1
|
Spada M, Pugliesi C, Fambrini M, Pecchia S. Challenges and Opportunities Arising from Host- Botrytis cinerea Interactions to Outline Novel and Sustainable Control Strategies: The Key Role of RNA Interference. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6798. [PMID: 38928507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea (Pers., 1794), the causative agent of gray mold disease, causes significant losses in agricultural production. Control of this fungal pathogen is quite difficult due to its wide host range and environmental persistence. Currently, the management of the disease is still mainly based on chemicals, which can have harmful effects not only on the environment and on human health but also because they favor the development of strains resistant to fungicides. The flexibility and plasticity of B. cinerea in challenging plant defense mechanisms and its ability to evolve strategies to escape chemicals require the development of new control strategies for successful disease management. In this review, some aspects of the host-pathogen interactions from which novel and sustainable control strategies could be developed (e.g., signaling pathways, molecules involved in plant immune mechanisms, hormones, post-transcriptional gene silencing) were analyzed. New biotechnological tools based on the use of RNA interference (RNAi) are emerging in the crop protection scenario as versatile, sustainable, effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to the use of chemicals. RNAi-based fungicides are expected to be approved soon, although they will face several challenges before reaching the market.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Spada
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Pugliesi
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Fambrini
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Pecchia
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao D, Abdullah S, Baldwin T, Caspersen A, Williams E, Carlson A, Petersen M, Hu G, Klos KE, Bregitzer P. Agrobacterium-mediated transfer of the Fusarium graminearum Tri6 gene into barley using mature seed-derived shoot tips as explants. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:40. [PMID: 38244048 PMCID: PMC10799836 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-03129-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE We transferred the Tri6 gene into the elite barley GemCraft via new transformation method through shoot organogenesis and identified the rearrangements of transgenes and phenotypic variations in the transgenic plants. Despite its agronomic and economic importance, barley transformation is still very challenging for many elite varieties. In this study, we used direct shoot organogenesis to transform the elite barley cultivar GemCraft with the RNAi constructs containing Tri6 gene of Fusarium graminearum, which causes fusarium head blight (FHB). We isolated 4432 shoot tips and co-cultured these explants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A total of 25 independent T0 transgenic plants were generated including 15 events for which transgene-specific PCR amplicons were observed. To further determine the presence of transgenes, the T1 progenies of all 15 T0 plants were analyzed, and the expected PCR products were obtained in 10 T1 lines. Droplet digital (dd) PCR analysis revealed various copy numbers of transgenes in the transgenic plants. We determined the insertion site of transgenes using long-read sequencing data and observed the rearrangements of transgenes. We found phenotypic variations in both T1 and T2 generation plants. FHB disease was evaluated under growth chamber conditions, but no significant differences in disease severity or deoxynivalenol accumulation were observed between two Tri6 transgenic lines and the wildtype. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the shoot tip transformation and may open the door for applying this system for genetic improvement and gene function research in other barley genotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongying Gao
- Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Aberdeen, ID, 83210, USA.
| | - Sidrat Abdullah
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research Participant, Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Aberdeen, ID, 83210, USA
| | - Thomas Baldwin
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108, USA
| | - Ann Caspersen
- Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Aberdeen, ID, 83210, USA
| | - Edward Williams
- Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Middleton, WI, 53562, USA
| | - Alvar Carlson
- Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Middleton, WI, 53562, USA
| | - Mike Petersen
- Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Middleton, WI, 53562, USA
| | - Gongshe Hu
- Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Aberdeen, ID, 83210, USA
| | - Kathy Esvelt Klos
- Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Aberdeen, ID, 83210, USA
| | - Phil Bregitzer
- Small Grains and Potato Germplasm Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Aberdeen, ID, 83210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jin BJ, Chun HJ, Choi CW, Lee SH, Cho HM, Park MS, Baek D, Park SY, Lee YH, Kim MC. Host-induced gene silencing is a promising biological tool to characterize the pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae and control fungal disease in rice. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:319-336. [PMID: 37700662 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14721] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is a devastating plant pathogen that threatens rice production worldwide. Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) has been effectively applied to study pathogenic gene function during host-microbe interactions and control fungal diseases in various crops. In this study, the HIGS system of M. oryzae was established using transgenic fungus expressing green fluorescence protein (GFP), KJ201::eGFP and 35S::dsRNAi plants, which produce small interfering RNAs targeting fungal genes. Through this system, we verified the HIGS of rice blast fungus quantitatively and qualitatively in both Arabidopsis and rice. Then, we showed that the HIGS of M. oryzae's pathogenic genes, including RGS1, MgAPT2 and LHS1, significantly alter its virulence. Both 35S::dsRNAi_MgAPT2 and 35S::dsRNAi_LHS1 plants showed a considerably enhanced fungal resistance, characterized by the formation of H2 O2 -containing defensive granules and induction of rice pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. In addition, the enhanced susceptibility of 35S::dsRNAi_RGS1 plants to blast fungus suggested a novel mode of action of this gene during fungal infection. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that HIGS is a very effective and efficient biological tool not only to accurately characterize the functions of fungal pathogenic genes during rice-M. oryzae interactions, but also to control fungal disease and ensure a successful rice production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byung Jun Jin
- Institute of Agriculture & Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Chun
- Institute of Agriculture & Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Cheol Woo Choi
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Su Hyeon Lee
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Hyun Min Cho
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Mi Suk Park
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Dongwon Baek
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Sook-Young Park
- Department of Plant Medicine, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Korea
| | - Yong-Hwan Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Chul Kim
- Institute of Agriculture & Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McLaughlin MS, Roy M, Abbasi PA, Carisse O, Yurgel SN, Ali S. Why Do We Need Alternative Methods for Fungal Disease Management in Plants? PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3822. [PMID: 38005718 PMCID: PMC10675458 DOI: 10.3390/plants12223822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens pose a major threat to food production worldwide. Traditionally, chemical fungicides have been the primary means of controlling these pathogens, but many of these fungicides have recently come under increased scrutiny due to their negative effects on the health of humans, animals, and the environment. Furthermore, the use of chemical fungicides can result in the development of resistance in populations of phytopathogenic fungi. Therefore, new environmentally friendly alternatives that provide adequate levels of disease control are needed to replace chemical fungicides-if not completely, then at least partially. A number of alternatives to conventional chemical fungicides have been developed, including plant defence elicitors (PDEs); biological control agents (fungi, bacteria, and mycoviruses), either alone or as consortia; biochemical fungicides; natural products; RNA interference (RNAi) methods; and resistance breeding. This article reviews the conventional and alternative methods available to manage fungal pathogens, discusses their strengths and weaknesses, and identifies potential areas for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. McLaughlin
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville Research and Development Centre, Kentville, NS B4N 1J5, Canada; (M.S.M.); (M.R.); (P.A.A.)
