatively impact human and ecosystem health and lead to pathogen resistance. There has been recent interest in using mycoviruses for fungal disease control after it was discovered that some cause hypovirulence in fungal pathogens, which refers to a decline in the ability of a pathogen to cause disease. Cryphonectria parasitica, the causal agent of chestnut blight, has set an ideal model of management through the release of hypovirulent strains. However, mycovirus-based management of plant diseases is still restricted by limited approaches to search for viruses causing hypovirulence and the lack of protocols allowing effective and systemic virus infection in pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi), the eukaryotic cell system that recognizes RNA sequences and specifically degrades them, represents a promising. RNA-based disease management method. The natural occurrence of cross-kingdom RNAi provides a basis for host-induced gene silencing, while the ability of most pathogens to uptake exogenous small RNAs enables the use of spray-induced gene silencing techniques. This review describes the mechanisms behind and the potential of two RNA-based strategies, mycoviruses and RNAi, for plant disease management. Successful applications are discussed, as well as the research gaps and limitations that remain to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Teresa Bocos-Asenjo
- Department of Plant Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
- iuFOR-Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain
| | - Jonatan Niño-Sánchez
- Department of Plant Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
- iuFOR-Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain
| | - Mireille Ginésy
- Department of Plant Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
- iuFOR-Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain
| | - Julio Javier Diez
- Department of Plant Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
- iuFOR-Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain
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Wang M, Dean RA. Host induced gene silencing of Magnaporthe oryzae by targeting pathogenicity and development genes to control rice blast disease. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:959641. [PMID: 36035704 PMCID: PMC9403838 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.959641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Rice blast disease caused by the hemi-biotrophic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is the most destructive disease of rice world-wide. Traditional disease resistance strategies for the control of rice blast disease have not proved durable. HIGS (host induced gene silencing) is being developed as an alternative strategy. Six genes (CRZ1, PMC1, MAGB, LHS1, CYP51A, CYP51B) that play important roles in pathogenicity and development of M. oryzae were chosen for HIGS. HIGS vectors were transformed into rice calli through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and T0, T1 and T2 generations of transgenic rice plants were generated. Except for PMC1 and LHS1, HIGS transgenic rice plants challenged with M. oryzae showed significantly reduced disease compared with non-silenced control plants. Following infection with M. oryzae of HIGS transgenic plants, expression levels of target genes were reduced as demonstrated by Quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, treating M. oryzae with small RNA derived from the target genes inhibited fungal growth. These findings suggest RNA silencing signals can be transferred from host to an invasive fungus and that HIGS has potential to generate resistant rice against M. oryzae.
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S S, Sharma S, Bairwa A, Tomar M, Kumar R, Bhardwaj V, Jeevalatha A, Bakade R, Salaria N, Thakur K, Singh BP, Chakrabarti SK. Spraying of dsRNA molecules derived from Phytophthora infestans, along with nanoclay carriers as a proof of concept for developing novel protection strategy for potato late blight. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3183-3192. [PMID: 35478320 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytophthora infestans is a late blight-causing oomycetes pathogen. It rapidly evolves and adapts to the host background and new fungicide molecules within a few years of their release, most likely because of the predominance of transposable elements in its genome. Frequent applications of fungicides cause environmental concerns. Here, we developed target-specific RNA interference (RNAi)-based molecules, along with nanoclay carriers, that when sprayed on plants are capable of effectively reducing late blight infection. RESULTS Targeted the genes unique to sporulation, early satge infection and the metabolism pathway stages based on in an our own microarray data. We used nanoclay as a carrier for sorbitol dehydrogenase, heat shock protein 90, translation elongation factor 1-α, phospholipase-D like 3 and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored acidic serine-threonine-rich HAM34-like protein double-stranded (ds)RNAs, which were assessed by culture bioassay, detached leaf assay and spray methods, and revealed a reduction in growth, sporulation and symptom expression. Plants sprayed with multigene targeted dsRNA-nanoclay showed enhanced disease resistance (4% disease severity) and less sporulation (<1 × 103 ) compared with plants sprayed with dsRNA alone. CONCLUSION The use of nanoclay with multigene targeted dsRNA was assumed to be involved in effective delivery, protection and boosting the action of RNAi as a spray-induced gene silencing approach (SIGS). A significant reduction in growth, sporulation, disease severity and decreased gene expression authenticates the effects of SIGS on late blight progression. This study demonstrated as a proof of concept the dsRNA-nanoclay SIGS approach, which could be used as an alternative to chemical fungicides and transgenic approaches to develop an environmentally friendly novel plant protection strategy for late blight. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundaresha S
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Sanjeev Sharma
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Aarti Bairwa
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Maharishi Tomar
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
- Plant Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, India
| | - Ravinder Kumar
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Vinay Bhardwaj
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - A Jeevalatha
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spice Research, Kozhikode, India
| | - Rahul Bakade
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Neha Salaria
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Kajal Thakur
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Bir Pal Singh
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - S K Chakrabarti
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
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Afanasenko OS, Khiutti AV, Mironenko NV, Lashina NM. Transmission of potato spindle tuber viroid between <i>Phytophthora infestans</i> and host plants. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2022; 26:272-280. [PMID: 35774366 PMCID: PMC9167824 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-22-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) is a naked, circular, single-stranded RNA (356–363 nucleotides in length) which lacks any protein-coding sequences. It is an economically important pathogen and is classified as a high-risk plant quarantine disease. Moreover, it is known that PSTVd is mechanically transmitted by vegetative plant propagation through infected pollen, and by aphids. The aim of this study is to determine the possibility of viroid transmission by potato pathogen Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary. PSTVd-infected (strain VP87) potato cultivars Gala, Colomba, and Riviera were inoculated with P. infestans isolate PiVZR18, and in 7 days, after the appearance of symptoms, re-isolation of P. infestans on rye agar was conducted. RT-PCR diagnostics of PSTVd in a mixture of mycelia and sporangia were positive after 14 days of cultivation on rye agar. The PSTVd-infected P. infestans isolate PiVZR18v+ was used to inoculate the healthy, viroid-free plants of potato cv. Gala and tomato cv. Zagadka. After 60 days, an amplification fragment of PSTVd was detected in the tissues of one plant of tomato cv. Zagadka by RT-PCR with the primer set P3/P4, indicating successful transmission of PSTVd by P. infestans isolate PiVZR18v+. This result was confirmed by sequencing of the RT-PCR amplicon with primers P3/P4. The partial sequence of this amplicon was identical (99.5 %) to PSTVd strain VP87. RT-PCR showed the possibility of viroid stability in a pure culture of P. infestans isolate PiVZR18v+ after three consecutive passages on rye agar. PSTVd was not detected after the eighth passage on rye agar in P. infestans subculture. These results are initial evidence of potato viroid PSTVd being bidirectionally transferred between P. infestans and host plants
