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Mittelberger C, Moser M, Hause B, Janik K. 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali' SAP11-Like protein modulates expression of genes involved in energy production, photosynthesis, and defense in Nicotiana occidentalis leaves. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:393. [PMID: 38741080 PMCID: PMC11089699 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05087-4] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali', the causal agent of apple proliferation disease, exerts influence on its host plant through various effector proteins, including SAP11CaPm which interacts with different TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/ CYCLOIDEA/ PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR 1 and 2 (TCP) transcription factors. This study examines the transcriptional response of the plant upon early expression of SAP11CaPm. For that purpose, leaves of Nicotiana occidentalis H.-M. Wheeler were Agrobacterium-infiltrated to induce transient expression of SAP11CaPm and changes in the transcriptome were recorded until 5 days post infiltration. RESULTS The RNA-seq analysis revealed that presence of SAP11CaPm in leaves leads to downregulation of genes involved in defense response and related to photosynthetic processes, while expression of genes involved in energy production was enhanced. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that early SAP11CaPm expression might be important for the colonization of the host plant since phytoplasmas lack many metabolic genes and are thus dependent on metabolites from their host plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Mittelberger
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Group of Functional Genomics, Laimburg Research Centre, Pfatten (Vadena), South Tyrol, 39051, Italy
| | - Mirko Moser
- Department of Genomics and Biology of Fruit Crops, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All'Adige, Trentino, 39098, Italy
| | - Bettina Hause
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, 06120, Halle (Saale), Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Katrin Janik
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Group of Functional Genomics, Laimburg Research Centre, Pfatten (Vadena), South Tyrol, 39051, Italy.
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2
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Wang R, Bai B, Li D, Wang J, Huang W, Wu Y, Zhao L. Phytoplasma: A plant pathogen that cannot be ignored in agricultural production-Research progress and outlook. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13437. [PMID: 38393681 PMCID: PMC10887288 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13437] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are phloem-restricted plant-pathogenic bacteria transmitted by insects. They cause diseases in a wide range of host plants, resulting in significant economic and ecological losses worldwide. Research on phytoplasmas has a long history, with significant progress being made in the past 30 years. Notably, with the rapid development of phytoplasma research, scientists have identified the primary agents involved in phytoplasma transmission, established classification and detection systems for phytoplasmas, and 243 genomes have been sequenced and assembled completely or to draft quality. Multiple possible phytoplasma effectors have been investigated, elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which phytoplasmas manipulate their hosts. This review summarizes recent advances in phytoplasma research, including identification techniques, host range studies, whole- or draft-genome sequencing, effector pathogenesis and disease control methods. Additionally, future research directions in the field of phytoplasma research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruotong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency ProductionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
| | - Bixin Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency ProductionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
| | - Danyang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency ProductionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
| | - Jingke Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency ProductionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
| | - Weijie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and EcologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Yunfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency ProductionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
| | - Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Stress Resistance and High‐Efficiency ProductionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingShaanxiChina
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Zhang M, Qin S, Yan J, Li L, Xu M, Liu Y, Zhang W. Genome-wide identification and analysis of TCP family genes in Medicago sativa reveal their critical roles in Na +/K + homeostasis. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 23:301. [PMID: 37280506 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicago sativa is the most important forage world widely, and is characterized by high quality and large biomass. While abiotic factors such as salt stress can negatively impact the growth and productivity of alfalfa. Maintaining Na+/K+ homeostasis in the cytoplasm helps reduce cell damage and nutritional deprivation, which increases a salt-tolerance of plant. Teosinte Branched1/ Cycloidea/ Proliferating cell factors (TCP) family genes, a group of plant-specific transcription factors (TFs), involved in regulating plant growth and development and abiotic stresses. Recent studies have shown TCPs control the Na+/K+ concentration of plants during salt stress. In order to improve alfalfa salt tolerance, it is important to identify alfalfa TCP genes and investigate if and how they regulate alfalfa Na+/K+ homeostasis. RESULTS Seventy-one MsTCPs including 23 non-redundant TCP genes were identified in the database of alfalfa genome (C.V XinJiangDaYe), they were classified into class I PCF (37 members) and class II: CIN (28 members) and CYC/TB1 (9 members). Their distribution on chromosome were unequally. MsTCPs belonging to PCF were expressed specifically in different organs without regularity, which belonging to CIN class were mainly expressed in mature leaves. MsTCPs belongs to CYC/TB1 clade had the highest expression level at meristem. Cis-elements in the promoter of MsTCPs were also predicted, the results indicated that most of the MsTCPs will be induced by phytohormone and stress treatments, especially by ABA-related stimulus including salinity stress. We found 20 out of 23 MsTCPs were up-regulated in 200 mM NaCl treatment, and MsTCP3/14/15/18 were significantly induced by 10 μM KCl, a K+ deficiency treatment. Fourteen non-redundant MsTCPs contained miR319 target site, 11 of them were upregulated in MIM319 transgenic alfalfa, and among them four (MsTCP3/4/10A/B) genes were directly degraded by miR319. MIM319 transgene alfalfa plants showed a salt sensitive phenotype, which caused by a lower content of potassium in alfalfa at least partly. The expression of potassium transported related genes showed significantly higher expression in MIM319 plants. CONCLUSIONS We systematically analyzes the MsTCP gene family at a genome-wide level and reported that miR319-TCPs model played a function in K+ up-taking and/ or transportation especially in salt stress. The study provide valuable information for future study of TCP genes in alfalfa and supplies candidate genes for salt-tolerance alfalfa molecular-assisted breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiao Zhang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shangqian Qin
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jianping Yan
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lin Li
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mingzhi Xu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yanrong Liu
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Wanjun Zhang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Tokuda R, Iwabuchi N, Kitazawa Y, Nijo T, Suzuki M, Maejima K, Oshima K, Namba S, Yamaji Y. Potential mobile units drive the horizontal transfer of phytoplasma effector phyllogen genes. Front Genet 2023; 14:1132432. [PMID: 37252660 PMCID: PMC10210161 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1132432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are obligate intracellular plant pathogenic bacteria that can induce phyllody, which is a type of abnormal floral organ development. Phytoplasmas possess phyllogens, which are effector proteins that cause phyllody in plants. Phylogenetic comparisons of phyllogen and 16S rRNA genes have suggested that phyllogen genes undergo horizontal transfer between phytoplasma species and strains. However, the mechanisms and evolutionary implications of this horizontal gene transfer are unclear. Here, we analyzed synteny in phyllogen flanking genomic regions from 17 phytoplasma strains that were related to six 'Candidatus' species, including three strains newly sequenced in this study. Many of the phyllogens were flanked by multicopy genes within potential mobile units (PMUs), which are putative transposable elements found in phytoplasmas. The multicopy genes exhibited two distinct patterns of synteny that correlated with the linked phyllogens. The low level of sequence identities and partial truncations found among these phyllogen flanking genes indicate that the PMU sequences are deteriorating, whereas the highly conserved sequences and functions (e.g., inducing phyllody) of the phyllogens suggest that the latter are important for phytoplasma fitness. Furthermore, although their phyllogens were similar, PMUs in strains related to 'Ca. P. asteris' were often located in different regions of the genome. These findings strongly indicate that PMUs drive the horizontal transfer of phyllogens among phytoplasma species and strains. These insights improve our understanding of how symptom-determinant genes have been shared among phytoplasmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Tokuda