- Department of Plant, Food and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N 4H5, Canada
| | - Maria Roy
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville Research and Development Centre, Kentville, NS B4N 1J5, Canada; (M.S.M.); (M.R.); (P.A.A.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Pervaiz A. Abbasi
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville Research and Development Centre, Kentville, NS B4N 1J5, Canada; (M.S.M.); (M.R.); (P.A.A.)
| | - Odile Carisse
- Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research Development Centre, Science and Technology Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 7B5, Canada;
| | - Svetlana N. Yurgel
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service, Grain Legume Genetics and Physiology Research Unit, Prosser, WA 99350, USA;
| | - Shawkat Ali
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville Research and Development Centre, Kentville, NS B4N 1J5, Canada; (M.S.M.); (M.R.); (P.A.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cheng AP, Kwon S, Adeshara T, Göhre V, Feldbrügge M, Weiberg A. Extracellular RNAs released by plant-associated fungi: from fundamental mechanisms to biotechnological applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:5935-5945. [PMID: 37572124 PMCID: PMC10485130 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12718-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular RNAs are an emerging research topic in fungal-plant interactions. Fungal plant pathogens and symbionts release small RNAs that enter host cells to manipulate plant physiology and immunity. This communication via extracellular RNAs between fungi and plants is bidirectional. On the one hand, plants release RNAs encapsulated inside extracellular vesicles as a defense response as well as for intercellular and inter-organismal communication. On the other hand, recent reports suggest that also full-length mRNAs are transported within fungal EVs into plants, and these fungal mRNAs might get translated inside host cells. In this review article, we summarize the current views and fundamental concepts of extracellular RNAs released by plant-associated fungi, and we discuss new strategies to apply extracellular RNAs in crop protection against fungal pathogens. KEY POINTS: • Extracellular RNAs are an emerging topic in plant-fungal communication. • Fungi utilize RNAs to manipulate host plants for colonization. • Extracellular RNAs can be engineered to protect plants against fungal pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An-Po Cheng
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München (LMU), 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Seomun Kwon
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Trusha Adeshara
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Göhre
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Feldbrügge
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Arne Weiberg
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München (LMU), 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li H, Mo P, Zhang J, Xie Z, Liu X, Chen H, Yang L, Liu M, Zhang H, Wang P, Zhang Z. Methionine biosynthesis enzyme MoMet2 is required for rice blast fungus pathogenicity by promoting virulence gene expression via reducing 5mC modification. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010927. [PMID: 37733784 PMCID: PMC10547190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of fungicide resistance severely threatens crop production by limiting the availability and application of established fungicides. Therefore, it is urgent to identify new fungicidal targets for controlling plant diseases. Here, we characterized the function of a conserved homoserine O-acetyltransferase (HOA) from the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae that could serve as the candidate antifungal target. Deletion of the MoMET2 and MoCYS2 genes encoding HOAs perturbed the biosynthesis of methionine and S-adenyl methionine, a methyl group donor for epigenetic modifications, and severely attenuated the development and virulence of M. oryzae. The ∆Momet2 mutant is significantly increased in 5-methylcytosine (5mC) modification that represses the expression of genes required for pathogenicity, including MoGLIK and MoCDH-CYT. We further showed that host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) targeting MoMET2 and MoCYS2 effectively controls rice blasts. Our studies revealed the importance of HOA in the development and virulence of M. oryzae, which suggests the potential feasibility of HOA as new targets for novel anti-rice blast measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Li
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengcheng Mo
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhuoer Xie
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Leiyun Yang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muxing Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Zhengguang Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Singh S, Hu X, Dixelius C. Dynamics of nucleic acid mobility. Genetics 2023; 225:iyad132. [PMID: 37491977 PMCID: PMC10471207 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad132] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatic analyses are accelerating the quantity and quality of data from all domains of life. This rich resource has the potential to reveal a number of important incidences with respect to possible exchange of nucleic acids. Ancient events have impacted species evolution and adaptation to new ecological niches. However, we still lack a full picture of processes ongoing within and between somatic cells, gametes, and different organisms. We propose that events linked to acceptance of alien nucleic acids grossly could be divided into 2 main routes in plants: one, when plants are exposed to extreme challenges and, the second level, a more everyday or season-related stress incited by biotic or abiotic factors. Here, many events seem to comprise somatic cells. Are the transport and acceptance processes of alien sequences random or are there specific regulatory systems not yet fully understood? Following entrance into a new cell, a number of intracellular processes leading to chromosomal integration and function are required. Modification of nucleic acids and possibly exchange of sequences within a cell may also occur. Such fine-tune events are most likely very common. There are multiple questions that we will discuss concerning different types of vesicles and their roles in nucleic acid transport and possible intracellular sequence exchange between species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shailja Singh
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnéan Center for Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7080, Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Xinyi Hu
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnéan Center for Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7080, Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Christina Dixelius
- Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnéan Center for Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7080, Uppsala, SE-75007, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Atabekova AK, Solovieva AD, Chergintsev DA, Solovyev AG, Morozov SY. Role of Plant Virus Movement Proteins in Suppression of Host RNAi Defense. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109049. [PMID: 37240394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the systems of plant defense against viral infection is RNA silencing, or RNA interference (RNAi), in which small RNAs derived from viral genomic RNAs and/or mRNAs serve as guides to target an Argonaute nuclease (AGO) to virus-specific RNAs. Complementary base pairing between the small interfering RNA incorporated into the AGO-based protein complex and viral RNA results in the target cleavage or translational repression. As a counter-defensive strategy, viruses have evolved to acquire viral silencing suppressors (VSRs) to inhibit the host plant RNAi pathway. Plant virus VSR proteins use multiple mechanisms to inhibit silencing. VSRs are often multifunctional proteins that perform additional functions in the virus infection cycle, particularly, cell-to-cell movement, genome encapsidation, or replication. This paper summarizes the available data on the proteins with dual VSR/movement protein activity used by plant viruses of nine orders to override the protective silencing response and reviews the different molecular mechanisms employed by these proteins to suppress RNAi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia K Atabekova
- A. N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna D Solovieva
- Department of Virology, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis A Chergintsev
- Department of Virology, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey G Solovyev
- A. N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Virology, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Y Morozov
- A. N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Virology, Biological Faculty, Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Prasad K, Yogendra K, Sanivarapu H, Rajasekaran K, Cary JW, Sharma KK, Bhatnagar-Mathur P. Multiplexed Host-Induced Gene Silencing of Aspergillus flavus Genes Confers Aflatoxin Resistance in Groundnut. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050319. [PMID: 37235354 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are immunosuppressive and carcinogenic secondary metabolites, produced by the filamentous ascomycete Aspergillus flavus, that are hazardous to animal and human health. In this study, we show that multiplexed host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) of Aspergillus flavus genes essential for fungal sporulation and aflatoxin production (nsdC, veA, aflR, and aflM) confers enhanced resistance to Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin contamination in groundnut (<20 ppb). Comparative proteomic analysis of contrasting groundnut genotypes (WT and near-isogenic HIGS lines) supported a better understanding of the molecular processes underlying the induced resistance and identified several groundnut metabolites that might play a significant role in resistance to Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin contamination. Fungal differentiation and pathogenicity proteins, including calmodulin, transcriptional activator-HacA, kynurenine 3-monooxygenase 2, VeA, VelC, and several aflatoxin pathway biosynthetic enzymes, were downregulated in Aspergillus infecting the HIGS lines. Additionally, in the resistant HIGS lines, a number of host resistance proteins associated with fatty acid metabolism were strongly induced, including phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase, lysophosphatidic acyltransferase-5, palmitoyl-monogalactosyldiacylglycerol Δ-7 desaturase, ceramide kinase-related protein, sphingolipid Δ-8 desaturase, and phospholipase-D. Combined, this knowledge can be used for groundnut pre-breeding and breeding programs to provide a safe and secure food supply.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Prasad
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad 502324, India
| | - Kalenahalli Yogendra
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad 502324, India
| | - Hemalatha Sanivarapu
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad 502324, India
| | - Kanniah Rajasekaran
- Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA/ARS), New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Cary
- Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA/ARS), New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
| | - Kiran K Sharma
- Sustainable Agriculture Program, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India Habitat Center, New Delhi 110003, India
| | - Pooja Bhatnagar-Mathur
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), El Batán, Texcoco 56237, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Resistance strategies for defense against Albugo candida causing white rust disease. Microbiol Res 2023; 270:127317. [PMID: 36805163 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Albugo candida, the causal organism of white rust, is an oomycete obligate pathogen infecting crops of Brassicaceae family occurred on aerial part, including vegetable and oilseed crops at all growth stages. The disease expression is characterized by local infection appearing on the abaxial region developing white or creamy yellow blister (sori) on leaves and systemic infections cause hypertrophy and hyperplasia leading to stag-head of reproductive organ. To overcome this problem, several disease management strategies like fungicide treatments were used in the field and disease-resistant varieties have also been developed using conventional and molecular breeding. Due to high variability among A. candida isolates, there is no single approach available to understand the diverse spectrum of disease symptoms. In absence of resistance sources against pathogen, repetitive cultivation of genetically-similar varieties locally tends to attract oomycete pathogen causing heavy yield losses. In the present review, a deep insight into the underlying role of the non-host resistance (NHR) defence mechanism available in plants, and the strategies to exploit available gene pools from plant species that are non-host to A. candida could serve as novel sources of resistance. This work summaries the current knowledge pertaining to the resistance sources available in non-host germ plasm, the understanding of defence mechanisms and the advance strategies covers molecular, biochemical and nature-based solutions in protecting Brassica crops from white rust disease.