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Cheng W, Lin M, Chu M, Xiang G, Guo J, Jiang Y, Guan D, He S. RNAi-Based Gene Silencing of RXLR Effectors Protects Plants Against the Oomycete Pathogen Phytophthora capsici. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2022; 35:440-449. [PMID: 35196108 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-12-21-0295-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Phytophthora capsici is a broad-host range oomycete pathogen that can cause severe phytophthora blight disease of pepper and hundreds of other plant species worldwide. Natural resistance against P. capsici is inadequate, and it is very difficult to control by most of existing chemical fungicides. Therefore, it is urgent to develop alternative strategies to control this pathogen. Recently, host-induced or spray-induced gene silencing of essential or virulent pathogen genes provided an effective strategy for disease controls. Here, we demonstrate that P. capsici can effectively take up small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) from the environment. According to RNA-seq and quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis, we identified four P. capsici RXLR effector genes that are significantly up-regulated during the infection stage. Transient overexpression and promote-infection assays indicated that RXLR1 and RXLR4 could promote pathogen infection. Using a virus-induced gene silencing system in pepper plants, we found that in planta-expressing RNA interference (RNAi) constructs that target RXLR1 or RXLR4 could significantly reduce pathogen infection, while co-interfering RXLR1 and RXLR4 could confer a more enhanced resistance to P. capsici. We also found that exogenously applying siRNAs that target RXLR1 or RXLR4 could restrict growth of P. capsici on the pepper and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves; when targeting RXLR1 and RXLR4 simultaneously, the control effect was more remarkable. These data suggested that RNAi-based gene silencing of RXLR effectors has great potential for application in crop improvement against P. capsici and also provides an important basis for the development of RNA-based antioomycete agents.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 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)
- Wei Cheng
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources/College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Menglan Lin
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Moli Chu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources/College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Guixiang Xiang
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Jianwen Guo
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Deyi Guan
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Shuilin He
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
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Rabuma T, Gupta OP, Chhokar V. Recent advances and potential applications of cross-kingdom movement of miRNAs in modulating plant's disease response. RNA Biol 2022; 19:519-532. [PMID: 35442163 PMCID: PMC9037536 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2062172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the recent past, cross-kingdom movement of miRNAs, small (20–25 bases), and endogenous regulatory RNA molecules has emerged as one of the major research areas to understand the potential implications in modulating the plant’s biotic stress response. The current review discussed the recent developments in the mechanism of cross-kingdom movement (long and short distance) and critical cross-talk between host’s miRNAs in regulating gene function in bacteria, fungi, viruses, insects, and nematodes, and vice-versa during host-pathogen interaction and their potential implications in crop protection. Moreover, cross-kingdom movement during symbiotic interaction, the emerging role of plant’s miRNAs in modulating animal’s gene function, and feasibility of spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) in combating biotic stresses in plants are also critically evaluated. The current review article analysed the horizontal transfer of miRNAs among plants, animals, and microbes that regulates gene expression in the host or pathogenic organisms, contributing to crop protection. Further, it highlighted the challenges and opportunities to harness the full potential of this emerging approach to mitigate biotic stress efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilahun Rabuma
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, INDIA.,Department of Biotechnology, College of Natural and Computational Science, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Om Prakash Gupta
- Division of Quality and Basic Sciences, ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, INDIA
| | - Vinod Chhokar
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, INDIA
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Hu X, Persson Hodén K, Liao Z, Åsman A, Dixelius C. Phytophthora infestans Ago1-associated miRNA promotes potato late blight disease. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 233:443-457. [PMID: 34605025 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Phytophthora spp. cause serious damage to plants by exploiting a large number of effector proteins and small RNAs (sRNAs). Several reports have described modulation of host RNA biogenesis and defence gene expression. Here, we analysed Phytophthora infestans Argonaute (Ago) 1 associated small RNAs during potato leaf infection. Small RNAs were co-immunoprecipitated, deep sequenced and analysed against the P. infestans and potato genomes, followed by transcript analyses and transgenic assays on a predicted target. Extensive targeting of potato and pathogen-derived sRNAs to a range of mRNAs was observed, including 638 sequences coding for resistance (R) proteins in the host genome. The single miRNA encoded by P. infestans (miR8788) was found to target a potato alpha/beta hydrolase-type encoding gene (StABH1), a protein localized to the plasma membrane. Analyses of stable transgenic potato lines harbouring overexpressed StABH1 or artificial miRNA gene constructs demonstrated the importance of StABH1 during infection by P. infestans. miR8788 knock-down strains showed reduced growth on potato, and elevated StABH1 expression levels were observed when plants were inoculated with the two knock-down strains compared to the wild-type strain 88069. The findings of our study suggest that sRNA encoded by P. infestans can affect potato mRNA, thereby expanding our knowledge of the multifaceted strategies this species uses to facilitate infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Hu
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7080, S-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristian Persson Hodén
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7080, S-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhen Liao
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7080, S-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Åsman
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7015, S-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christina Dixelius
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnean Center for Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7080, S-75007, Uppsala, Sweden
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Ivanov AA, Ukladov EO, Golubeva TS. Phytophthora infestans: An Overview of Methods and Attempts to Combat Late Blight. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:1071. [PMID: 34947053 PMCID: PMC8707485 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary is one of the main pathogens in the agricultural sector. The most affected are the Solanaceae species, with the potato (Solanum tuberosum) and the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) being of great agricultural importance. Ornamental Solanaceae can also host the pests Petunia spp., Calibrachoa spp., as well as the wild species Solanum dulcamara, Solanum sarrachoides, etc. Annual crop losses caused by this pathogen are highly significant. Although the interaction between P. infestans and the potato has been investigated for a long time, further studies are still needed. This review summarises the basic approaches in the fight against the late blight over the past 20 years and includes four sections devoted to methods of control: (1) fungicides; (2) R-gene-based resistance of potato species; (3) RNA interference approaches; (4) other approaches to control P. infestans. Based on the latest advances, we have provided a description of the significant advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artemii A. Ivanov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Egor O. Ukladov
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Tatiana S. Golubeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
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23
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Kalyandurg PB, Sundararajan P, Dubey M, Ghadamgahi F, Zahid MA, Whisson SC, Vetukuri RR. Spray-Induced Gene Silencing as a Potential Tool to Control Potato Late Blight Disease. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2021; 111:2168-2175. [PMID: 33973799 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-02-21-0054-sc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Phytophthora infestans causes late blight disease on potato and tomato and is currently controlled by resistant cultivars or intensive fungicide spraying. Here, we investigated an alternative means for late blight control by spraying potato leaves with double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) that target the P. infestans genes essential for infection. First, we showed that the sporangia of P. infestans expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) can take up in vitro synthesized dsRNAs homologous to GFP directly from their surroundings, including leaves, which led to the reduced relative expression of GFP. We further demonstrate the potential of spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) in controlling potato late blight disease by targeting developmentally important genes in P. infestans such as guanine-nucleotide binding protein β-subunit (PiGPB1), haustorial membrane protein (PiHmp1), cutinase (PiCut3), and endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase (PiEndo3). Our results demonstrate that SIGS can potentially be used to mitigate potato late blight; however, the degree of disease control is dependent on the selection of the target genes.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 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)
- Pruthvi B Kalyandurg
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma 234 22, Sweden
| | - Poorva Sundararajan
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma 234 22, Sweden