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nozomu Iwabuchi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yugo Kitazawa
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takamichi Nijo
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Suzuki
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensaku Maejima
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenro Oshima
- Faculty of Bioscience and Applied Chemistry, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigetou Namba
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Yamaji
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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5
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Chiu YC, Liao PQ, Mejia HM, Lee YC, Chen YK, Yang JY. Detection, Identification and Molecular Characterization of the 16SrII-V Subgroup Phytoplasma Strain Associated with Pisum sativum and Parthenium hysterophorus L. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:891. [PMID: 36840237 PMCID: PMC9962045 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Two unrelated plant species, green pea and parthenium weed, harboring typical phytoplasma symptoms, were discovered in Yunlin, Taiwan. Green pea (Pisum sativum.) and parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) are both herbaceous annual plants belonging to the Fabaceae and Asteraceae families, respectively. Displayed symptoms were witches' broom, phyllody and virescence, which are typical indications of phytoplasma infection. Pleomorphic phytoplasma-like bodies were observed under the transmission electron microscope in the sieve elements of symptomatic green pea and parthenium weed. The iPhyClassifier-based virtual RFLP study demonstrated that the phytoplasma associated with the diseased plants belongs to the 16SrII-V subgroup. The disease symptoms of both plants can be explained by the identification of PHYL1 and SAP11 effectors, identical to those of peanut witches' broom phytoplasma. The phytoplasma strains identified in this study present a very close phylogenetic relationship with other 16SrII-V subgroup phytoplasma strains discovered in Taiwan. These results not only convey the local status of the 16SrII-V subgroup phytoplasma strains but also encourage attention to be given to preventing the spread of this threat before it becomes pervasive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ching Chiu
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Qing Liao
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Helen Mae Mejia
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chien Lee
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Kun Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Yi Yang
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
- Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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Mittelberger C, Hause B, Janik K. The 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali' effector protein SAP11CaPm interacts with MdTCP16, a class II CYC/TB1 transcription factor that is highly expressed during phytoplasma infection. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272467. [PMID: 36520844 PMCID: PMC9754288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali', is a bacterial pathogen associated with the so-called apple proliferation disease in Malus × domestica. The pathogen manipulates its host with a set of effector proteins, among them SAP11CaPm, which shares similarity to SAP11AYWB from 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'. SAP11AYWB interacts and destabilizes the class II CIN transcription factors of Arabidopsis thaliana, namely AtTCP4 and AtTCP13 as well as the class II CYC/TB1 transcription factor AtTCP18, also known as BRANCHED1 being an important factor for shoot branching. It has been shown that SAP11CaPm interacts with the Malus × domestica orthologues of AtTCP4 (MdTCP25) and AtTCP13 (MdTCP24), but an interaction with MdTCP16, the orthologue of AtTCP18, has never been proven. The aim of this study was to investigate this potential interaction and close a knowledge gap regarding the function of SAP11CaPm. A Yeast two-hybrid test and Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation in planta revealed that SAP11CaPm interacts with MdTCP16. MdTCP16 is known to play a role in the control of the seasonal growth of perennial plants and an increase of MdTCP16 gene expression has been detected in apple leaves in autumn. In addition to this, MdTCP16 is highly expressed during phytoplasma infection. Binding of MdTCP16 by SAP11CaPm might lead to the induction of shoot proliferation and early bud break, both of which are characteristic symptoms of apple proliferation disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Mittelberger
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Group of Functional Genomics, Research Centre Laimburg, Pfatten (Vadena), South Tyrol, Italy
| | - Bettina Hause
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Katrin Janik
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Group of Functional Genomics, Research Centre Laimburg, Pfatten (Vadena), South Tyrol, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Sageman-Furnas K, Nurmi M, Contag M, Plötner B, Alseekh S, Wiszniewski A, Fernie AR, Smith LM, Laitinen RAE. A. thaliana Hybrids Develop Growth Abnormalities through Integration of Stress, Hormone and Growth Signaling. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 63:944-954. [PMID: 35460255 PMCID: PMC9282726 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hybrids between Arabidopsis thaliana accessions are important in revealing the consequences of epistatic interactions in plants. F1 hybrids between the A. thaliana accessions displaying either defense or developmental phenotypes have been revealing the roles of the underlying epistatic genes. The interaction of two naturally occurring alleles of the OUTGROWTH-ASSOCIATED KINASE (OAK) gene in Sha and Lag2-2, previously shown to cause a similar phenotype in a different allelic combination in A. thaliana, was required for the hybrid phenotype. Outgrowth formation in the hybrids was associated with reduced levels of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and abscisic acid in petioles and the application of these hormones mitigated the formation of the outgrowths. Moreover, different abiotic stresses were found to mitigate the outgrowth phenotype. The involvement of stress and hormone signaling in outgrowth formation was supported by a global transcriptome analysis, which additionally revealed that TCP1, a transcription factor known to regulate leaf growth and symmetry, was downregulated in the outgrowth tissue. These results demonstrate that a combination of natural alleles of OAK regulates growth and development through the integration of hormone and stress signals and highlight the importance of natural variation as a resource to discover the function of gene variants that are not present in the most studied accessions of A. thaliana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Sageman-Furnas
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
| | - Markus Nurmi
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
| | - Meike Contag
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
| | - Björn Plötner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
| | - Saleh Alseekh
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Andrew Wiszniewski
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam-Golm 14476, Germany
| | - Lisa M Smith
- School of Biosciences and Institute for Sustainable Food, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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Boonrod K, Strohmayer A, Schwarz T, Braun M, Tropf T, Krczal G. Beyond Destabilizing Activity of SAP11-like Effector of Candidatus Phytoplasma mali Strain PM19. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071406. [PMID: 35889125 PMCID: PMC9317525 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