Collapse
|
11
|
Walker PL, Ziegler DJ, Giesbrecht S, McLoughlin A, Wan J, Khan D, Hoi V, Whyard S, Belmonte MF. Control of white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) through plant-mediated RNA interference. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6477. [PMID: 37081036 PMCID: PMC10119085 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33335-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of white mold, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is capable of infecting over 600 plant species and is responsible for significant crop losses across the globe. Control is currently dependent on broad-spectrum chemical agents that can negatively impact the agroecological environment, presenting a need to develop alternative control measures. In this study, we developed transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (AT1703) expressing hairpin (hp)RNA to silence S. sclerotiorum ABHYDROLASE-3 and slow infection through host induced gene silencing (HIGS). Leaf infection assays show reduced S. sclerotiorum lesion size, fungal load, and ABHYDROLASE-3 transcript abundance in AT1703 compared to wild-type Col-0. To better understand how HIGS influences host-pathogen interactions, we performed global RNA sequencing on AT1703 and wild-type Col-0 directly at the site of S. sclerotiorum infection. RNA sequencing data reveals enrichment of the salicylic acid (SA)-mediated systemic acquired resistance (SAR) pathway, as well as transcription factors predicted to regulate plant immunity. Using RT-qPCR, we identified predicted interacting partners of ABHYDROLASE-3 in the polyamine synthesis pathway of S. sclerotiorum that demonstrate co-reduction with ABHYDROLASE-3 transcript levels during infection. Together, these results demonstrate the utility of HIGS technology in slowing S. sclerotiorum infection and provide insight into the role of ABHYDROLASE-3 in the A. thaliana-S. sclerotiorum pathosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip L Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Dylan J Ziegler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Shayna Giesbrecht
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Austein McLoughlin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Joey Wan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Deirdre Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Vanessa Hoi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Mark F Belmonte
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mapuranga J, Chang J, Zhang L, Zhang N, Yang W. Fungal Secondary Metabolites and Small RNAs Enhance Pathogenicity during Plant-Fungal Pathogen Interactions. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010004. [PMID: 36675825 PMCID: PMC9862911 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal plant pathogens use proteinaceous effectors as well as newly identified secondary metabolites (SMs) and small non-coding RNA (sRNA) effectors to manipulate the host plant's defense system via diverse plant cell compartments, distinct organelles, and many host genes. However, most molecular studies of plant-fungal interactions have focused on secreted effector proteins without exploring the possibly equivalent functions performed by fungal (SMs) and sRNAs, which are collectively known as "non-proteinaceous effectors". Fungal SMs have been shown to be generated throughout the plant colonization process, particularly in the early biotrophic stages of infection. The fungal repertoire of non-proteinaceous effectors has been broadened by the discovery of fungal sRNAs that specifically target plant genes involved in resistance and defense responses. Many RNAs, particularly sRNAs involved in gene silencing, have been shown to transmit bidirectionally between fungal pathogens and their hosts. However, there are no clear functional approaches to study the role of these SM and sRNA effectors. Undoubtedly, fungal SM and sRNA effectors are now a treasured land to seek. Therefore, understanding the role of fungal SM and sRNA effectors may provide insights into the infection process and identification of the interacting host genes that are targeted by these effectors. This review discusses the role of fungal SMs and sRNAs during plant-fungal interactions. It will also focus on the translocation of sRNA effectors across kingdoms, the application of cross-kingdom RNA interference in managing plant diseases and the tools that can be used to predict and study these non-proteinaceous effectors.
Collapse
|
13
|
Maksimov IV, Shein MY, Burkhanova GF. RNA Interference in Plant Protection from Fungal and Oomycete Infection. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683822100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
|
14
|
Ahmed A, Safdar M, Sardar S, Yousaf S, Farooq F, Raza A, Shahid M, Malik K, Afzal S. Modern vaccine strategies for emerging zoonotic viruses. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1711-1725. [PMID: 36384000 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2148660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The significant increase in the emergence of notable zoonotic viruses in the previous decades has become a serious concern to global public health. Ninety-nine percent of infectious diseases have originated from zoonotic viruses with immense potential for dissemination, infecting the susceptible population completely lacking herd immunity. AREAS COVERED Zoonotic viruses appear in the last two decades as a major health threat either newly evolved or previously present with elevated prevalence in the last few years are selected to explain their current prophylactic measures. In this review, modern generation vaccines including viral vector vaccines, mRNA vaccines, DNA vaccines, synthetic vaccines, virus-like particles, and plant-based vaccines are discussed with their benefits and challenges. Moreover, the traditional vaccines and their efficacy are also compared with the latest vaccines. EXPERT OPINION The emergence and reemergence of viruses that constantly mutate themselves have greatly increased the chance of transmission and immune escape mechanisms in humans. Therefore, the only possible solution to prevent viral infection is the use of vaccines with improved safety profile and efficacy, which becomes the basis of modern generation vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atif Ahmed
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Safdar
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Samran Sardar
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sahar Yousaf
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Fiza Farooq
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Raza
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kausar Malik
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Samia Afzal
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu J, Zhang N, Wang K, Xian Q, Dong J, Chen X. Exploring new strategies in diseases resistance of horticultural crops. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.1021350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Horticultural crops are susceptible to various biotic stressors including fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, and root-knot nematodes. These pathogens limit the growth, development, yield, and quality of horticultural crops, and also limit their adaptability and geographic distribution. The continuous cropping model in horticultural facilities exacerbates soil-borne diseases, and severely restricts yield, quality, and productivity. Recent progress in the understanding of mechanisms that confer tolerance to different diseases through innovative strategies including host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), targeting susceptibility genes, and rootstocks grafting applications are reviewed to systematically explore the resistance mechanisms against horticultural plant diseases. Future work should successfully breed resistant varieties using these strategies combined with molecular biologic methods.