| | - Mukesh Dubey
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Uppsala Biocenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala 75651, Sweden
| | - Farideh Ghadamgahi
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma 234 22, Sweden
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 9177948978 Mashhad-Iran, Iran
| | - Muhammad Awais Zahid
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma 234 22, Sweden
| | - Stephen C Whisson
- Cell and Molecular Sciences, The James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, Scotland
| | - Ramesh R Vetukuri
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma 234 22, Sweden
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24
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Ghimire B, Saraiva M, Andersen CB, Gogoi A, Saleh M, Zic N, van West P, Brurberg MB. Transformation systems, gene silencing and gene editing technologies in oomycetes. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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25
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Ding Y, Chen Y, Yan B, Liao H, Dong M, Meng X, Wan H, Qian W. Host-Induced Gene Silencing of a Multifunction Gene Sscnd1 Enhances Plant Resistance Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:693334. [PMID: 34690946 PMCID: PMC8531507 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.693334] [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: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating necrotrophic fungal pathogen and has a substantial economic impact on crop production worldwide. Magnaporthe appressoria-specific (MAS) proteins have been suggested to be involved in the appressorium formation in Magnaporthe oryzae. Sscnd1, an MAS homolog gene, is highly induced at the early infection stage of S. sclerotiorum. Knock-down the expression of Sscnd1 gene severely reduced the virulence of S. sclerotiorum on intact rapeseed leaves, and their virulence was partially restored on wounded leaves. The Sscnd1 gene-silenced strains exhibited a defect in compound appressorium formation and cell integrity. The instantaneous silencing of Sscnd1 by tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-mediated host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) resulted in a significant reduction in disease development in tobacco. Three transgenic HIGS Arabidopsis lines displayed high levels of resistance to S. sclerotiorum and decreased Sscnd1 expression. Production of specific Sscnd1 siRNA in transgenic HIGS Arabidopsis lines was confirmed by stem-loop qRT-PCR. This study revealed that the compound appressorium-related gene Sscnd1 is required for cell integrity and full virulence in S. sclerotiorum and that Sclerotinia stem rot can be controlled by expressing the silencing constructs of Sscnd1 in host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijuan Ding
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangui Chen
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Baoqin Yan
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Liao
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengquan Dong
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinran Meng
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Huafang Wan
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Qian
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
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26
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Achari SR, Edwards J, Mann RC, Kaur JK, Sawbridge T, Summerell BA. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of races 1, 2, 5 and 6 of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pisi in a susceptible pea host identifies differential pathogenicity profiles. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:734. [PMID: 34627148 PMCID: PMC8502283 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08033-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pisi (Fop) causes Fusarium wilt in peas. There are four races globally: 1, 2, 5 and 6 and all of these races are present in Australia. Molecular infection mechanisms have been studied in a few other F. oxysporum formae speciales; however, there has been no transcriptomic Fop-pea pathosystem study. RESULTS A transcriptomic study was carried out to understand the molecular pathogenicity differences between the races. Transcriptome analysis at 20 days post-inoculation revealed differences in the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the Fop races potentially involved in fungal pathogenicity variations. Most of the DEGs in all the races were engaged in transportation, metabolism, oxidation-reduction, translation, biosynthetic processes, signal transduction, proteolysis, among others. Race 5 expressed the most virulence-associated genes. Most genes encoding for plant cell wall degrading enzymes, CAZymes and effector-like proteins were expressed in race 2. Race 6 expressed the least number of genes at this time point. CONCLUSION Fop races deploy various factors and complex strategies to mitigate host defences to facilitate colonisation. This investigation provides an overview of the putative pathogenicity genes in different Fop races during the necrotrophic stage of infection. These genes need to be functionally characterised to confirm their pathogenicity/virulence roles and the race-specific genes can be further explored for molecular characterisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saidi R Achari
- AgriBio, Agriculture Victoria Research, DJPR, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jacqueline Edwards
- AgriBio, Agriculture Victoria Research, DJPR, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ross C Mann
- AgriBio, Agriculture Victoria Research, DJPR, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jatinder K Kaur
- AgriBio, Agriculture Victoria Research, DJPR, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Sawbridge
- AgriBio, Agriculture Victoria Research, DJPR, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brett A Summerell
- Australian Institute of Botanical Science, Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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27
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Syombua ED, Tripathi JN, Obiero GO, Nguu EK, Yang B, Wang K, Tripathi L. Potential applications of the CRISPR/Cas technology for genetic improvement of yam (
Dioscorea
spp.). Food Energy Secur 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/fes3.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Easter D. Syombua
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Nairobi Kenya
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (CEBIB) University of Nairobi Nairobi Kenya
| | | | - George O. Obiero
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (CEBIB) University of Nairobi Nairobi Kenya
| | - Edward K. Nguu
- Department of Biochemistry University of Nairobi Nairobi Kenya
| | - Bing Yang
- Division of Plant Sciences Bond Life Sciences Center University of Missouri Columbia MO USA
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center St. Louis MO USA
| | - Kan Wang
- Department of Agronomy Iowa State University Ames IA USA
| | - Leena Tripathi
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Nairobi Kenya
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28
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Fu R, Zhang H, Zhao Y, Wang L, Wang S, Li J, Zhang J. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling revealed the role of succinoglycan Riclin octaose in eliciting the defense response of Solanum tuberosum. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:7439-7450. [PMID: 34536104 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11588-1] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Activating the defense response of plants by elicitors provides a promising method for biocontrol of pathogens. The homogeneous octaose (RiOc) which was depolymerized from the succinoglycan Riclin was investigated as a novel elicitor to activate the immune system of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). After foliar spray, RiOc quickly induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species in potato leaves in a dose-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that 2712 out of 30,863 genes were differentially expressed at the early stage (24 h), while 367 of them were changed later (72 h). Results from the transcriptome and quantitative RT-PCR suggested that RiOc was probably perceived by the receptor LYK3 and it activated the MKK2/3/9/-MPK6/7 signaling cascade and promoted the salicylic acid-mediated defense response. Meanwhile, RiOc changed the metabolome profile of potato leaves over time as demonstrated by the 1H NMR-based metabolomic analysis. Homeostasis of amino acids was affected at the early stage while the secondary metabolism was strengthened later. More importantly, RiOc significantly reduced the severity of potato leaf lesions caused by the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. In conclusion, RiOc effectively improved the resistance of potato to P. infestans by eliciting the salicylic acid-mediated defense response. RiOc becomes a promising carbohydrate-based elicitor for biocontrol of plant pathogens. KEY POINTS: • Homogeneous Riclin octaose was a novel elicitor for biocontrol of plant pathogens. • Riclin octaose primed the salicylic acid-mediated defense response of potato plants. • Riclin octaose changed the metabolome profile of potato leaves over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Fu
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Huijuan Zhang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China.,School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China.,School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Shiming Wang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Jing Li
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China. .,School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China.