It was shown that the SAP11 effector of different Candidatus Phytoplasma can destabilize some TEOSINE BRANCHES/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORs (TCPs), resulting in plant phenotypes such as witches’ broom and crinkled leaves. Some SAP11 exclusively localize in the nucleus, while the others localize in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. The SAP11-like effector of Candidatus Phytoplasma mali strain PM19 (SAP11PM19) localizes in both compartments of plant cells. We show here that SAP11PM19 can destabilize TCPs in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. However, expression of SAP11PM19 exclusively in the nucleus resulted in the disappearance of leaf phenotypes while still showing the witches’ broom phenotype. Moreover, we show that SAP11PM19 can not only destabilize TCPs but also relocalizes these proteins in the nucleus. Interestingly, three different transgenic Nicotiana species expressing SAP11PM19 show all the same witches’ broom phenotype but different leaf phenotypes. A possible mechanism of SAP11-TCP interaction is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajohn Boonrod
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6321-671-1333; Fax: +49-6321-671-1313
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Verma P, Singh A, Purru S, Bhat KV, Lakhanpaul S. Comparative DNA Methylome of Phytoplasma Associated Retrograde Metamorphosis in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11070954. [PMID: 36101335 PMCID: PMC9311523 DOI: 10.3390/biology11070954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Phytoplasma-associated diseases such as phyllody and little leaf are critical threats to sesame cultivation worldwide. The mechanism of the dramatic conversion of flowers to leafy structures leading to yield losses and the drastic reduction in leaf size due to Phytoplasma infection remains yet to be identified. Cytosine methylation profiles of healthy and infected sesame plants studied using Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) and Quantitative analysis of DNA methylation with the real-time PCR (qAMP) technique revealed altered DNA methylation patterns upon infection. Phyllody was associated with global cytosine hypomethylation, though predominantly in the CHH (where H = A, T or C) context. Interestingly, comparable cytosine methylation levels were observed between healthy and little leaf-affected plant samples in CG, CHG and CHH contexts. Among the different genomic fractions, the highest number of differentially methylated Cytosines was found in the intergenic regions, followed by promoter, exonic and intronic regions in decreasing order. Further, most of the differentially methylated genes were hypomethylated and were mainly associated with development and defense-related processes. Loci for STOREKEEPER protein-like, a DNA-binding protein and PP2-B15, an F-Box protein, responsible for plugging sieve plates to maintain turgor pressure within the sieve tubes were found to be hypomethylated by WGBS, which was confirmed by methylation-dependent restriction digestion and qPCR. Likewise, serine/threonine-protein phosphatase-7 homolog, a positive regulator of cryptochrome signaling involved in hypocotyl and cotyledon growth and probable O-methyltransferase 3 locus were determined to be hypermethylated. Phytoplasma infection-associated global differential methylation as well as the defense and development-related loci reported here for the first time significantly elucidate the mechanism of phytoplasma-associated disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Verma
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India;
| | - Amrita Singh
- Department of Botany, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110049, India;
| | - Supriya Purru
- ICAR-NAARM, Rajender Nagar, Hyderabad 500030, India;
| | | | - Suman Lakhanpaul
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-9868375756
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The Complete Genome of the “Flavescence Dorée” Phytoplasma Reveals Characteristics of Low Genome Plasticity. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11070953. [PMID: 36101334 PMCID: PMC9312162 DOI: 10.3390/biology11070953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Members of the genus ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ are obligate intracellular bacteria restricted to phloem sieve elements and are able to colonize several tissues and the hemolymph in their insect vectors. The current unfeasibility of axenic culture and the low complexity of genomic sequences are obstacles in assembling complete chromosomes. Here, a method combining pathogen DNA enrichment from infected insects and dual deep-sequencing technologies was used to obtain the complete genome of a phytoplasma causing Grapevine Flavescence dorée. The de novo assembly generated a circular chromosome of 654,223 bp containing 506 protein-coding genes. Quality assessment of the draft showed a high degree of completeness. Comparative analysis with other phytoplasmas revealed the absence of potential mobile units and a reduced amount of putative phage-derived segments, suggesting a low genome plasticity. Phylogenetic analyses identified Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi as the closest fully sequenced relative. The “Flavescence dorée” phytoplasma strain CH genome also encoded for several putative effector proteins potentially playing a role in pathogen virulence. The availability of this genome provides the basis for the study of the pathogenicity mechanisms and evolution of the Flavescence dorée phytoplasma.
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11
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Huang CT, Cho ST, Lin YC, Tan CM, Chiu YC, Yang JY, Kuo CH. Comparative Genome Analysis of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma luffae’ Reveals the Influential Roles of Potential Mobile Units in Phytoplasma Evolution. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:773608. [PMID: 35300489 PMCID: PMC8923039 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.773608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are insect-transmitted plant pathogens that cause substantial losses in agriculture. In addition to economic impact, phytoplasmas induce distinct disease symptoms in infected plants, thus attracting attention for research on molecular plant-microbe interactions and plant developmental processes. Due to the difficulty of establishing an axenic culture of these bacteria, culture-independent genome characterization is a crucial tool for phytoplasma research. However, phytoplasma genomes have strong nucleotide composition biases and are repetitive, which make it challenging to produce complete assemblies. In this study, we utilized Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies to obtain the complete genome sequence of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma luffae’ strain NCHU2019 that is associated with witches’ broom disease of loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca) in Taiwan. The fully assembled circular chromosome is 769 kb in size and is the first representative genome sequence of group 16SrVIII phytoplasmas. Comparative analysis with other phytoplasmas revealed that NCHU2019 has a remarkably repetitive genome, possessing a pair of 75 kb repeats and at least 13 potential mobile units (PMUs) that account for ∼25% of its chromosome. This level of genome repetitiveness is exceptional for bacteria, particularly among obligate pathogens with reduced genomes. Our genus-level analysis of PMUs demonstrated that these phytoplasma-specific mobile genetic elements can be classified into three major types that differ in gene organization and phylogenetic distribution. Notably, PMU abundance explains nearly 80% of the variance in phytoplasma genome sizes, a finding that provides a quantitative estimate for the importance of PMUs in phytoplasma genome variability. Finally, our investigation found that in addition to horizontal gene transfer, PMUs also contribute to intra-genomic duplications of effector genes, which may provide redundancy for subfunctionalization or neofunctionalization. Taken together, this work improves the taxon sampling for phytoplasma genome research and provides novel information regarding the roles of mobile genetic elements in phytoplasma evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ting Huang
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ting Cho
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Lin
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Choon-Meng Tan
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Chiu
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Yi Yang
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan
- Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Jun-Yi Yang,
| | - Chih-Horng Kuo
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan
- Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, National Chung-Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Chih-Horng Kuo,
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12