Collapse
|
16
|
Mueth NA, Hulbert SH. Small RNAs target native and cross-kingdom transcripts on both sides of the wheat stripe rust interaction. Genomics 2022; 114:110526. [PMID: 36427746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The wheat stripe rust fungus (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) threatens global wheat production. Small RNAs (sRNAs) modulate plant defense induction, and RNA exchange between host and microbe causes cross-kingdom gene silencing, but few examples are known in rust fungi. This study combined sRNA, parallel analysis of RNA ends, and gene expression data to discover sRNA-target pairs on each side of the interaction. Specific wheat 24 nt sRNAs were suppressed, while particular 35 nt fragments were strongly induced upon infection. Wheat sRNAs cleaved fungal transcripts coding for a ribosomal protein and a glycosyl hydrolase effector. Fungal microRNA-like and phased 21 nt sRNAs originated from long inverted repeats near protein coding genes. Fungal sRNAs targeted native transcripts: transposons and kinases; and cross-kingdom transcripts: a wheat nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) and multiple defense-related transcription factor families. This work sheds light on host-microbe coevolution and delivers prospects for developing pathogen control biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Mueth
- Molecular Plant Sciences Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA; Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Scot H Hulbert
- Molecular Plant Sciences Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA; Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Expression of mosquito miRNAs in entomopathogenic fungus induces pathogen-mediated host RNA interference and increases fungal efficacy. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111527. [PMID: 36288711 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing threat of insecticide resistance prompts the urgent need to develop additional tools for mosquito control. Entomopathogenic fungi provide an eco-friendly alternative to chemical insecticides. One limitation to the use of mycoinsecticides is their relatively low virulence. Here, we report an approach for suppressing mosquito immunity and increasing fungal virulence. We engineered Beauveria bassiana to express Aedes immunosuppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) to induce host RNA interference (RNAi) immune responses. We show that engineered strains can produce and deliver the miRNAs into host cells to activate cross-kingdom RNAi during infection and suppress mosquito immunity by targeting multiple host genes, thereby dramatically increasing fungal virulence against Aedes aegypti and Galleria mellonella larvae. Importantly, expressing host miRNAs also significantly increases fungal virulence against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, creating potential for insecticide-resistance management. This pathogen-mediated RNAi (pmRNAi)-based approach provides an innovative strategy to enhance the efficacy of fungal insecticides and eliminate the likelihood of resistance development.
Collapse
|
18
|
Rodriguez Coy L, Plummer KM, Khalifa ME, MacDiarmid RM. Mycovirus-encoded suppressors of RNA silencing: Possible allies or enemies in the use of RNAi to control fungal disease in crops. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:965781. [PMID: 37746227 PMCID: PMC10512228 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.965781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Plants, fungi, and many other eukaryotes have evolved an RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism that is key for regulating gene expression and the control of pathogens. RNAi inhibits gene expression, in a sequence-specific manner, by recognizing and deploying cognate double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) either from endogenous sources (e.g. pre-micro RNAs) or exogenous origin (e.g. viruses, dsRNA, or small interfering RNAs, siRNAs). Recent studies have demonstrated that fungal pathogens can transfer siRNAs into plant cells to suppress host immunity and aid infection, in a mechanism termed cross-kingdom RNAi. New technologies, based on RNAi are being developed for crop protection against insect pests, viruses, and more recently against fungal pathogens. One example, is host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), which is a mechanism whereby transgenic plants are modified to produce siRNAs or dsRNAs targeting key transcripts of plants, or their pathogens or pests. An alternative gene regulation strategy that also co-opts the silencing machinery is spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), in which dsRNAs or single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) are applied to target genes within a pathogen or pest. Fungi also use their RNA silencing machinery against mycoviruses (fungal viruses) and mycoviruses can deploy virus-encoded suppressors of RNAi (myco-VSRs) as a counter-defence. We propose that myco-VSRs may impact new dsRNA-based management methods, resulting in unintended outcomes, including suppression of management by HIGS or SIGS. Despite a large diversity of mycoviruses being discovered using high throughput sequencing, their biology is poorly understood. In particular, the prevalence of mycoviruses and the cellular effect of their encoded VSRs are under-appreciated when considering the deployment of HIGS and SIGS strategies. This review focuses on mycoviruses, their VSR activities in fungi, and the implications for control of pathogenic fungi using RNAi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Rodriguez Coy
- Australian Research Council Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Kim M. Plummer
- Australian Research Council Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection, Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Mahmoud E. Khalifa
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Robin M. MacDiarmid
- BioProtection, The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ray P, Sahu D, Aminedi R, Chandran D. Concepts and considerations for enhancing RNAi efficiency in phytopathogenic fungi for RNAi-based crop protection using nanocarrier-mediated dsRNA delivery systems. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:977502. [PMID: 37746174 PMCID: PMC10512274 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.977502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Existing, emerging, and reemerging strains of phytopathogenic fungi pose a significant threat to agricultural productivity globally. This risk is further exacerbated by the lack of resistance source(s) in plants or a breakdown of resistance by pathogens through co-evolution. In recent years, attenuation of essential pathogen gene(s) via double-stranded (ds) RNA-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) in host plants, a phenomenon known as host-induced gene silencing, has gained significant attention as a way to combat pathogen attack. Yet, due to biosafety concerns regarding transgenics, country-specific GMO legislation has limited the practical application of desirable attributes in plants. The topical application of dsRNA/siRNA targeting essential fungal gene(s) through spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) on host plants has opened up a transgene-free avenue for crop protection. However, several factors influence the outcome of RNAi, including but not limited to RNAi mechanism in plant/fungi, dsRNA/siRNA uptake efficiency, dsRNA/siRNA design parameters, dsRNA stability and delivery strategy, off-target effects, etc. This review emphasizes the significance of these factors and suggests appropriate measures to consider while designing in silico and in vitro experiments for successful RNAi in open-field conditions. We also highlight prospective nanoparticles as smart delivery vehicles for deploying RNAi molecules in plant systems for long-term crop protection and ecosystem compatibility. Lastly, we provide specific directions for future investigations that focus on blending nanotechnology and RNAi-based fungal control for practical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Ray
- Laboratory of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Debashish Sahu
- Laboratory of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Raghavendra Aminedi
- Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, India
| | - Divya Chandran
- Laboratory of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li X, Mu K, Yang S, Wei J, Wang C, Yan W, Yuan F, Wang H, Han D, Kang Z, Zeng Q. Reduction of Rhizoctonia cerealis Infection on Wheat Through Host- and Spray-Induced Gene Silencing of an Orphan Secreted Gene. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2022; 35:803-813. [PMID: 36102883 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-04-22-0075-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Rhizoctonia cerealis is a soilborne fungus that can cause sharp eyespot in wheat, resulting in massive yield losses found in many countries. Due to the lack of resistant cultivars, fungicides have been widely used to control this pathogen. However, chemical control is not environmentally friendly and is costly. Meanwhile, the lack of genetic transformation tools has hindered the functional characterization of virulence genes. In this study, we attempted to characterize the function of virulence genes by two transient methods, host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which use RNA interference to suppress the pathogenic development. We identified ten secretory orphan genes from the genome. After silencing these ten genes, only the RcOSP1 knocked-down plant significantly inhibited the growth of R. cerealis. We then described RcOSP1 as an effector that could impair wheat biological processes and suppress pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity in the infection process. These findings confirm that HIGS and SIGS can be practical tools for researching R. cerealis virulence genes. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Keqing Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Shuqing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jiajing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Congnawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Weiyi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Fengping Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Dejun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zhensheng Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Yangling Seed Industry Innovation Center, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qingdong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bocos-Asenjo IT, Niño-Sánchez J, Ginésy M, Diez JJ. New Insights on the Integrated Management of Plant Diseases by RNA Strategies: Mycoviruses and RNA Interference. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9236. [PMID: 36012499 PMCID: PMC9409477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA-based strategies for plant disease management offer an attractive alternative to agrochemicals that negatively impact human and ecosystem health and lead to pathogen resistance. There has been recent interest in using mycoviruses for fungal disease control after it was discovered that some cause hypovirulence in fungal pathogens, which refers to a decline in the ability of a pathogen to cause disease. Cryphonectria parasitica, the causal agent of chestnut blight, has set an ideal model of management through the release of hypovirulent strains. However, mycovirus-based management of plant diseases is still restricted by limited approaches to search for viruses causing hypovirulence and the lack of protocols allowing effective and systemic virus infection in pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi), the eukaryotic cell system that recognizes RNA sequences and specifically degrades them, represents a promising. RNA-based disease management method. The natural occurrence of cross-kingdom RNAi provides a basis for host-induced gene silencing, while the ability of most pathogens to uptake exogenous small RNAs enables the use of spray-induced gene silencing techniques. This review describes the mechanisms behind and the potential of two RNA-based strategies, mycoviruses and RNAi, for plant disease management. Successful applications are discussed, as well as the research gaps and limitations that remain to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Teresa Bocos-Asenjo