| | - Jianfa Zhang
- Center for Molecular Metabolism, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China.,School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, 200 Xiaolingwei Street, Nanjing, 210094, China
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29
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Cai L, Wei X, Feng H, Fan G, Gao C, Chen H, Sun X. Antimicrobial mechanisms of g-C 3N 4 nanosheets against the oomycetes Phytophthora capsici: Disrupting metabolism and membrane structures and inhibiting vegetative and reproductive growth. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 417:126121. [PMID: 34020348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To understand the potential of urea-synthesized g-C3N4 nanosheets (0.125-1 mg/mL) as antimicrobial agents against oomycetes, an investigation of the interaction mechanism between g-C3N4 nanosheets and Phytophthora capsici was conducted. Transcription analysis showed that after being exposed to g-C3N4 nanosheets for 1 h, P. capsici triggered a sharp upregulation of antioxidant activities and structural constituents and a downregulation of metabolic pathways, including ATP generation, autophagy disruption, membrane system disorders and other complex adaptive processes. All the life stages of P. capsici, including mycelial growth, sporangium formation, zoospore numbers and zoospore germination were remarkably inhibited and even injured. A mutual mechanism is proposed in this work: ROS stress upon exposure to visible irradiation and, combined with their sharp nanosheet structure, cause perturbations of the cell membrane and induce damage to the ultrastructure of mycelial growth, sporangium and zoospores. Given that the antimicrobial action of g-C3N4 nanosheets were derived from the damage throughout the duration of treatment and was not limited to a single target, these complex mechanisms could favor the avoidance of drug resistance and benefit other oomycetes management. More importantly, in addition to restraining P. capsici infection in host plants, g-C3N4 nanosheets promoted pepper plant growth. Hence, g-C3N4 nanosheets have potential as a new non-metal antimicrobial agent to control oomycotal disease in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cai
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xuefeng Wei
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hui Feng
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guangjin Fan
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Changdan Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Haitao Chen
- Chongqing Tobacco Science Research Institute, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xianchao Sun
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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30
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Qiao L, Lan C, Capriotti L, Ah-Fong A, Nino Sanchez J, Hamby R, Heller J, Zhao H, Glass NL, Judelson HS, Mezzetti B, Niu D, Jin H. Spray-induced gene silencing for disease control is dependent on the efficiency of pathogen RNA uptake. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:1756-1768. [PMID: 33774895 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.01.429265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Recent discoveries show that fungi can take up environmental RNA, which can then silence fungal genes through environmental RNA interference. This discovery prompted the development of Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) for plant disease management. In this study, we aimed to determine the efficacy of SIGS across a variety of eukaryotic microbes. We first examined the efficiency of RNA uptake in multiple pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi, and an oomycete pathogen. We observed efficient double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) uptake in the fungal plant pathogens Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Aspergillus niger and Verticillium dahliae, but no uptake in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and weak uptake in a beneficial fungus, Trichoderma virens. For the oomycete plant pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, RNA uptake was limited and varied across different cell types and developmental stages. Topical application of dsRNA targeting virulence-related genes in pathogens with high RNA uptake efficiency significantly inhibited plant disease symptoms, whereas the application of dsRNA in pathogens with low RNA uptake efficiency did not suppress infection. Our results have revealed that dsRNA uptake efficiencies vary across eukaryotic microbe species and cell types. The success of SIGS for plant disease management can largely be determined by the pathogen's RNA uptake efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Qiao
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), Nanjing, China
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Chi Lan
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), Nanjing, China
| | - Luca Capriotti
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Audrey Ah-Fong
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jonatan Nino Sanchez
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Rachael Hamby
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jens Heller
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), Nanjing, China
| | - N Louise Glass
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Howard S Judelson
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Dongdong Niu
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), Nanjing, China
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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31
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Qiao L, Lan C, Capriotti L, Ah‐Fong A, Nino Sanchez J, Hamby R, Heller J, Zhao H, Glass NL, Judelson HS, Mezzetti B, Niu D, Jin H. Spray-induced gene silencing for disease control is dependent on the efficiency of pathogen RNA uptake. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:1756-1768. [PMID: 33774895 PMCID: PMC8428832 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Recent discoveries show that fungi can take up environmental RNA, which can then silence fungal genes through environmental RNA interference. This discovery prompted the development of Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) for plant disease management. In this study, we aimed to determine the efficacy of SIGS across a variety of eukaryotic microbes. We first examined the efficiency of RNA uptake in multiple pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi, and an oomycete pathogen. We observed efficient double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) uptake in the fungal plant pathogens Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Aspergillus niger and Verticillium dahliae, but no uptake in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and weak uptake in a beneficial fungus, Trichoderma virens. For the oomycete plant pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, RNA uptake was limited and varied across different cell types and developmental stages. Topical application of dsRNA targeting virulence-related genes in pathogens with high RNA uptake efficiency significantly inhibited plant disease symptoms, whereas the application of dsRNA in pathogens with low RNA uptake efficiency did not suppress infection. Our results have revealed that dsRNA uptake efficiencies vary across eukaryotic microbe species and cell types. The success of SIGS for plant disease management can largely be determined by the pathogen's RNA uptake efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Qiao
- College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education)NanjingChina
- Department of Microbiology & Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| | - Chi Lan
- College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education)NanjingChina
| | - Luca Capriotti
- Department of Microbiology & Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental SciencesMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
| | - Audrey Ah‐Fong
- Department of Microbiology & Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| | - Jonatan Nino Sanchez
- Department of Microbiology & Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| | - Rachael Hamby
- Department of Microbiology & Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| | - Jens Heller
- Department of Plant and Microbial BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCAUSA
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology DivisionThe Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Hongwei Zhao
- College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education)NanjingChina
| | - N. Louise Glass
- Department of Plant and Microbial BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaBerkeleyCAUSA
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology DivisionThe Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyCAUSA
| | - Howard S. Judelson
- Department of Microbiology & Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Microbiology & Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental SciencesMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
| | - Dongdong Niu
- College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education)NanjingChina
- Department of Microbiology & Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology & Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
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32
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Qiao Y, Xia R, Zhai J, Hou Y, Feng L, Zhai Y, Ma W. Small RNAs in Plant Immunity and Virulence of Filamentous Pathogens. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2021; 59:265-288. [PMID: 34077241 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-121520-023514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing guided by small RNAs governs a broad range of cellular processes in eukaryotes. Small RNAs are important components of plant immunity because they contribute to pathogen-triggered transcription reprogramming and directly target pathogen RNAs. Recent research suggests that silencing of pathogen genes by plant small RNAs occurs not only during viral infection but also in nonviral pathogens through a process termed host-induced gene silencing, which involves trans-species small RNA trafficking. Similarly, small RNAs are also produced by eukaryotic pathogens and regulate virulence. This review summarizes the small RNA pathways in both plants and filamentous pathogens, including fungi and oomycetes, and discusses their role in host-pathogen interactions. We highlight secondarysmall interfering RNAs of plants as regulators of immune receptor gene expression and executors of host-induced gene silencing in invading pathogens. The current status and prospects of trans-species gene silencing at the host-pathogen interface are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongli Qiao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China;
| | - Rui Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jixian Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yingnan Hou
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA
| | - Li Feng
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Plant and Food Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi Zhai
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA
| | - Wenbo Ma
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK;
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Recent Progress in Enhancing Fungal Disease Resistance in Ornamental Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157956. [PMID: 34360726 PMCID: PMC8348885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases pose a major threat to ornamental plants, with an increasing percentage of pathogen-driven host losses. In ornamental plants, management of the majority of fungal diseases primarily depends upon chemical control methods that are often non-specific. Host basal resistance, which is deficient in many ornamental plants, plays a key role in combating diseases. Despite their economic importance, conventional and molecular breeding approaches in ornamental plants to facilitate disease resistance are lagging, and this is predominantly due to their complex genomes, limited availability of gene pools, and degree of heterozygosity. Although genetic engineering in ornamental plants offers feasible methods to overcome the intrinsic barriers of classical breeding, achievements have mainly been reported only in regard to the modification of floral attributes in ornamentals. The unavailability of transformation protocols and candidate gene resources for several ornamental crops presents an obstacle for tackling the functional studies on disease resistance. Recently, multiomics technologies, in combination with genome editing tools, have provided shortcuts to examine the molecular and genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying fungal disease resistance, ultimately leading to the subsequent advances in the development of novel cultivars with desired fungal disease-resistant traits, in ornamental crops. Although fungal diseases constitute the majority of ornamental plant diseases, a comprehensive overview of this highly important fungal disease resistance seems to be insufficient in the field of ornamental horticulture. Hence, in this review, we highlight the representative mechanisms of the fungal infection-related resistance to pathogens in plants, with a focus on ornamental crops. Recent progress in molecular breeding, genetic engineering strategies, and RNAi technologies, such as HIGS and SIGS for the enhancement of fungal disease resistance in various important ornamental crops, is also described.