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Tan CM, Lin YC, Li JR, Chien YY, Wang CJ, Chou L, Wang CW, Chiu YC, Kuo CH, Yang JY. Accelerating Complete Phytoplasma Genome Assembly by Immunoprecipitation-Based Enrichment and MinION-Based DNA Sequencing for Comparative Analyses. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:766221. [PMID: 34858377 PMCID: PMC8632452 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.766221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are uncultivated plant-pathogenic bacteria with agricultural importance. Those belonging to the 16SrII group, represented by 'Candidatus P. aurantifolia', have a wide range of plant hosts and cause significant yield losses in valuable crops, such as pear, sweet potato, peanut, and soybean. In this study, a method that combines immunoprecipitation-based enrichment and MinION long-read DNA sequencing was developed to solve the challenge of phytoplasma genome studies. This approach produced long reads with high mapping rates and high genomic coverage that can be combined with Illumina reads to produce complete genome assemblies with high accuracy. We applied this method to strain NCHU2014 and determined its complete genome sequence, which consists of one circular chromosome with 635,584 bp and one plasmid with 4,224 bp. Although 'Ca. P. aurantifolia' NCHU2014 has a small chromosome with only 471 protein-coding genes, it contains 33 transporter genes and 27 putative effector genes, which may contribute to obtaining nutrients from hosts and manipulating host developments for their survival and multiplication. Two effectors, the homologs of SAP11 and SAP54/PHYL1 identified in 'Ca. P. aurantifolia' NCHU2014, have the biochemical activities in destabilizing host transcription factors, which can explain the disease symptoms observed in infected plants. Taken together, this study provides the first complete genome available for the 16SrII phytoplasmas and contributes to the understanding of phytoplasma pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choon Meng Tan
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Lin
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Rong Li
- Institute of Genomics and Bioinformatics, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Yu Chien
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Jui Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Lin Chou
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wei Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Chiu
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Ph.D. Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Horng Kuo
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Ph.D. Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Yi Yang
- Institute of Biochemistry, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Ph.D. Program in Microbial Genomics, National Chung Hsing University and Academia Sinica, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Advanced Plant Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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13
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Huang W, MacLean AM, Sugio A, Maqbool A, Busscher M, Cho ST, Kamoun S, Kuo CH, Immink RGH, Hogenhout SA. Parasitic modulation of host development by ubiquitin-independent protein degradation. Cell 2021; 184:5201-5214.e12. [PMID: 34536345 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Certain obligate parasites induce complex and substantial phenotypic changes in their hosts in ways that favor their transmission to other trophic levels. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate how SAP05 protein effectors from insect-vectored plant pathogenic phytoplasmas take control of several plant developmental processes. These effectors simultaneously prolong the host lifespan and induce witches' broom-like proliferations of leaf and sterile shoots, organs colonized by phytoplasmas and vectors. SAP05 acts by mediating the concurrent degradation of SPL and GATA developmental regulators via a process that relies on hijacking the plant ubiquitin receptor RPN10 independent of substrate ubiquitination. RPN10 is highly conserved among eukaryotes, but SAP05 does not bind insect vector RPN10. A two-amino-acid substitution within plant RPN10 generates a functional variant that is resistant to SAP05 activities. Therefore, one effector protein enables obligate parasitic phytoplasmas to induce a plethora of developmental phenotypes in their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Huang
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Allyson M MacLean
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Akiko Sugio
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Abbas Maqbool
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Marco Busscher
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6708 PB, the Netherlands; Plant Developmental Systems, Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6708 PB, the Netherlands
| | - Shu-Ting Cho
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Sophien Kamoun
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Chih-Horng Kuo
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Richard G H Immink
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6708 PB, the Netherlands; Plant Developmental Systems, Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6708 PB, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia A Hogenhout
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK.
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14
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Huang W, MacLean AM, Sugio A, Maqbool A, Busscher M, Cho ST, Kamoun S, Kuo CH, Immink RGH, Hogenhout SA. Parasitic modulation of host development by ubiquitin-independent protein degradation. Cell 2021; 184:5201-5214.e12. [PMID: 34536345 PMCID: PMC8525514 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Certain obligate parasites induce complex and substantial phenotypic changes in their hosts in ways that favor their transmission to other trophic levels. However, the mechanisms underlying these changes remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate how SAP05 protein effectors from insect-vectored plant pathogenic phytoplasmas take control of several plant developmental processes. These effectors simultaneously prolong the host lifespan and induce witches' broom-like proliferations of leaf and sterile shoots, organs colonized by phytoplasmas and vectors. SAP05 acts by mediating the concurrent degradation of SPL and GATA developmental regulators via a process that relies on hijacking the plant ubiquitin receptor RPN10 independent of substrate ubiquitination. RPN10 is highly conserved among eukaryotes, but SAP05 does not bind insect vector RPN10. A two-amino-acid substitution within plant RPN10 generates a functional variant that is resistant to SAP05 activities. Therefore, one effector protein enables obligate parasitic phytoplasmas to induce a plethora of developmental phenotypes in their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Huang
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Allyson M MacLean
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Akiko Sugio
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Abbas Maqbool
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Marco Busscher
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6708 PB, the Netherlands; Plant Developmental Systems, Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6708 PB, the Netherlands
| | - Shu-Ting Cho
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Sophien Kamoun
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Chih-Horng Kuo
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Richard G H Immink
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6708 PB, the Netherlands; Plant Developmental Systems, Bioscience, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6708 PB, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia A Hogenhout
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK.
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15
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The Effect of the Anticipated Nuclear Localization Sequence of ' Candidatus Phytoplasma mali' SAP11-like Protein on Localization of the Protein and Destabilization of TCP Transcription Factor. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081756. [PMID: 34442835 PMCID: PMC8401217 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
SAP11 is an effector protein that has been identified in various phytoplasma species. It localizes in the plant nucleus and can bind and destabilize TEOSINE BRANCHES/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR (TCP) transcription factors. Although SAP11 of different phytoplasma species share similar activities, their protein sequences differ greatly. Here, we demonstrate that the SAP11-like protein of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ (‘Ca. P. mali’) strain PM19 localizes into the plant nucleus without requiring the anticipated nuclear localization sequence (NLS). We show that the protein induces crinkled leaves and siliques, and witches’ broom symptoms, in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) plants and binds to six members of class I and all members of class II TCP transcription factors of A. thaliana in yeast two-hybrid assays. We also identified a 17 amino acid stretch previously predicted to be a nuclear localization sequence that is important for the binding of some of the TCPs, which results in a crinkled leaf and silique phenotype in transgenic A. thaliana. Moreover, we provide evidence that the SAP11-like protein has a destabilizing effect on some TCPs in vivo.