- Department of Plant Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
- iuFOR-Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain
| | - Jonatan Niño-Sánchez
- Department of Plant Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
- iuFOR-Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain
| | - Mireille Ginésy
- Department of Plant Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
- iuFOR-Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain
| | - Julio Javier Diez
- Department of Plant Production and Forest Resources, University of Valladolid, 34004 Palencia, Spain
- iuFOR-Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute, University of Valladolid-INIA, 34004 Palencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Breeding Tools for Assessing and Improving Resistance and Limiting Mycotoxin Production by Fusarium graminearum in Wheat. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11151933. [PMID: 35893637 PMCID: PMC9330798 DOI: 10.3390/plants11151933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The recently adopted conservation and minimum tillage practices in wheat-production systems coupled with the concomitant warming of the Earth are believed to have caused the upsurges in Fusarium head blight (FHB) prevalence in major wheat-producing regions of the world. Measures to counter this effect include breeding for resistance to both initial infection of wheat and spread of the disease. Cases of mycotoxicosis caused by ingestion of wheat by-products contaminated with FHB mycotoxins have necessitated the need for resistant wheat cultivars that can limit mycotoxin production by the dominant causal pathogen, Fusarium graminearum. This manuscript reviews breeding tools for assessing and improving resistance as well as limiting mycotoxin contamination in wheat to reflect on the current state of affairs. Combining these aspects in wheat research and development promotes sustainable quality grain production and safeguards human and livestock health from mycotoxicosis.
Collapse
|
23
|
Ciofini A, Negrini F, Baroncelli R, Baraldi E. Management of Post-Harvest Anthracnose: Current Approaches and Future Perspectives. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11141856. [PMID: 35890490 PMCID: PMC9319655 DOI: 10.3390/plants11141856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anthracnose is a severe disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. on several crop species. Fungal infections can occur both in the field and at the post-harvest stage causing severe lesions on fruits and economic losses. Physical treatments and synthetic fungicides have traditionally been the preferred means to control anthracnose adverse effects; however, the urgent need to decrease the use of toxic chemicals led to the investigation of innovative and sustainable protection techniques. Evidence for the efficacy of biological agents and vegetal derivates has been reported; however, their introduction into actual crop protection strategies requires the solutions of several critical issues. Biotechnology-based approaches have also been explored, revealing the opportunity to develop innovative and safe methods for anthracnose management through genome editing and RNA interference technologies. Nevertheless, besides the number of advantages related to their use, e.g., the putative absence of adverse effects due to their high specificity, a number of aspects remain to be clarified to enable their introduction into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols against Colletotrichum spp. disease.
Collapse
|
24
|
S S, Sharma S, Bairwa A, Tomar M, Kumar R, Bhardwaj V, Jeevalatha A, Bakade R, Salaria N, Thakur K, Singh BP, Chakrabarti SK. Spraying of dsRNA molecules derived from Phytophthora infestans, along with nanoclay carriers as a proof of concept for developing novel protection strategy for potato late blight. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3183-3192. [PMID: 35478320 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytophthora infestans is a late blight-causing oomycetes pathogen. It rapidly evolves and adapts to the host background and new fungicide molecules within a few years of their release, most likely because of the predominance of transposable elements in its genome. Frequent applications of fungicides cause environmental concerns. Here, we developed target-specific RNA interference (RNAi)-based molecules, along with nanoclay carriers, that when sprayed on plants are capable of effectively reducing late blight infection. RESULTS Targeted the genes unique to sporulation, early satge infection and the metabolism pathway stages based on in an our own microarray data. We used nanoclay as a carrier for sorbitol dehydrogenase, heat shock protein 90, translation elongation factor 1-α, phospholipase-D like 3 and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored acidic serine-threonine-rich HAM34-like protein double-stranded (ds)RNAs, which were assessed by culture bioassay, detached leaf assay and spray methods, and revealed a reduction in growth, sporulation and symptom expression. Plants sprayed with multigene targeted dsRNA-nanoclay showed enhanced disease resistance (4% disease severity) and less sporulation (<1 × 103 ) compared with plants sprayed with dsRNA alone. CONCLUSION The use of nanoclay with multigene targeted dsRNA was assumed to be involved in effective delivery, protection and boosting the action of RNAi as a spray-induced gene silencing approach (SIGS). A significant reduction in growth, sporulation, disease severity and decreased gene expression authenticates the effects of SIGS on late blight progression. This study demonstrated as a proof of concept the dsRNA-nanoclay SIGS approach, which could be used as an alternative to chemical fungicides and transgenic approaches to develop an environmentally friendly novel plant protection strategy for late blight. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sundaresha S
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Sanjeev Sharma
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Aarti Bairwa
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Maharishi Tomar
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
- Plant Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, India
| | - Ravinder Kumar
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Vinay Bhardwaj
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - A Jeevalatha
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spice Research, Kozhikode, India
| | - Rahul Bakade
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Neha Salaria
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Kajal Thakur
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - Bir Pal Singh
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| | - S K Chakrabarti
- Plant Protection, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Cheng W, Lin M, Chu M, Xiang G, Guo J, Jiang Y, Guan D, He S. RNAi-Based Gene Silencing of RXLR Effectors Protects Plants Against the Oomycete Pathogen Phytophthora capsici. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2022; 35:440-449. [PMID: 35196108 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-12-21-0295-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Phytophthora capsici is a broad-host range oomycete pathogen that can cause severe phytophthora blight disease of pepper and hundreds of other plant species worldwide. Natural resistance against P. capsici is inadequate, and it is very difficult to control by most of existing chemical fungicides. Therefore, it is urgent to develop alternative strategies to control this pathogen. Recently, host-induced or spray-induced gene silencing of essential or virulent pathogen genes provided an effective strategy for disease controls. Here, we demonstrate that P. capsici can effectively take up small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) from the environment. According to RNA-seq and quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis, we identified four P. capsici RXLR effector genes that are significantly up-regulated during the infection stage. Transient overexpression and promote-infection assays indicated that RXLR1 and RXLR4 could promote pathogen infection. Using a virus-induced gene silencing system in pepper plants, we found that in planta-expressing RNA interference (RNAi) constructs that target RXLR1 or RXLR4 could significantly reduce pathogen infection, while co-interfering RXLR1 and RXLR4 could confer a more enhanced resistance to P. capsici. We also found that exogenously applying siRNAs that target RXLR1 or RXLR4 could restrict growth of P. capsici on the pepper and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves; when targeting RXLR1 and RXLR4 simultaneously, the control effect was more remarkable. These data suggested that RNAi-based gene silencing of RXLR effectors has great potential for application in crop improvement against P. capsici and also provides an important basis for the development of RNA-based antioomycete agents.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources/College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Menglan Lin
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Moli Chu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of the Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources/College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui 241000, China
| | - Guixiang Xiang
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Jianwen Guo
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Deyi Guan
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| | - Shuilin He
- National Education Minister Key Laboratory of Plant Genetic Improvement and Comprehensive Utilization/College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Exploring the Effectiveness and Durability of Trans-Kingdom Silencing of Fungal Genes in the Vascular Pathogen Verticillium dahliae. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052742. [PMID: 35269884 PMCID: PMC8910871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) based on trans-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi) has been successfully exploited to engineer host resistance to pests and pathogens, including fungi and oomycetes. However, revealing the mechanisms underlying trans-kingdom RNAi between hosts and pathogens lags behind applications. The effectiveness and durability of trans-kingdom silencing of pathogenic genes are uncharacterized. In this study, using our transgenic 35S-VdH1i cotton plants in which dsVdH1-derived small RNAs (siVdH1) accumulated, small RNA sequencing analysis revealed that siVdH1s exclusively occur within the double-stranded (ds)VdH1 region, and no transitive siRNAs were produced beyond this region in recovered hyphae of Verticillium dahliae (V. dahliae). Accordingly, we found that VdH1 silencing was reduced over time in recovered hyphae cultured in vitro, inferring that once the fungus got rid of the 35S-VdH1i cotton plants would gradually regain their pathogenicity. To explore whether continually exporting dsRNAs/siRNAs from transgenic plants into recipient fungal cells guaranteed the effectiveness and stability of HIGS, we created GFP/RFP double-labeled V. dahliae and transgenic Arabidopsis expressing dsGFP (35S-GFPi plants). Confocal images visually demonstrate the efficient silencing of GFP in V. dahliae that colonized host vascular tissues. Taken together, our results demonstrate that HIGS effectively triggers long-lasting trans-kingdom RNAi during plant vasculature V. dahliae interactions, despite no amplification or transitivity of RNAi being noted in this soil-borne fungal pathogen.
