1
|
Xu SY, Mohamed RA, Yu L, Ying SH, Feng MG. Cla4A, a Novel Regulator of Gene Expression Networks Required for Asexual and Insect-Pathogenic Lifecycles of Beauveria bassiana. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6410. [PMID: 38928117 PMCID: PMC11203800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cla4, an orthologous p21-activated kinase crucial for non-entomopathogenic fungal lifestyles, has two paralogs (Cla4A/B) functionally unknown in hypocrealean entomopathogens. Here, we report a regulatory role of Cla4A in gene expression networks of Beauveria bassiana required for asexual and entomopathogenic lifecycles while Cla4B is functionally redundant. The deletion of cla4A resulted in severe growth defects, reduced stress tolerance, delayed conidiation, altered conidiation mode, impaired conidial quality, and abolished pathogenicity through cuticular penetration, contrasting with no phenotype affected by cla4B deletion. In ∆cla4A, 5288 dysregulated genes were associated with phenotypic defects, which were restored by targeted gene complementation. Among those, 3699 genes were downregulated, including more than 1300 abolished at the transcriptomic level. Hundreds of those downregulated genes were involved in the regulation of transcription, translation, and post-translational modifications and the organization and function of the nuclear chromosome, chromatin, and protein-DNA complex. DNA-binding elements in promoter regions of 130 dysregulated genes were predicted to be targeted by Cla4A domains. Samples of purified Cla4A extract were proven to bind promoter DNAs of 12 predicted genes involved in multiple stress-responsive pathways. Therefore, Cla4A acts as a novel regulator of genomic expression and stability and mediates gene expression networks required for insect-pathogenic fungal adaptations to the host and environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ming-Guang Feng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bao Z, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Yang H, Yan R, Zhu D. Heat stress-induced NO enhanced perylenequinone biosynthesis of Shiraia sp. via calcium signaling pathway. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:317. [PMID: 38700737 PMCID: PMC11068690 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13142-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Perylenequinones (PQs) are natural photosensitizing compounds used as photodynamic therapy, and heat stress (HS) is the main limiting factor of mycelial growth and secondary metabolism of fungi. This study aimed to unravel the impact of HS-induced Ca2+ and the calcium signaling pathway on PQ biosynthesis of Shiraia sp. Slf14(w). Meanwhile, the intricate interplay between HS-induced NO and Ca2+ and the calcium signaling pathway was investigated. The outcomes disclosed that Ca2+ and the calcium signaling pathway activated by HS could effectively enhance the production of PQs in Shiraia sp. Slf14(w). Further investigations elucidated the specific mechanism through which NO signaling molecules induced by HS act upon the Ca2+/CaM (calmodulin) signaling pathway, thus propelling PQ biosynthesis in Shiraia sp. Slf14(w). This was substantiated by decoding the downstream positioning of the CaM/CaN (calcineurin) pathway in relation to NO through comprehensive analyses encompassing transcript levels, enzyme assays, and the introduction of chemical agents. Concurrently, the engagement of Ca2+ and the calcium signaling pathway in heat shock signaling was also evidenced. The implications of our study underscore the pivotal role of HS-induced Ca2+ and the calcium signaling pathway, which not only participate in heat shock signal transduction but also play an instrumental role in promoting PQ biosynthesis. Consequently, our study not only enriches our comprehension of the mechanisms driving HS signaling transduction in fungi but also offers novel insights into the PQ synthesis paradigm within Shiraia sp. Slf14(w). KEY POINTS: • The calcium signaling pathway was proposed to participate in PQ biosynthesis under HS. • HS-induced NO was revealed to act upon the calcium signaling pathway for the first time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanying Bao
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
- Key Lab of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Yunni Chen
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Riming Yan
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China
| | - Du Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022, China.