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16
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Garcion C, Béven L, Foissac X. Comparison of Current Methods for Signal Peptide Prediction in Phytoplasmas. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:661524. [PMID: 33841387 PMCID: PMC8026896 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.661524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although phytoplasma studies are still hampered by the lack of axenic cultivation methods, the availability of genome sequences allowed dramatic advances in the characterization of the virulence mechanisms deployed by phytoplasmas, and highlighted the detection of signal peptides as a crucial step to identify effectors secreted by phytoplasmas. However, various signal peptide prediction methods have been used to mine phytoplasma genomes, and no general evaluation of these methods is available so far for phytoplasma sequences. In this work, we compared the prediction performance of SignalP versions 3.0, 4.0, 4.1, 5.0 and Phobius on several sequence datasets originating from all deposited phytoplasma sequences. SignalP 4.1 with specific parameters showed the most exhaustive and consistent prediction ability. However, the configuration of SignalP 4.1 for increased sensitivity induced a much higher rate of false positives on transmembrane domains located at N-terminus. Moreover, sensitive signal peptide predictions could similarly be achieved by the transmembrane domain prediction ability of TMHMM and Phobius, due to the relatedness between signal peptides and transmembrane regions. Beyond the results presented herein, the datasets assembled in this study form a valuable benchmark to compare and evaluate signal peptide predictors in a field where experimental evidence of secretion is scarce. Additionally, this study illustrates the utility of comparative genomics to strengthen confidence in bioinformatic predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Garcion
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Laure Béven
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Xavier Foissac
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, UMR 1332, Villenave d'Ornon, France
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17
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Elucidation of the core betalain biosynthesis pathway in Amaranthus tricolor. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6086. [PMID: 33731735 PMCID: PMC7969944 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85486-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Amaranthus tricolor L., a vegetable Amaranthus species, is an economically important crop containing large amounts of betalains. Betalains are natural antioxidants and can be classified into betacyanins and betaxanthins, with red and yellow colors, respectively. A. tricolor cultivars with varying betalain contents, leading to striking red to green coloration, have been commercially produced. However, the molecular differences underlying betalain biosynthesis in various cultivars of A. tricolor remain largely unknown. In this study, A. tricolor cultivars with different colors were chosen for comparative transcriptome analysis. The elevated expression of AmCYP76AD1 in a red-leaf cultivar of A. tricolor was proposed to play a key role in producing red betalain pigments. The functions of AmCYP76AD1, AmDODAα1, AmDODAα2, and AmcDOPA5GT were also characterized through the heterologous engineering of betalain pigments in Nicotiana benthamiana. Moreover, high and low L-DOPA 4,5-dioxygenase activities of AmDODAα1 and AmDODAα2, respectively, were confirmed through in vitro enzymatic assays. Thus, comparative transcriptome analysis combined with functional and enzymatic studies allowed the construction of a core betalain biosynthesis pathway of A. tricolor. These results not only provide novel insights into betalain biosynthesis and evolution in A. tricolor but also provide a basal framework for examining genes related to betalain biosynthesis among different species of Amaranthaceae.
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18
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Meisrimler C, Allan C, Eccersall S, Morris RJ. Interior design: how plant pathogens optimize their living conditions. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:2514-2524. [PMID: 33098094 PMCID: PMC7898814 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens use effectors to suppress host defence mechanisms, promote the derivation of nutrients, and facilitate infection within the host plant. Much is now known about effectors that target biotic pathways, particularly those that interfere with plant innate immunity. By contrast, an understanding of how effectors manipulate nonimmunity pathways is only beginning to emerge. Here, we focus on exciting new insights into effectors that target abiotic stress adaptation pathways, tampering with key functions within the plant to promote colonization. We critically assess the role of various signalling agents in linking different pathways upon perturbation by pathogen effectors. Additionally, this review provides a summary of currently known bacterial, fungal, and oomycete pathogen effectors that induce biotic and abiotic stress responses in the plant, as a first step towards establishing a comprehensive picture for linking effector targets to pathogenic lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Allan
- School of Biological ScienceUniversity of CanterburyPrivate Bag 4800Christchurch8041New Zealand
| | - Sophie Eccersall
- School of Biological ScienceUniversity of CanterburyPrivate Bag 4800Christchurch8041New Zealand
| | - Richard J Morris
- Computational and Systems BiologyJohn Innes CentreNorwichNR4 7UHUK
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19
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Clements J, Bradford BZ, Garcia M, Piper S, Huang W, Zwolinska A, Lamour K, Hogenhout S, Groves RL. 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' subgroups display distinct disease progression dynamics during the carrot growing season. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0239956. [PMID: 33539350 PMCID: PMC7861454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aster Yellows phytoplasma (AYp; ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’) is an obligate bacterial pathogen that is the causative agent of multiple diseases in herbaceous plants. While this phytoplasma has been examined in depth for its disease characteristics, knowledge about the spatial and temporal dynamics of pathogen spread is lacking. The phytoplasma is found in plant’s phloem and is vectored by leafhoppers (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera), including the aster leafhopper, Macrosteles quadrilineatus Forbes. The aster leafhopper is a migratory insect pest that overwinters in the southern United States, and historical data suggest these insects migrate from southern overwintering locations to northern latitudes annually, transmitting and driving phytoplasma infection rates as they migrate. A more in-depth understanding of the spatial, temporal and genetic determinants of Aster Yellows disease progress will lead to better integrated pest management strategies for Aster Yellows disease control. Carrot, Daucus carota L., plots were established at two planting densities in central Wisconsin and monitored during the 2018 growing season for Aster Yellows disease progression. Symptomatic carrots were sampled and assayed for the presence of the Aster Yellows phytoplasma. Aster Yellows disease progression was determined to be significantly associated with calendar date, crop density, location within the field, and phytoplasma subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Clements
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology, University of Idaho, Parma, ID, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Z. Bradford
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Marjorie Garcia
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Shannon Piper
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Weijie Huang
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Agnieszka Zwolinska
- Department of Virology and Bacteriology, National Research Institute, Poznan, Poland
| | - Kurt Lamour
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States of America
| | - Saskia Hogenhout
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Russell L. Groves
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Huang W, Reyes-Caldas P, Mann M, Seifbarghi S, Kahn A, Almeida RPP, Béven L, Heck M, Hogenhout SA, Coaker G. Bacterial Vector-Borne Plant Diseases: Unanswered Questions and Future Directions. MOLECULAR PLANT 2020; 13:1379-1393. [PMID: 32835885 PMCID: PMC7769051 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne plant diseases have significant ecological and economic impacts, affecting farm profitability and forest composition throughout the world. Bacterial vector-borne pathogens have evolved sophisticated strategies to interact with their hemipteran insect vectors and plant hosts. These pathogens reside in plant vascular tissue, and their study represents an excellent opportunity to uncover novel biological mechanisms regulating intracellular pathogenesis and to contribute to the control of some of the world's most invasive emerging diseases. In this perspective, we highlight recent advances and major unanswered questions in the realm of bacterial vector-borne disease, focusing on liberibacters, phytoplasmas, spiroplasmas, and Xylella fastidiosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Huang