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Genome editing for resistance against plant pests and pathogens. Transgenic Res 2021; 30:427-459. [PMID: 34143358 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-021-00262-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The conventional breeding of crops struggles to keep up with increasing food needs and ever-adapting pests and pathogens. Global climate changes have imposed another layer of complexity to biological systems, increasing the challenge to obtain improved crop cultivars. These dictate the development and application of novel technologies, like genome editing (GE), that assist targeted and fast breeding programs in crops, with enhanced resistance to pests and pathogens. GE does not require crossings, hence avoiding the introduction of undesirable traits through linkage in elite varieties, speeding up the whole breeding process. Additionally, GE technologies can improve plant protection by directly targeting plant susceptibility (S) genes or virulence factors of pests and pathogens, either through the direct edition of the pest genome or by adding the GE machinery to the plant genome or to microorganisms functioning as biocontrol agents (BCAs). Over the years, GE technology has been continuously evolving and more so with the development of CRISPR/Cas. Here we review the latest advancements of GE to improve plant protection, focusing on CRISPR/Cas-based genome edition of crops and pests and pathogens. We discuss how other technologies, such as host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and the use of BCAs could benefit from CRISPR/Cas to accelerate the development of green strategies to promote a sustainable agriculture in the future.
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Sharma S, Sundaresha S, Bhardwaj V. Biotechnological approaches in management of oomycetes diseases. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:274. [PMID: 34040923 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-02810-y] [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: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant pathogenic oomycetes cause significant impact on agriculture and, therefore, their management is utmost important. Though conventional methods to combat these pathogens (resistance breeding and use of fungicides) are available but these are limited by the availability of resistant cultivars due to evolution of new pathogenic races, development of resistance in the pathogens against agrochemicals and their potential hazardous effects on the environment and human health. This has fuelled a continual search for novel and alternate strategies for management of phytopathogens. The recent advances in oomycetes genome (Phytophthora infestans, P. ramorum, P. sojae, Pythium ultimum, Albugo candida etc.) would further help in understanding host-pathogen interactions essentially needed for designing effective management strategies. In the present communication the novel and alternate strategies for the management of oomycetes diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Sharma
- ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001 India
| | - S Sundaresha
- ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001 India
| | - Vinay Bhardwaj
- ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001 India
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Ah‐Fong AM, Boyd AM, Matson ME, Judelson HS. A Cas12a-based gene editing system for Phytophthora infestans reveals monoallelic expression of an elicitor. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2021; 22:737-752. [PMID: 33724663 PMCID: PMC8126191 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Phytophthora infestans is a destructive pathogen of potato and a model for investigations of oomycete biology. The successful application of a CRISPR gene editing system to P. infestans is so far unreported. We discovered that it is difficult to express CRISPR/Cas9 but not a catalytically inactive form in transformants, suggesting that the active nuclease is toxic. We were able to achieve editing with CRISPR/Cas12a using vectors in which the nuclease and its guide RNA were expressed from a single transcript. Using the elicitor gene Inf1 as a target, we observed editing of one or both alleles in up to 13% of transformants. Editing was more efficient when guide RNA processing relied on the Cas12a direct repeat instead of ribozyme sequences. INF1 protein was not made when both alleles were edited in the same transformant, but surprisingly also when only one allele was altered. We discovered that the isolate used for editing, 1306, exhibited monoallelic expression of Inf1 due to insertion of a copia-like element in the promoter of one allele. The element exhibits features of active retrotransposons, including a target site duplication, long terminal repeats, and an intact polyprotein reading frame. Editing occurred more often on the transcribed allele, presumably due to differences in chromatin structure. The Cas12a system not only provides a tool for modifying genes in P. infestans, but also for other members of the genus by expanding the number of editable sites. Our work also highlights a natural mechanism that remodels oomycete genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey M.V. Ah‐Fong
- Department of Microbiology and Plant PathologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCaliforniaUSA
| | - Amy M. Boyd
- Department of Microbiology and Plant PathologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCaliforniaUSA
| | - Michael E.H. Matson
- Department of Microbiology and Plant PathologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCaliforniaUSA
| | - Howard S. Judelson
- Department of Microbiology and Plant PathologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCaliforniaUSA
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Persson Hodén K, Hu X, Martinez G, Dixelius C. smartPARE: An R Package for Efficient Identification of True mRNA Cleavage Sites. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4267. [PMID: 33924042 PMCID: PMC8073297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Degradome sequencing is commonly used to generate high-throughput information on mRNA cleavage sites mediated by small RNAs (sRNA). In our datasets of potato (Solanum tuberosum, St) and Phytophthora infestans (Pi), initial predictions generated high numbers of cleavage site predictions, which highlighted the need of improved analytic tools. Here, we present an R package based on a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) in a machine learning environment to optimize discrimination of false from true cleavage sites. When applying smartPARE to our datasets on potato during the infection process by the late blight pathogen, 7.3% of all cleavage windows represented true cleavages distributed on 214 sites in P. infestans and 444 sites in potato. The sRNA landscape of the two organisms is complex with uneven sRNA production and cleavage regions widespread in the two genomes. Multiple targets and several cases of complex regulatory cascades, particularly in potato, was revealed. We conclude that our new analytic approach is useful for anyone working on complex biological systems and with the interest of identifying cleavage sites particularly inferred by sRNA classes beyond miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christina Dixelius
- The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnean Center for Plant Biology, P.O. Box 7080, S-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; (K.P.H.); (X.H.); (G.M.)