- Key Lab of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tan S, Wei H, Camara I, Jia H, Cao K, Shi W. Symbiotic Bacteria System of Locusta migratoria Showed Antifungal Capabilities against Beauveria bassiana. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043138. [PMID: 36834550 PMCID: PMC9965112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The stability of symbiotic flora is an important indicator of the health of an organism. Symbiotic bacteria have been proven to be closely involved in the immune process of organisms. The pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana was studied in relation to symbiotic bacteria on the surface and inside of the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). The results showed that the surface disinfection of test locusts contributed to the pathogenicity of B. bassiana to locusts. Most of the surface bacteria of L. migratoria caused some inhibition of B. bassiana growth, and LM5-4 (Raoultella ornithinolytica), LM5-2 (Enterobacter aerogenes), and LM5-13 (Citrobacter freundii) showed the highest inhibitory effect on the growth of B. bassiana. The inoculation of locusts with additional surface symbiotic bacteria reduced the virulence of B. bassiana to L. migratoria. Infection by different strains of B. bassiana caused similar changes in the symbiotic flora of migratory locusts. The inoculation of locusts with additional intestinal symbiotic bacteria (Enterobacter sp.) reduced the virulence of B. bassiana to L. migratoria. These findings illustrate the effect of bacterial communities on fungal infections in L. migratoria when seen from the perspective of ecology in a microenvironment. The active antifungal substances of such bacteria and their mechanisms of action need further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuqian Tan
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (W.S.)
| | - Hongshuang Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ibrahima Camara
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Department of Agriculture, Higher Agricultural and Veterinary Institute of Faranah Guinea, Faranah BP131, Guinea
| | - Haoran Jia
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kaili Cao
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wangpeng Shi
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (W.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beauveria bassiana Ribotoxin (BbRib) Induces Silkworm Cell Apoptosis via Activating Ros Stress Response. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9081470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The BbRib gene participates in the infection process of Beauveria bassiana (B. bassiana). It also helps pathogenic fungi to escape and defeat the insect host immune defense system by regulating the innate immune response. However, model insects are rarely used to study the mechanism of fungal ribosomal toxin protein. In this study, BbRib protein was produced by prokaryotic expression and injected into silkworm (Bombyx mori) larvae. The physiological and biochemical indexes of silkworm were monitored, and the pathological effects of BbRib protein on immune tissues of silkworm were examined by Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining. BbRib protein can significantly affect the growth and development of the silkworm, causing poisoning, destroying the midgut and fat body and producing physiological changes. The ROS stress response in the adipose tissue and cells of the silkworm was activated to induce apoptosis. These results indicated that the BbRib gene not only participates in the infection process of B. bassiana, it also helps the pathogenic fungi escape the immune system by regulating the innate immune system of the silkworm, allowing it to break through the silkworm’s immune defense. This study reveals the potential molecular mechanism of BbRib protein to insect toxicity, and provides a theoretical basis and material basis for the development and use of novel insecticidal toxins.
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang M, Zhu Z, Bai Y, Zhuang Z, Ge F, Li M, Wang S. A novel phosphoinositide kinase Fab1 regulates biosynthesis of pathogenic aflatoxin in Aspergillus flavus. Virulence 2020; 12:96-113. [PMID: 33315533 PMCID: PMC7781676 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1859820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) is one of the most important model environmental fungi which can produce a potent toxin and carcinogen known as aflatoxin. Aflatoxin contamination causes massive agricultural economic loss and a critical human health issue each year. Although a functional vacuole has been highlighted for its fundamental importance in fungal virulence, the molecular mechanisms of the vacuole in regulating the virulence of A. flavus remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a novel vacuole-related protein in A. flavus, the ortholog of phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate-5-kinase (Fab1) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This kinase was located at the vacuolar membrane, and loss of fab1 function was found to affect the growth, conidia and sclerotial development, cellular acidification and metal ion homeostasis, aflatoxin production and pathogenicity of A. flavus. Further functional analysis revealed that Fab1 was required to maintain the vacuole size and cell morphology. Additional quantitative proteomic analysis suggested that Fab1 was likely to play an important role in maintaining vacuolar/cellular homeostasis, with vacuolar dysregulation upon fab1 deletion leading to impaired aflatoxin synthesis in this fungus. Together, these results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms by which this pathogen produces aflatoxin and mediates its pathogenicity, and may facilitate dissection of the vacuole-mediated regulatory network in A. flavus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingkun Yang
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
| | - Youhuang Bai
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenhong Zhuang
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
| | - Feng Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Wuhan, China
| | - Mingzhu Li
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|