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Paola Reyes-Caldas
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Marina Mann
- Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Shirin Seifbarghi
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Alexandra Kahn
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rodrigo P P Almeida
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Laure Béven
- UMR 1332 Biologie du Fruit et Pathologie, Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Villenave d'Ornon 33882 France
| | - Michelle Heck
- Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, Robert W. Holley Center, USDA ARS, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Saskia A Hogenhout
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK; School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Gitta Coaker
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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21
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Iwabuchi N, Kitazawa Y, Maejima K, Koinuma H, Miyazaki A, Matsumoto O, Suzuki T, Nijo T, Oshima K, Namba S, Yamaji Y. Functional variation in phyllogen, a phyllody-inducing phytoplasma effector family, attributable to a single amino acid polymorphism. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2020; 21:1322-1336. [PMID: 32813310 PMCID: PMC7488466 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Flower malformation represented by phyllody is a common symptom of phytoplasma infection induced by a novel family of phytoplasma effectors called phyllogens. Despite the accumulation of functional and structural phyllogen information, the molecular mechanisms of phyllody have not yet been integrated with their evolutionary aspects due to the limited data on their homologs across diverse phytoplasma lineages. Here, we developed a novel universal PCR-based approach to identify 25 phytoplasma phyllogens related to nine "Candidatus Phytoplasma" species, including four species whose phyllogens have not yet been identified. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the phyllogen family consists of four groups (phyl-A, -B, -C, and -D) and that the evolutionary relationships of phyllogens were significantly distinct from those of phytoplasmas, suggesting that phyllogens were transferred horizontally among phytoplasma strains and species. Although phyllogens belonging to the phyl-A, -C, and -D groups induced phyllody, the phyl-B group lacked the ability to induce phyllody. Comparative functional analyses of phyllogens revealed that a single amino acid polymorphism in phyl-B group phyllogens prevented interactions between phyllogens and A- and E-class MADS domain transcription factors (MTFs), resulting in the inability to degrade several MTFs and induce phyllody. Our finding of natural variation in the function of phytoplasma effectors provides new insights into molecular mechanisms underlying the aetiology of phytoplasma diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Iwabuchi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental BiologyGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yugo Kitazawa
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental BiologyGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Kensaku Maejima
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental BiologyGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroaki Koinuma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental BiologyGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Akio Miyazaki
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental BiologyGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Ouki Matsumoto
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental BiologyGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Takumi Suzuki
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental BiologyGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Takamichi Nijo
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental BiologyGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | | | - Shigetou Namba
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental BiologyGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yasuyuki Yamaji
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental BiologyGraduate School of Agricultural and Life SciencesThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
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22
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Cho ST, Kung HJ, Huang W, Hogenhout SA, Kuo CH. Species Boundaries and Molecular Markers for the Classification of 16SrI Phytoplasmas Inferred by Genome Analysis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1531. [PMID: 32754131 PMCID: PMC7366425 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are plant-pathogenic bacteria that impact agriculture worldwide. The commonly adopted classification system for phytoplasmas is based on the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of their 16S rRNA genes. With the increased availability of phytoplasma genome sequences, the classification system can now be refined. This work examined 11 strains in the 16SrI group within the genus ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ and investigated the possible species boundaries. We confirmed that the RFLP classification method is problematic due to intragenomic variation of the 16S rRNA genes and uneven weighing of different nucleotide positions. Importantly, our results based on the molecular phylogeny, differentiations in chromosomal segments and gene content, and divergence in homologous sequences, all supported that these strains may be classified into multiple operational taxonomic units (OTUs) equivalent to species. Strains assigned to the same OTU share >97% genome-wide average nucleotide identity (ANI) and >78% of their protein-coding genes. In comparison, strains assigned to different OTUs share < 94% ANI and < 75% of their genes. Reduction in homologous recombination between OTUs is one possible explanation for the discontinuity in genome similarities, and these findings supported the proposal that 95% ANI could serve as a cutoff for distinguishing species in bacteria. Additionally, critical examination of these results and the raw sequencing reads led to the identification of one genome that was presumably mis-assembled by combining two sequencing libraries built from phytoplasmas belonging to different OTUs. This finding provided a cautionary tale for working on uncultivated bacteria. Based on the new understanding of phytoplasma divergence and the current genome availability, we developed five molecular markers that could be used for multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA). By selecting markers that are short yet highly informative, and are distributed evenly across the chromosome, these markers provided a cost-effective system that is robust against recombination. Finally, examination of the effector gene distribution further confirmed the rapid gains and losses of these genes, as well as the involvement of potential mobile units (PMUs) in their molecular evolution. Future improvements on the taxon sampling of phytoplasma genomes will allow further expansions of similar analysis, and thus contribute to phytoplasma taxonomy and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ting Cho
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jui Kung
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Weijie Huang
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chih-Horng Kuo
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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The Regulation of CIN-like TCP Transcription Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124498. [PMID: 32599902 PMCID: PMC7349945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR 1 and 2 (TCP) family proteins are the plant-specific transcription factors extensively participating in diverse developmental processes by integrating external cues with internal signals. The roles of CINCINNATA (CIN)-like TCPs are conserved in control of the morphology and size of leaves, petal development, trichome formation and plant flowering. The tight regulation of CIN-like TCP activity at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels are central for plant developmental plasticity in response to the ever-changing environmental conditions. In this review, we summarize recent progresses with regard to the function and regulation of CIN-like TCPs. CIN-like TCPs are regulated by abiotic and biotic cues including light, temperature and pathogens. They are also finely controlled by microRNA319 (miRNA319), chromatin remodeling complexes and auxin homeostasis. The protein degradation plays critical roles in tightly controlling the activity of CIN-like TCPs as well.