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Zhang S, Khalid AR, Guo D, Zhang J, Xiong F, Ren M. TOR Inhibitors Synergistically Suppress the Growth and Development of Phytophthora infestans, a Highly Destructive Pathogenic Oomycete. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:596874. [PMID: 33935983 PMCID: PMC8086431 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.596874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytophthora infestans, one of most famous pathogenic oomycetes, triggered the Great Irish Famine from 1845 to 1852. The target of rapamycin (TOR) is well known as a key gene in eukaryotes that controls cell growth, survival and development. However, it is unclear about its function in controlling the mycelial growth, sporulation capacity, spore germination and virulence of Phytophthora infestans. In this study, key components of the TOR signaling pathway are analyzed in detail. TOR inhibitors, including rapamycin (RAP), AZD8055 (AZD), KU-0063794 (KU), and Torin1, inhibit the mycelial growth, sporulation capacity, spore germination, and virulence of Phytophthora infestans with AZD showing the best inhibitory effects on Phytophthora infestans. Importantly, compared with a combination of RAP + KU or RAP + Torin1, the co-application of RAP and AZD show the best synergistic inhibitory effects on P. infestans, resulting in the reduced dosage and increased efficacy of drugs. Transcriptome analysis supports the synergistic effects of the combination of RAP and AZD on gene expression, functions and pathways related to the TOR signaling pathway. Thus, TOR is an important target for controlling Phytophthora infestans, and synergism based on the application of TOR inhibitors exhibit the potential for controlling the growth of Phytophthora infestans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China.,School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - A Rehman Khalid
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Poonch Rawalakot, Rawalkot, Pakistan
| | - Dongmei Guo
- School of Preclinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jingping Zhang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Fangjie Xiong
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Maozhi Ren
- School of Preclinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
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Meitha K, Esyanti RR, Iriawati, Hanisia RH, Rohyani. Green pesticide: Tapping to the promising roles of plant secreted small RNAs and responses towards extracellular DNA. Noncoding RNA Res 2021; 6:42-50. [PMID: 33778217 PMCID: PMC7970063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The diverse roles of non-coding RNA and DNA in cross-species communication is yet to be revealed. Once thought to only involve intra-specifically in regulating gene expression, the evidence that these genetic materials can also modulate gene expression between species that belong to different kingdoms is accumulating. Plants send small RNAs to the pathogen or parasite when they are being attacked, targeting essential mRNAs for infection or parasitism of the hosts. However, the same survival mechanism is also deployed by the pathogen or parasite to destabilize plant immune responses. In plants, it is suggested that exposure to extracellular self-DNA impedes growth, while to extracellular non-self-DNA induces the modulation of reactive oxygen species, expression of resistance related genes, epigenetic mechanism, or suppression of disease severity. Exploring the potential of secreted RNA and extracellular DNA as a green pesticide could be a promising alternative if we are to provide food for the future global population without further damaging the environment. Hence, some studies on plant secreted RNA and responses towards extracellular DNA are discussed in this review. The precise mode of action of entry and the following cascade of signaling once the plant cell is exposed to secreted RNA or extracellular DNA could be an interesting topic for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlia Meitha
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, 40132, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Rizkita Rachmi Esyanti
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, 40132, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Iriawati
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, 40132, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ristag Hamida Hanisia
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, 40132, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Rohyani
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha No. 10, Bandung, 40132, West Java, Indonesia
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RNA Interference Strategies for Future Management of Plant Pathogenic Fungi: Prospects and Challenges. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040650. [PMID: 33805521 PMCID: PMC8067263 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Plant pathogenic fungi are the largest group of disease-causing agents on crop plants and represent a persistent and significant threat to agriculture worldwide. Conventional approaches based on the use of pesticides raise social concern for the impact on the environment and human health and alternative control methods are urgently needed. The rapid improvement and extensive implementation of RNA interference (RNAi) technology for various model and non-model organisms has provided the initial framework to adapt this post-transcriptional gene silencing technology for the management of fungal pathogens. Recent studies showed that the exogenous application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules on plants targeting fungal growth and virulence-related genes provided disease attenuation of pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium graminearum in different hosts. Such results highlight that the exogenous RNAi holds great potential for RNAi-mediated plant pathogenic fungal disease control. Production of dsRNA can be possible by using either in-vitro or in-vivo synthesis. In this review, we describe exogenous RNAi involved in plant pathogenic fungi and discuss dsRNA production, formulation, and RNAi delivery methods. Potential challenges that are faced while developing a RNAi strategy for fungal pathogens, such as off-target and epigenetic effects, with their possible solutions are also discussed.
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Dunker F, Oberkofler L, Lederer B, Trutzenberg A, Weiberg A. An Arabidopsis downy mildew non-RxLR effector suppresses induced plant cell death to promote biotroph infection. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:718-732. [PMID: 33063828 PMCID: PMC7853606 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa472] [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: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of obligate biotrophic pathogens is limited by lack of knowledge concerning the molecular function of virulence factors. We established Arabidopsis host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) to explore gene functions of Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, including CYSTEINE-RICH PROTEIN (HaCR)1, a potential secreted effector gene of this obligate biotrophic pathogen. HaCR1 HIGS resulted in H. arabidopsidis-induced local plant cell death and reduced pathogen reproduction. We functionally characterized HaCR1 by ectopic expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. HaCR1 was capable of inhibiting effector-triggered plant cell death. Consistent with this, HaCR1 expression in N. benthamiana led to stronger disease symptoms caused by the hemibiotrophic oomycete pathogen Phytophthora capsici, but reduced disease symptoms caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Expressing HaCR1 in transgenic Arabidopsis confirmed higher susceptibility to H. arabidopsidis and to the bacterial hemibiotrophic pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Increased H. arabidopsidis infection was in accordance with reduced PATHOGENESIS RELATED (PR)1 induction. Expression of full-length HaCR1 was required for its function, which was lost if the signal peptide was deleted, suggesting its site of action in the plant apoplast. This study provides phytopathological and molecular evidence for the importance of this widespread, but largely unexplored class of non-RxLR effectors in biotrophic oomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Dunker
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Lorenz Oberkofler
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Bernhard Lederer
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Adriana Trutzenberg
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Arne Weiberg
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Haile ZM, Gebremichael DE, Capriotti L, Molesini B, Negrini F, Collina M, Sabbadini S, Mezzetti B, Baraldi E. Double-Stranded RNA Targeting Dicer-Like Genes Compromises the Pathogenicity of Plasmopara viticola on Grapevine. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:667539. [PMID: 34084177 PMCID: PMC8167485 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.667539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola is one of the most devastating diseases of grapevine, attacking all green parts of the plant. The damage is severe when the infection at flowering stage is left uncontrolled. P. viticola management consumes a significant amount of classical pesticides applied in vineyards, requiring efficient and environmentally safe disease management options. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), through the application of exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), has shown promising results for the management of diseases in crops. Here, we developed and tested the potential of dsRNA targeting P. viticola Dicer-like (DCL) genes for SIGS-based crop protection strategy. The exogenous application of PvDCL1/2 dsRNA, a chimera of PvDCL1 and PvDCL2, highly affected the virulence of P. viticola. The reduced expression level of PvDCL1 and PvDCL2 transcripts in infected leaves, treated with PvDCL1/2 dsRNA, was an indication of an active RNA interference mechanism inside the pathogen to compromise its virulence. Besides the protective property, the PvDCL1/2 dsRNA also exhibited a curative role by reducing the disease progress rate of already established infection. Our data provide a promising future for PvDCL1/2 dsRNA as a new generation of RNA-based resistant plants or RNA-based agrochemical for the management of downy mildew disease in grapevine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeraye Mehari Haile