Collapse
|
27
|
Adeniji AA, Babalola OO. Evaluation of Pseudomonas fulva PS9.1 and Bacillus velezensis NWUMFkBS10.5 as Candidate Plant Growth Promoters during Maize- Fusarium Interaction. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:324. [PMID: 35161305 PMCID: PMC8839840 DOI: 10.3390/plants11030324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Based on in vitro assessments, molecular and chemical analysis, Pseudomonas fulva PS9.1 and Bacillus velezensis NWUMFkBS10.5 are candidate biocontrol agents for plant disease management including maize fusariosis, a disease caused by members of the Fusarium species. This in vivo study evaluated the bio-protective potential of the aforementioned rhizobacteria strains on maize against the proliferation of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum (Fg). The study results show that the bacterized plants were not susceptible to Fg aggression and the antagonists displayed the capability to proliferate in the presence of other likely competing microflora. The screen-house data also suggest that the presence of resident soil microbiota impacted the activity of antagonists (PS9.1 and NWUMFkBS10.5). This variation was recorded in the soil treatments (sterilized and unsterilized soil). In all the experimental periods, bacterized maize plants with or without Fg inoculation significantly (p = 0.05) grew better in unsterilized soil. Besides, during the experimental periods, all the consortia treatments with or without Fg infection regardless of the soil used demonstrated appreciable performance. The result of this study suggests that the microbial agents can actively colonize the surface of their maize plant host, improve plant growth, and suppress the growth of phytopathogens. Considering their overall performance in this screen-house evaluation, P. fulva PS9.1 and B. velezensis NWUMFkBS10.5 have potential for field applications. All safety issues regarding their use under field conditions and risks associated with their extended-release into the environmental will, however, be assessed prior to further bioformulation, field investigation, and scale-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adetomiwa A. Adeniji
- Human Metabolomics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, Private Bag X6001, Box 269, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| | - Olubukola O. Babalola
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Jeseničnik T, Štajner N, Radišek S, Mishra AK, Košmelj K, Kunej U, Jakše J. Discovery of microRNA-like Small RNAs in Pathogenic Plant Fungus Verticillium nonalfalfae Using High-Throughput Sequencing and qPCR and RLM-RACE Validation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:900. [PMID: 35055083 PMCID: PMC8778906 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Verticillium nonalfalfae (V. nonalfalfae) is one of the most problematic hop (Humulus lupulus L.) pathogens, as the highly virulent fungal pathotypes cause severe annual yield losses due to infections of entire hop fields. In recent years, the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism has become one of the main areas of focus in plant-fungal pathogen interaction studies and has been implicated as one of the major contributors to fungal pathogenicity. MicroRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) have been identified in several important plant pathogenic fungi; however, to date, no milRNA has been reported in the V. nonalfalfae species. In the present study, using a high-throughput sequencing approach and extensive bioinformatics analysis, a total of 156 milRNA precursors were identified in the annotated V. nonalfalfae genome, and 27 of these milRNA precursors were selected as true milRNA candidates, with appropriate microRNA hairpin secondary structures. The stem-loop RT-qPCR assay was used for milRNA validation; a total of nine V. nonalfalfae milRNAs were detected, and their expression was confirmed. The milRNA expression patterns, determined by the absolute quantification approach, imply that milRNAs play an important role in the pathogenicity of highly virulent V. nonalfalfae pathotypes. Computational analysis predicted milRNA targets in the V. nonalfalfae genome and in the host hop transcriptome, and the activity of milRNA-mediated RNAi target cleavage was subsequently confirmed for two selected endogenous fungal target gene models using the 5' RLM-RACE approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taja Jeseničnik
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.J.); (N.Š.); (K.K.); (U.K.)
| | - Nataša Štajner
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.J.); (N.Š.); (K.K.); (U.K.)
| | - Sebastjan Radišek
- Plant Protection Department, Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing, 3310 Žalec, Slovenia;
| | - Ajay Kumar Mishra
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic;
| | - Katarina Košmelj
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.J.); (N.Š.); (K.K.); (U.K.)
| | - Urban Kunej
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.J.); (N.Š.); (K.K.); (U.K.)