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24
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Potuschak T, Palatnik J, Schommer C, Sierro N, Ivanov NV, Kwon Y, Genschik P, Davière J, Otten L. Inhibition of Arabidopsis thaliana CIN-like TCP transcription factors by Agrobacterium T-DNA-encoded 6B proteins. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 101:1303-1317. [PMID: 31659801 PMCID: PMC7187390 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Agrobacterium T-DNA-encoded 6B proteins cause remarkable growth effects in plants. Nicotiana otophora carries two cellular T-DNAs with three slightly divergent 6b genes (TE-1-6b-L, TE-1-6b-R and TE-2-6b) originating from a natural transformation event. In Arabidopsis thaliana, expression of 2×35S:TE-2-6b, but not 2×35S:TE-1-6b-L or 2×35S:TE-1-6b-R, led to plants with crinkly leaves, which strongly resembled mutants of the miR319a/TCP module. This module is composed of MIR319A and five CIN-like TCP (TEOSINTHE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA and PROLIFERATING CELL NUCLEAR ANTIGEN BINDING FACTOR) genes (TCP2, TCP3, TCP4, TCP10 and TCP24) targeted by miR319a. The CIN-like TCP genes encode transcription factors and are required for cell division arrest at leaf margins during development. MIR319A overexpression causes excessive growth and crinkly leaves. TE-2-6b plants did not show increased miR319a levels, but the mRNA levels of the TCP4 target gene LOX2 were decreased, as in jaw-D plants. Co-expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged TCPs with native or red fluorescent protein (RFP)-tagged TE-6B proteins led to an increase in TCP protein levels and formation of numerous cytoplasmic dots containing 6B and TCP proteins. Yeast double-hybrid experiments confirmed 6B/TCP binding and showed that TE-1-6B-L and TE-1-6B-R bind a smaller set of TCP proteins than TE-2-6B. A single nucleotide mutation in TE-1-6B-R enlarged its TCP-binding repertoire to that of TE-2-6B and caused a crinkly phenotype in Arabidopsis. Deletion analysis showed that TE-2-6B targets the TCP4 DNA-binding domain and directly interferes with transcriptional activation. Taken together, these results provide detailed insights into the mechanism of action of the N. otophora TE-encoded 6b genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Potuschak
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes (IBMP)Rue du Général Zimmer 1267084StrasbourgFrance
| | - Javier Palatnik
- IBR‐CONICETPredio CCTOcampo y Esmeralda s/n2000RosarioArgentina
| | - Carla Schommer
- IBR‐CONICETPredio CCTOcampo y Esmeralda s/n2000RosarioArgentina
| | - Nicolas Sierro
- PMI R&DPhilip Morris Products S. A.Quai Jeanrenaud 52000NeuchâtelSwitzerland
| | - Nikolai V. Ivanov
- PMI R&DPhilip Morris Products S. A.Quai Jeanrenaud 52000NeuchâtelSwitzerland
| | - Yerim Kwon
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes (IBMP)Rue du Général Zimmer 1267084StrasbourgFrance
| | - Pascal Genschik
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes (IBMP)Rue du Général Zimmer 1267084StrasbourgFrance
| | - Jean‐Michel Davière
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes (IBMP)Rue du Général Zimmer 1267084StrasbourgFrance
| | - Léon Otten
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes (IBMP)Rue du Général Zimmer 1267084StrasbourgFrance
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25
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Singh A, Lakhanpaul S. Detection, characterization and evolutionary aspects of S54LP of SP (SAP54 Like Protein of Sesame Phyllody): a phytoplasma effector molecule associated with phyllody development in sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.). PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 26:445-458. [PMID: 32205922 PMCID: PMC7078397 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-020-00764-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
SAP54, an effector protein secreted by phytoplasmas has been reported to induce phyllody. S54LP of SP (SAP54 Like Protein of Sesame Phyllody), a SAP54 ortholog from phyllody and witches' broom affected sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) was amplified, cloned and sequenced. Comparative sequence and phylogenetic analysis of diverse phytoplasma strains was carried out to delineate the evolution of S54LP of SP. The degree of polymorphism across SAP54 orthologs and the evolutionary forces acting on this effector protein were ascertained. Site-specific selection across SAP54 orthologs was estimated using Fixed Effects Likelihood (FEL) approach. Nonsynonymous substitutions were detected in the SAP54 orthologs' sequences from phytoplasmas belonging to same (sub) group. Phylogenetic analysis based on S54LP of SP grouped phytoplasmas belonging to same 16SrDNA (sub) groups into different clusters. Analysis of selection forces acting on SAP54 orthologs from nine different phytoplasma (sub)groups, affecting plant species belonging to twelve different families across ten countries showed the orthologs to be under purifying (negative) selection. One amino acid residue was found to be under pervasive diversifying (positive) selection and a total of three amino acid sites were found to be under pervasive purifying (negative) selection. The location of these amino acids in the signal peptide and mature protein was studied with an aim to understand their role in protein-protein interaction. Asparagine residues (at positions 68 and 84) were found to be under pervasive purifying selection suggesting their functional importance in the effector protein. Our study suggests lack of coevolution between SAP54 and 16SrDNA. Signal peptide appears to evolve at a rate slightly higher than the mature protein. Overall, SAP54 and its orthologs are evolving under purifying selection confirming their functional importance in phytoplasma virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Singh
- Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007 India
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26
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Jiang Y, Zhang CX, Chen R, He SY. Challenging battles of plants with phloem-feeding insects and prokaryotic pathogens. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:23390-23397. [PMID: 31712429 PMCID: PMC6876188 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1915396116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
For the past 4 decades, intensive molecular studies of mostly leaf mesophyll cell-infecting pathogens and chewing insects have led to compelling models of plant-pathogen and plant-insect interactions. Yet, some of the most devastating pathogens and insect pests live in or feed on the phloem, a systemic tissue belonging to the plant vascular system. Phloem tissues are difficult to study, and phloem-inhabiting pathogens are often impossible to culture, thus limiting our understanding of phloem-insect/pathogen interactions at a molecular level. In this Perspective, we highlight recent literature that reports significant advances in the understanding of phloem interactions with insects and prokaryotic pathogens and attempt to identify critical questions that need attention for future research. It is clear that study of phloem-insect/pathogen interactions represents an exciting frontier of plant science, and influx of new scientific expertise and funding is crucial to achieve faster progress in this important area of research that is integral to global food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjuan Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China;
- Center of Economic Botany, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Department of Energy, Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Rongzhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Sheng Yang He
- Department of Energy, Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824;
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
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27
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Pecher P, Moro G, Canale MC, Capdevielle S, Singh A, MacLean A, Sugio A, Kuo CH, Lopes JRS, Hogenhout SA. Phytoplasma SAP11 effector destabilization of TCP transcription factors differentially impact development and defence of Arabidopsis versus maize. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1008035. [PMID: 31557268 PMCID: PMC6802841 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are insect-transmitted bacterial pathogens that colonize a wide range of plant species, including vegetable and cereal crops, and herbaceous and woody ornamentals. Phytoplasma-infected plants often show dramatic symptoms, including proliferation of shoots (witch's brooms), changes in leaf shapes and production of green sterile flowers (phyllody). Aster Yellows phytoplasma Witches' Broom (AY-WB) infects dicots and its effector, secreted AYWB protein 11 (SAP11), was shown to be responsible for the induction of shoot proliferation and leaf shape changes of plants. SAP11 acts by destabilizing TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1-CYCLOIDEA-PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR (TCP) transcription factors, particularly the class II TCPs of the CYCLOIDEA/TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1 (CYC/TB1) and CINCINNATA (CIN)-TCP clades. SAP11 homologs are also present in phytoplasmas that cause economic yield losses in monocot crops, such as maize, wheat and coconut. Here we show that a SAP11 homolog of Maize Bushy Stunt Phytoplasma (MBSP), which has a range primarily restricted to maize, destabilizes specifically TB1/CYC TCPs. SAP11MBSP and SAP11AYWB both induce axillary branching and SAP11AYWB also alters leaf development of Arabidopsis thaliana and maize. However, only in maize, SAP11MBSP prevents female inflorescence development, phenocopying maize tb1 lines, whereas SAP11AYWB prevents male inflorescence development and induces feminization of tassels. SAP11AYWB promotes fecundity of the AY-WB leafhopper vector on A. thaliana and modulates the expression of A. thaliana leaf defence response genes that are induced by this leafhopper, in contrast to SAP11MBSP. Neither of the SAP11 effectors promote fecundity of AY-WB and MBSP leafhopper vectors on maize. These data provide evidence that class II TCPs have overlapping but also distinct roles in regulating development and defence in a dicot and a monocot plant species that is likely to shape SAP11 effector evolution depending on the phytoplasma host range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Pecher