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Luca Capriotti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Molesini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Negrini
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Collina
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
| | - Elena Baraldi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Baraldi,
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Sanan-Mishra N, Abdul Kader Jailani A, Mandal B, Mukherjee SK. Secondary siRNAs in Plants: Biosynthesis, Various Functions, and Applications in Virology. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:610283. [PMID: 33737942 PMCID: PMC7960677 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.610283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The major components of RNA silencing include both transitive and systemic small RNAs, which are technically called secondary sRNAs. Double-stranded RNAs trigger systemic silencing pathways to negatively regulate gene expression. The secondary siRNAs generated as a result of transitive silencing also play a substantial role in gene silencing especially in antiviral defense. In this review, we first describe the discovery and pathways of transitivity with emphasis on RNA-dependent RNA polymerases followed by description on the short range and systemic spread of silencing. We also provide an in-depth view on the various size classes of secondary siRNAs and their different roles in RNA silencing including their categorization based on their biogenesis. The other regulatory roles of secondary siRNAs in transgene silencing, virus-induced gene silencing, transitivity, and trans-species transfer have also been detailed. The possible implications and applications of systemic silencing and the different gene silencing tools developed are also described. The details on mobility and roles of secondary siRNAs derived from viral genome in plant defense against the respective viruses are presented. This entails the description of other compatible plant-virus interactions and the corresponding small RNAs that determine recovery from disease symptoms, exclusion of viruses from shoot meristems, and natural resistance. The last section presents an overview on the usefulness of RNA silencing for management of viral infections in crop plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeti Sanan-Mishra
- Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - A. Abdul Kader Jailani
- Plant RNAi Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- Advanced Center for Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Bikash Mandal
- Advanced Center for Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Sunil K. Mukherjee
- Advanced Center for Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Sunil K. Mukherjee,
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Genome-wide identification of Argonautes in Solanaceae with emphasis on potato. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20577. [PMID: 33239724 PMCID: PMC7689493 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) play important roles in many fundamental processes in plant biology such as development, fertilization and stress responses. The AGO protein family has here a central importance in gene regulation based on their capacity to associate with sRNAs followed by mRNA targeting in a sequence-complementary manner. The present study explored Argonautes (AGOs) in the Solanaceae family, with emphasis on potato, Solanum tuberosum (St). A genome-wide monitoring was performed to provide a deeper insight into gene families, genomic localization, gene structure and expression profile against the potato late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. Among 15 species in the Solanaceae family we found a variation from ten AGOs in Nicotiana obtusifolia to 17 in N. tabacum. Comprehensive analyses of AGO phylogeny revealed duplication of AGO1, AGO10 and AGO4 paralogs during early radiation of Solanaceae. Fourteen AGOs were identified in potato. Orthologs of AGO8 and AGO9 were missing in the potato genome. However, AGO15 earlier annotated in tomato was identified. StAGO15 differs from the other paralogs having residues of different physico-chemical properties at functionally important amino acid positions. Upon pathogen challenge StAGO15 was significantly activated and hence may play a prominent role in sRNA-based regulation of potato defense.
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Mahto BK, Singh A, Pareek M, Rajam MV, Dhar-Ray S, Reddy PM. Host-induced silencing of the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides conidial morphology 1 gene (CgCOM1) confers resistance against Anthracnose disease in chilli and tomato. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 104:381-395. [PMID: 32803478 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-020-01046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Host mediated silencing of COM1 gene of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides disables appressorial differentiation and effectively prevents the development of Anthracnose disease in chilli and tomato. Anthracnose disease is caused by the ascomycetes fungal species Colletotrichum, which is responsible for heavy yield losses in chilli and tomato worldwide. Conventionally, harmful pesticides are used to contain anthracnose disease with limited success. In this study, we assessed the potential of Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS) approach to target the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides COM1 (CgCOM1) developmental gene involved in the fungal conidial and appressorium formation, to restrict fungal infection in chilli and tomato fruits. For this study, we have developed stable transgenic lines of chilli and tomato expressing CgCOM1-RNAi construct employing Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transgenic plants were characterized by molecular and gene expression analyses. Production of specific CgCOM1 siRNA in transgenic chilli and tomato RNAi lines was confirmed by stem-loop RT-PCR. Fungal challenge assays on leaves and fruits showed that the transgenic lines were resistant to anthracnose disease-causing C. gloeosporioides in comparison to wild type and empty-vector control plants. RT-qPCR analyses in transgenic lines revealed extremely low abundance of CgCOM1 transcripts in the C. gloeosporioides infected tissues, indicating near complete silencing of CgCOM1 gene expression in the pathogen. Microscopic examination of the Cg-challenged leaves of chilli-CgCOM1i lines revealed highly suppressed conidial germination, germ tube development, appressoria formation and mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides, resulting in reduced infection of plant tissues. These results demonstrated highly efficient use of HIGS in silencing the expression of essential fungal developmental genes to inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi, thus providing a highly precise approach to arrest the spread of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Kumar Mahto
- TERI School of Advanced Studies, 10 Institutional Area, New Delhi, 110070, India
- The Energy and Resources Institute, Lodi Road, New Delhi, 110003, India
| | - Anjulata Singh
- TERI School of Advanced Studies, 10 Institutional Area, New Delhi, 110070, India
- The Energy and Resources Institute, Lodi Road, New Delhi, 110003, India
| | - Manish Pareek
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Manchikatla V Rajam
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | | | - Pallavolu M Reddy
- The Energy and Resources Institute, Lodi Road, New Delhi, 110003, India.
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Abstract
Plant diseases caused by a variety of pathogens can have severe effects on crop plants and even plants in natural ecosystems. Despite many effective conventional approaches to control plant diseases, new, efficacious, environmentally sound and cost-effective approaches are needed, particularly with our increasing human population and the effects on crop production and plant health caused by climate change. RNA interference (RNAi) is a gene regulation and antiviral response mechanism in eukaryotes; transgenic and non transgenic plant-based RNAi approaches have shown great effectiveness and potential to target specific plant pathogens and help control plant diseases, especially when no alternatives are available. Here we discuss ways in which RNAi has been used against different plant pathogens, and some new potential applications for plant disease control.
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Biotechnological Approaches: Gene Overexpression, Gene Silencing, and Genome Editing to Control Fungal and Oomycete Diseases in Grapevine. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165701. [PMID: 32784854 PMCID: PMC7460970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165701] [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: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Downy mildew, powdery mildew, and grey mold are some of the phytopathological diseases causing economic losses in agricultural crops, including grapevine, worldwide. In the current scenario of increasing global warming, in which the massive use of agrochemicals should be limited, the management of fungal disease has become a challenge. The knowledge acquired on candidate resistant (R) genes having an active role in plant defense mechanisms has allowed numerous breeding programs to integrate these traits into selected cultivars, even though with some limits in the conservation of the proper qualitative characteristics of the original clones. Given their gene-specific mode of action, biotechnological techniques come to the aid of breeders, allowing them to generate simple and fast modifications in the host, without introducing other undesired genes. The availability of efficient gene transfer procedures in grapevine genotypes provide valid tools that support the application of new breeding techniques (NBTs). The expertise built up over the years has allowed the optimization of these techniques to overexpress genes that directly or indirectly limit fungal and oomycetes pathogens growth or silence plant susceptibility genes. Furthermore, the downregulation of pathogen genes which act as virulence effectors by exploiting the RNA interference mechanism, represents another biotechnological tool that increases plant defense. In this review, we summarize the most recent biotechnological strategies optimized and applied on Vitis species, aimed at reducing their susceptibility to the most harmful fungal and oomycetes diseases. The best strategy for combating pathogenic organisms is to exploit a holistic approach that fully integrates all these available tools.