| | - Jernej Jakše
- Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.J.); (N.Š.); (K.K.); (U.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
An C, Sun C, Li N, Huang B, Jiang J, Shen Y, Wang C, Zhao X, Cui B, Wang C, Li X, Zhan S, Gao F, Zeng Z, Cui H, Wang Y. Nanomaterials and nanotechnology for the delivery of agrochemicals: strategies towards sustainable agriculture. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:11. [PMID: 34983545 PMCID: PMC8725417 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01214-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanomaterials (NMs) have received considerable attention in the field of agrochemicals due to their special properties, such as small particle size, surface structure, solubility and chemical composition. The application of NMs and nanotechnology in agrochemicals dramatically overcomes the defects of conventional agrochemicals, including low bioavailability, easy photolysis, and organic solvent pollution, etc. In this review, we describe advances in the application of NMs in chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which are the two earliest and most researched areas of NMs in agrochemicals. Besides, this article concerns with the new applications of NMs in other agrochemicals, such as bio-pesticides, nucleic acid pesticides, plant growth regulators (PGRs), and pheromone. We also discuss challenges and the industrialization trend of NMs in the field of agrochemicals. Constructing nano-agrochemical delivery system via NMs and nanotechnology facilitates the improvement of the stability and dispersion of active ingredients, promotes the precise delivery of agrochemicals, reduces residual pollution and decreases labor cost in different application scenarios, which is potential to maintain the sustainability of agricultural systems and improve food security by increasing the efficacy of agricultural inputs. ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changcheng An
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Changjiao Sun
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ningjun Li
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Bingna Huang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jiajun Jiang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yue Shen
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Bo Cui
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chunxin Wang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xingye Li
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Shenshan Zhan
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhanghua Zeng
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Haixin Cui
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Duanis‐Assaf D, Galsurker O, Davydov O, Maurer D, Feygenberg O, Sagi M, Poverenov E, Fluhr R, Alkan N. Double-stranded RNA targeting fungal ergosterol biosynthesis pathway controls Botrytis cinerea and postharvest grey mould. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2022; 20:226-237. [PMID: 34520611 PMCID: PMC8710829 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi cause major postharvest losses. During storage and ripening, fruit becomes highly susceptible to fungi that cause postharvest disease. Fungicides are effective treatments to limit disease. However, due to increased public concern for their possible side effects, there is a need to develop new strategies to control postharvest fungal pathogens. Botrytis cinerea, a common postharvest pathogen, was shown to uptake small double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules from the host plant. Such dsRNA can regulate gene expression through the RNA interference system. This work aimed to develop a synthetic dsRNA simultaneously targeting three essential transcripts active in the fungal ergosterol biosynthesis pathway (dsRNA-ERG). Our results show initial uptake of dsRNA in the emergence zone of the germination tube that spreads throughout the fungus and results in down-regulation of all three targeted transcripts. Application of dsRNA-ERG decreased B. cinerea germination and growth in in vitro conditions and various fruits, leading to reduce grey-mould decay. The inhibition of growth or decay was reversed by the addition of ergosterol. While dual treatment with dsRNA-ERG and ergosterol-inhibitor fungicide reduced by 100-fold the required amount of fungicide to achieve the same protection rate. The application of dsRNA-ERG induced systemic protection as shown by decreased decay development at inoculation points distant from the treatment point in tomato and pepper fruits. Overall, this study suggests that dsRNA-ERG can effectively control B. cinerea growth and grey-mould development suggesting its efficacy as a future method for postharvest control of fungal pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Duanis‐Assaf
- Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh ProduceAgricultural Research Organization (ARO)Volcani InstituteRishon LeZionIsrael
- Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and EnvironmentThe Hebrew University of JerusalemRehovotIsrael
| | - Ortal Galsurker
- Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh ProduceAgricultural Research Organization (ARO)Volcani InstituteRishon LeZionIsrael
| | - Olga Davydov
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Dalia Maurer
- Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh ProduceAgricultural Research Organization (ARO)Volcani InstituteRishon LeZionIsrael
| | - Oleg Feygenberg
- Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh ProduceAgricultural Research Organization (ARO)Volcani InstituteRishon LeZionIsrael
| | - Moshe Sagi
- French Associates Institute for Agricultural and Biotechnology of DrylandsBlaustein Institutes for Desert ResearchBen‐Gurion University of the NegevBeer ShevaIsrael
| | - Elena Poverenov
- Department of Food Science of Fresh ProduceAgricultural Research Organization (ARO)Volcani InstituteRishon LeZionIsrael
| | - Robert Fluhr
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Noam Alkan
- Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh ProduceAgricultural Research Organization (ARO)Volcani InstituteRishon LeZionIsrael
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang T, Wang F, Guo HS, Jin Y. Trans-Kingdom RNA Silencing in Plant-Fungal Disease Control. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2408:243-252. [PMID: 35325427 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1875-2_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Trans-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi) has been reported in several plant-fungal pathosystems. Our recent works have demonstrated natural RNAi transmission from cotton plants into Verticillium dahliae, a soil-borne phytopathogenic fungus that infects host roots and proliferates in vascular tissues, and successful application of trans-kingdom RNAi in cotton plants to confer Verticillium wilt disease resistance. Here, we provide a detailed protocol of cotton infection with V. dahliae, fungal hyphae recovery from infected cotton stems, and transmitted small RNA detection developed from our previous studies for trans-kingdom RNAi assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mwaka HS, Christiaens O, Bwesigye PN, Kubiriba J, Tushemereirwe WK, Gheysen G, Smagghe G. First Evidence of Feeding-Induced RNAi in Banana Weevil via Exogenous Application of dsRNA. INSECTS 2021; 13:40. [PMID: 35055882 PMCID: PMC8779063 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) is the most devastating pest of banana and plantain worldwide, yet current control measures are neither effective, sustainable, nor environmentally sound, and no resistant farmer-preferred cultivars are known to date. In this paper, we examined the ability to induce RNA interference (RNAi) in the banana weevil via feeding. We first developed an agar- and banana corm (rhizome) flour-based artificial diet in a multi-well plate setup that allowed the banana weevils to complete their life cycle from egg through the larval instars to the pupal stage in an average period of 53 days. Adults emerged about 20 days later. The artificial diet allowed the tunneling and burrowing habits of the larvae and successful metamorphosis up to adult eclosion. Adding dsRNA for laccase2 to the artificial diet resulted in albino phenotypes, confirming gene-silencing. Finally, C. sordidus was fed with dsRNA against a selection of essential target genes: snf7, rps13, mad1, vha-a, vha-d, and lgl for a period of 45 days. 100% mortality within 9-16 days was realized with dssnf7, dsrps13, and dsmad1 at 200 ng/mL artificial diet, and this corresponded to a strong reduction in gene expression. Feeding the dsRNA targeting the two vha genes resulted in 100% mortality after about 3-4 weeks, while treatment with dslgl resulted in no mortality above the dsgfp-control and the water-control. Our results have implications for the development of RNAi approaches for managing important crop pests, in that banana weevils can be controlled based on the silencing of essential target genes as snf7, rps13, and mad1. They also highlight the need for research into the development of RNAi for banana protection, eventually the engineering of host-induced gene-silencing (HIGS) cultivars, given the high RNAi efficacy and its species-specific mode of action, adding the RNAi approach to the armory of integrated pest management (IPM).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry Shaykins Mwaka
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.S.M.); (O.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, Kampala P.O. Box 7065, Uganda; (P.N.B.); (J.K.); (W.K.T.)
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.S.M.); (O.C.)
| | - Priver Namanya Bwesigye
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, Kampala P.O. Box 7065, Uganda; (P.N.B.); (J.K.); (W.K.T.)
| | - Jerome Kubiriba
- National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, Kampala P.O. Box 7065, Uganda; (P.N.B.); (J.K.); (W.K.T.)
| | | | | | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (H.S.M.); (O.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mai J, Liao L, Ling R, Guo X, Lin J, Mo B, Chen W, Yu Y. Study on RNAi-based herbicide for Mikania micrantha. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2021; 6:437-445. [PMID: 34901482 PMCID: PMC8637008 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasive plant Mikania micrantha Kunth (M. micrantha) from South America poses a significant threat to the stability and biodiversity of ecosystems. However, an effective and economical method to control M. micrantha is still lacking. RNA interference (RNAi) has been widely studied and applied in agriculture for trait improvement. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) can produce RNAi silencing effects without introducing heritable modifications to the plant genome and is becoming a novel nontransformation strategy for plant protection. In this study, the genes encoding chlorophyll a/b-binding proteins were selected as targets of RNAi, based on high-throughput sequencing of M. micrantha transcriptome and bioinformatic analyses of sequence specificity. Three types of RNAi molecules, double-stranded RNA, RNAi nanomicrosphere, and short hairpin RNA (shRNA), with their corresponding short interfering RNA sequences were designed and synthesized for SIGS vector construction, from which each RNAi molecule was transcribed and extracted to be sprayed on M. micrantha leaves. Whereas water-treated control leaves remained green, leaves treated with RNAi molecules turned yellow and eventually wilted. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that the expression levels of target genes were significantly reduced in the RNAi-treated groups compared with those of the control, suggesting that all three types of RNAi herbicides effectively silenced the endogenous target genes, which are essential for the growth of M. micrantha. We also found that shRNA showed better silencing efficiency than the other two molecules. Taken together, our study successfully designed three types of RNAi-based herbicides that specifically silenced endogenous target genes and controlled the growth of M. micrantha. Moreover, we identified a gene family encoding chlorophyll a/b-binding proteins that is important for the growth and development of M. micrantha and could serve as potential targets for controlling the spread of M. micrantha.