- John Innes Centre, Department of Crop Genetics, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Moro
- John Innes Centre, Department of Crop Genetics, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Cristina Canale
- John Innes Centre, Department of Crop Genetics, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Department of Entomology and Acarology, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Sylvain Capdevielle
- John Innes Centre, Department of Crop Genetics, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Archana Singh
- John Innes Centre, Department of Crop Genetics, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Allyson MacLean
- John Innes Centre, Department of Crop Genetics, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Akiko Sugio
- John Innes Centre, Department of Crop Genetics, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Chih-Horng Kuo
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Joao R. S. Lopes
- Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, Department of Entomology and Acarology, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Saskia A. Hogenhout
- John Innes Centre, Department of Crop Genetics, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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28
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Cho ST, Lin CP, Kuo CH. Genomic Characterization of the Periwinkle Leaf Yellowing (PLY) Phytoplasmas in Taiwan. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2194. [PMID: 31608032 PMCID: PMC6761752 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The periwinkle leaf yellowing (PLY) disease was first reported in Taiwan in 2005. This disease was caused by an uncultivated bacterium in the genus “Candidatus phytoplasma.” In subsequent years, this bacterium was linked to other plant diseases and caused losses in agriculture. For genomic investigation of this bacterium and its relatives, we conducted whole genome sequencing of a PLY phytoplasma from an infected periwinkle collected in Taoyuan. The de novo genome assembly produced eight contigs with a total length of 824,596 bp. The annotation contains 775 protein-coding genes, 63 pseudogenes, 32 tRNA genes, and two sets of rRNA operons. To characterize the genomic diversity across populations, a second strain that infects green onions in Yilan was collected for re-sequencing analysis. Comparison between these two strains identified 337 sequence polymorphisms and 10 structural variations. The metabolic pathway analysis indicated that the PLY phytoplasma genome contains two regions with highly conserved gene composition for carbohydrate metabolism. Intriguingly, each region contains several pseudogenes and the remaining functional genes in these two regions complement each other, suggesting a case of duplication followed by differential gene losses. Comparative analysis with other available phytoplasma genomes indicated that this PLY phytoplasma belongs to the 16SrI-B subgroup in the genus, with “Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris” that causes the onion yellowing (OY) disease in Japan as the closest known relative. For characterized effectors that these bacteria use to manipulate their plant hosts, the PLY phytoplasma has homologs for SAP11, SAP54/PHYL1, and TENGU. For genome structure comparison, we found that potential mobile unit (PMU) insertions may be the main factor that drives genome rearrangements in these bacteria. A total of 10 PMU-like regions were found in the PLY phytoplasma genome. Two of these PMUs were found to harbor one SAP11 homolog each, with one more similar to the 16SrI-B type and the other more similar to the 16SrI-A type, suggesting possible horizontal transfer. Taken together, this work provided a first look into population genomics of the PLY phytoplasmas in Taiwan, as well as identified several evolutionary processes that contributed to the genetic diversification of these plant-pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ting Cho
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chan-Pin Lin
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Horng Kuo
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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29
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Liu MM, Wang MM, Yang J, Wen J, Guo PC, Wu YW, Ke YZ, Li PF, Li JN, Du H. Evolutionary and Comparative Expression Analyses of TCP Transcription Factor Gene Family in Land Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3591. [PMID: 31340456 PMCID: PMC6679135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The plant-specific Teosinte-branched 1/Cycloidea/Proliferating (TCP) transcription factor genes are involved in plants' development, hormonal pathways, and stress response but their evolutionary history is uncertain. The genome-wide analysis performed here for 47 plant species revealed 535 TCP candidates in terrestrial plants and none in aquatic plants, and that TCP family genes originated early in the history of land plants. Phylogenetic analysis divided the candidate genes into Classes I and II, and Class II was further divided into CYCLOIDEA (CYC) and CINCINNATA (CIN) clades; CYC is more recent and originated from CIN in angiosperms. Protein architecture, intron pattern, and sequence characteristics were conserved in each class or clade supporting this classification. The two classes significantly expanded through whole-genome duplication during evolution. Expression analysis revealed the conserved expression of TCP genes from lower to higher plants. The expression patterns of Class I and CIN genes in different stages of the same tissue revealed their function in plant development and their opposite effects in the same biological process. Interaction network analysis showed that TCP proteins tend to form protein complexes, and their interaction networks were conserved during evolution. These results contribute to further functional studies on TCP family genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ming Liu
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Mang-Mang Wang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jin Yang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jing Wen
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Guo
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yun-Wen Wu
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yun-Zhuo Ke
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Peng-Feng Li
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jia-Na Li
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hai Du
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
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30
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Kumari S, Nagendran K, Rai AB, Singh B, Rao GP, Bertaccini A. Global Status of Phytoplasma Diseases in Vegetable Crops. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1349. [PMID: 31316474 PMCID: PMC6610314 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of phytoplasmas and their associated diseases is an emerging threat to vegetable production which leads to severe yield losses worldwide. Phytoplasmas are phloem-limited pleomorphic bacteria lacking the cell wall, mainly transmitted through leafhoppers but also by plant propagation materials and seeds. Phytoplasma diseases of vegetable crops are characterized by symptoms such as little leaves, phyllody, flower virescence, big buds, and witches' brooms. Phytoplasmas enclosed in at least sixteen different ribosomal groups infecting vegetable crops have been reported thus far across the world. The aster yellows phytoplasma group (16SrI) is presently the prevalent, followed by the peanut witches' broom (16SrII). Wide and overlapping crop and non-crop host ranges of phytoplasmas, polyphagous insect vectors, limited availability of resistance sources and unavailability of environmentally safe chemical control measures lead to an arduous effort in the management of these diseases. The most feasible control of vegetable phytoplasma diseases is a consequence of the development and implementation of integrated disease management programs. The availability of molecular tools for phytoplasma identification at the strain level greatly facilitated this kind of approach. It is moreover essential to understand the molecular basis of phytoplasma-vector interaction, epidemiology and other factors involved in disease development in order to reduce the disease outbreaks. Information on the knowledge about the most widespread phytoplasma diseases in vegetable crops is reviewed here in a comprehensive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Kumari
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, India
| | | | | | - Bijendra Singh
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi, India
| | | | - Assunta Bertaccini
- DISTAL-Phytobacteriology, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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