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Hu D, Chen Z, Zhang C, Ganiger M. Reduction of Phakopsora pachyrhizi infection on soybean through host- and spray-induced gene silencing. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2020; 21:794-807. [PMID: 32196911 PMCID: PMC7214474 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Asian soybean rust (ASR), caused by the obligate fungal pathogen Phakopsora pachyrhizi, often leads to significant yield losses and can only be managed through fungicide applications currently. In the present study, eight urediniospore germination or appressorium formation induced P. pachyrhizi genes were investigated for their feasibility to suppress ASR through a bean pod mottle virus (BPMV)-based host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) strategy. Soybean plants expressing three of these modified BPMV vectors suppressed the expression of their corresponding target gene by 45%-80%, fungal biomass accumulation by 58%-80%, and significantly reduced ASR symptom development in soybean leaves after the plants were inoculated with P. pachyrhizi, demonstrating that HIGS can be used to manage ASR. In addition, when the in vitro synthesized double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) for three of the genes encoding an acetyl-CoA acyltransferase, a 40S ribosomal protein S16, and glycine cleavage system H protein were sprayed directly onto detached soybean leaves prior to P. pachyrhizi inoculation, they also resulted in an average of over 73% reduction of pustule numbers and 75% reduction in P. pachyrhizi biomass accumulation on the detached leaves compared to the controls. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of suppressing P. pachyrhizi infection in soybean through both HIGS and spray-induced gene silencing. It was demonstrated that either HIGS constructs targeting P. pachyrhizi genes or direct dsRNA spray application could be an effective strategy for reducing ASR development on soybean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Hu
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop PhysiologyLouisiana State University Agricultural CenterBaton RougeLAUSA
| | - Zhi‐Yuan Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop PhysiologyLouisiana State University Agricultural CenterBaton RougeLAUSA
| | - Chunquan Zhang
- Department of AgricultureAlcorn State UniversityLormanMSUSA
| | - Mala Ganiger
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop PhysiologyLouisiana State University Agricultural CenterBaton RougeLAUSA
- Present address:
Department of Plant PathologyUniversity of MinnesotaSt. PaulMNUSA
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Dunker F, Trutzenberg A, Rothenpieler JS, Kuhn S, Pröls R, Schreiber T, Tissier A, Kemen A, Kemen E, Hückelhoven R, Weiberg A. Oomycete small RNAs bind to the plant RNA-induced silencing complex for virulence. eLife 2020; 9:56096. [PMID: 32441255 PMCID: PMC7297541 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The exchange of small RNAs (sRNAs) between hosts and pathogens can lead to gene silencing in the recipient organism, a mechanism termed cross-kingdom RNAi (ck-RNAi). While fungal sRNAs promoting virulence are established, the significance of ck-RNAi in distinct plant pathogens is not clear. Here, we describe that sRNAs of the pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, which represents the kingdom of oomycetes and is phylogenetically distant from fungi, employ the host plant’s Argonaute (AGO)/RNA-induced silencing complex for virulence. To demonstrate H. arabidopsidis sRNA (HpasRNA) functionality in ck-RNAi, we designed a novel CRISPR endoribonuclease Csy4/GUS reporter that enabled in situ visualization of HpasRNA-induced target suppression in Arabidopsis. The significant role of HpasRNAs together with AtAGO1 in virulence was revealed in plant atago1 mutants and by transgenic Arabidopsis expressing a short-tandem-target-mimic to block HpasRNAs, that both exhibited enhanced resistance. HpasRNA-targeted plant genes contributed to host immunity, as Arabidopsis gene knockout mutants displayed quantitatively enhanced susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Dunker
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Adriana Trutzenberg
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jan S Rothenpieler
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sarah Kuhn
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Reinhard Pröls
- Phytopathology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Tom Schreiber
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Halle, Germany
| | - Alain Tissier
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Halle, Germany
| | - Ariane Kemen
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eric Kemen
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ralph Hückelhoven
- Phytopathology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Arne Weiberg
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
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50
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Raruang Y, Omolehin O, Hu D, Wei Q, Han ZQ, Rajasekaran K, Cary JW, Wang K, Chen ZY. Host Induced Gene Silencing Targeting Aspergillus flavus aflM Reduced Aflatoxin Contamination in Transgenic Maize Under Field Conditions. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:754. [PMID: 32411110 PMCID: PMC7201132 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major crops susceptible to Aspergillus flavus infection and subsequent contamination with aflatoxins, the most potent naturally produced carcinogenic secondary metabolites. This pathogen can pose serious health concerns and cause severe economic losses due to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations on permissible levels of aflatoxins in food and feed. Although biocontrol has yielded some successes in managing aflatoxin contamination, enhancing crop resistance is still the preferred choice of management for long-term sustainability. Hence, host induced gene silencing (HIGS) strategy was explored in this study. The A. flavus gene aflM encoding versicolorin dehydrogenase, a key enzyme involved in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway, was selected as a possible target for suppression through HIGS. An RNAi vector containing a portion of the aflM gene was constructed and introduced into immature B104 maize zygotic embryos through Agrobacterium transformation. PCR analysis of the genomic DNA from T0 leaf tissue confirmed the presence of the transgene in six out of the seven events. The seeds from the lines that showed reduced aflatoxin production in laboratory aflatoxin kernel screening assay (KSA) have been increased from T1 to T4 generation in the past four years. Changes in aflatoxin resistance in these transgenic kernels have been evaluated under both field and laboratory conditions. The T2 generation kernels containing the transgene from two events out of four examined had less aflatoxin (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.08) than those without the transgene. Field-inoculated homozygous T3 and T4 transgenic kernels also revealed lower levels of aflatoxins (P ≤ 0.04) than kernels from the null (segregated non-transgenic samples) or B104 controls. A similar result was observed when the harvested T3 and T4 homozygous transgenic kernels were evaluated under KSA conditions without inoculation (P ≤ 0.003–0.05). These two events were crossed with LH195, LH197, LH210, and PHW79 elite breeding lines and the resulting crosses supported less aflatoxin (P ≤ 0.02) than the crosses made with non-transgenic lines. In addition, significantly higher levels of aflM gene-specific small RNAs were detected in the transgenic leaf and kernel tissues, indicating that the enhanced aflatoxin resistance in the homozygous transgenic kernels is likely due to suppression of aflM expression through HIGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenjit Raruang
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Olanike Omolehin
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Dongfang Hu
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Qijian Wei
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Zhu-Qiang Han
- Cash Crops Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Kanniah Rajasekaran
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jeffrey W Cary
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kan Wang
- Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Zhi-Yuan Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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