Collapse
Key Words
- Chlorophyll a/b-binding protein
- GMOs, genetically modified organisms
- HIGS, host-induced gene silencing
- Invasive plant
- LHCs, light-harvesting complexes
- Mikania micrantha
- Nucleic acid bioherbicide
- RNA interference
- RNAi, RNA interference
- RNP, RNAi nanomicrosphere
- SEM, scanning electron microscope
- SIGS, Spray-induced gene silencing
- Spray-induced gene silencing
- dsRNA, double-stranded RNA
- qRT-PCR, Quantitative real-time PCR
- shRNA, short hairpin RNA
- siRNA, short interfering RNA
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Mai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, Longhua Bioindustry and Innovation Research Institute, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, 518000, PR China
| | - Lingling Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, Longhua Bioindustry and Innovation Research Institute, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, 518000, PR China
| | - Rongsong Ling
- Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Shenzhen, 518000, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Guo
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, 518000, PR China
| | - Jingying Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, Longhua Bioindustry and Innovation Research Institute, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, 518000, PR China
| | - Beixin Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, Longhua Bioindustry and Innovation Research Institute, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, 518000, PR China
| | - Weizhao Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Microbial Gene Engineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China
| | - Yu Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, Longhua Bioindustry and Innovation Research Institute, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, 1066 Xueyuan Avenue, Shenzhen, 518000, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gene Mining for Conserved, Non-Annotated Proteins of Podosphaera xanthii Identifies Novel Target Candidates for Controlling Powdery Mildews by Spray-Induced Gene Silencing. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090735. [PMID: 34575773 PMCID: PMC8465782 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The powdery mildew fungus Podosphaera xanthii is one of the most important limiting factors for cucurbit production worldwide. Despite the significant efforts made by breeding and chemical companies, effective control of this pathogen remains elusive to growers. In this work, we examined the suitability of RNAi technology called spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) for controlling cucurbit powdery mildew. Using leaf disc and cotyledon infiltration assays, we tested the efficacy of dsRNA applications to induce gene silencing in P. xanthii. Furthermore, to identify new target candidate genes, we analyzed sixty conserved and non-annotated proteins (CNAPs) deduced from the P. xanthii transcriptome in silico. Six proteins presumably involved in essential functions, specifically respiration (CNAP8878, CNAP9066, CNAP10905 and CNAP30520), glycosylation (CNAP1048) and efflux transport (CNAP948), were identified. Functional analysis of these CNAP coding genes by dsRNA-induced gene silencing resulted in strong silencing phenotypes with large reductions in fungal growth and disease symptoms. Due to their important contributions to fungal development, the CNAP1048, CNAP10905 and CNAP30520 genes were selected as targets to conduct SIGS assays under plant growth chamber conditions. The spray application of these dsRNAs induced high levels of disease control, supporting that SIGS could be a sustainable approach to combat powdery mildew diseases.
Collapse
|
35
|
He B, Hamby R, Jin H. Plant extracellular vesicles: Trojan horses of cross-kingdom warfare. FASEB Bioadv 2021; 3:657-664. [PMID: 34485834 PMCID: PMC8409559 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2021-00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants communicate with their interacting microorganisms through the exchange of functional molecules. This communication is critical for plant immunity, for pathogen virulence, and for establishing and maintaining symbioses. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed spheres that are released by both the host and the microbe into the extracellular environment. Emerging evidence has shown that EVs play a prominent role in plant-microbe interactions by safely transporting functional molecules, such as proteins and RNAs to interacting organisms. Recent studies revealed that plant EVs deliver fungal gene-targeting small RNAs into fungal pathogens to suppress infection via cross-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi). In this review, we focus on the recent advances in our understanding of plant EVs and their role in plant-microbe interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoye He
- Department of Microbiology and Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| | - Rachael Hamby
- Department of Microbiology and Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant PathologyCenter for Plant Cell BiologyInstitute for Integrative Genome BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Recent Progress in Enhancing Fungal Disease Resistance in Ornamental Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157956. [PMID: 34360726 PMCID: PMC8348885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases pose a major threat to ornamental plants, with an increasing percentage of pathogen-driven host losses. In ornamental plants, management of the majority of fungal diseases primarily depends upon chemical control methods that are often non-specific. Host basal resistance, which is deficient in many ornamental plants, plays a key role in combating diseases. Despite their economic importance, conventional and molecular breeding approaches in ornamental plants to facilitate disease resistance are lagging, and this is predominantly due to their complex genomes, limited availability of gene pools, and degree of heterozygosity. Although genetic engineering in ornamental plants offers feasible methods to overcome the intrinsic barriers of classical breeding, achievements have mainly been reported only in regard to the modification of floral attributes in ornamentals. The unavailability of transformation protocols and candidate gene resources for several ornamental crops presents an obstacle for tackling the functional studies on disease resistance. Recently, multiomics technologies, in combination with genome editing tools, have provided shortcuts to examine the molecular and genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying fungal disease resistance, ultimately leading to the subsequent advances in the development of novel cultivars with desired fungal disease-resistant traits, in ornamental crops. Although fungal diseases constitute the majority of ornamental plant diseases, a comprehensive overview of this highly important fungal disease resistance seems to be insufficient in the field of ornamental horticulture. Hence, in this review, we highlight the representative mechanisms of the fungal infection-related resistance to pathogens in plants, with a focus on ornamental crops. Recent progress in molecular breeding, genetic engineering strategies, and RNAi technologies, such as HIGS and SIGS for the enhancement of fungal disease resistance in various important ornamental crops, is also described.
Collapse
|
37
|
RNAs - a new frontier in crop protection. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 70:204-212. [PMID: 34217122 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Small RNA (sRNA)-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) is a regulatory mechanism conserved in almost all eukaryotes. sRNAs play a critical role in host pathogen interactions either endogenously or by traveling between the interacting organisms and inducing 'cross-Kingdom RNAi' in the counterparty. Cross-kingdom RNAi is the mechanistic basis of host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), which relies on genetically expressing pathogen-gene targeting RNAs in crops, and has been successfully utilized against both microbial pathogens and pests. HIGS is limited by the need to produce genetically engineered crops. Recent studies have demonstrated that double-stranded RNAs and sRNAs can be efficiently taken up by many fungal pathogens, and induce gene silencing in fungal cells. This mechanism, termed 'environmental RNAi', allows direct application of pathogen-gene targeting RNAs onto crops to silence fungal virulence-related genes for plant protection. In this review, we will focus on how we can leverage cross-kingdom RNAi and environmental RNAi for crop disease control.
Collapse
|
38
|
Iqbal A, Khan RS, Khan MA, Gul K, Jalil F, Shah DA, Rahman H, Ahmed T. Genetic Engineering Approaches for Enhanced Insect Pest Resistance in Sugarcane. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:557-568. [PMID: 33893996 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00328-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), a sugar crop commonly grown for sugar production all over the world, is susceptible to several insect pests attack in addition to bacterial, fungal and viral infections leading to substantial reductions in its yield. The complex genetic makeup and lack of resistant genes in genome of sugarcane have made the conventional breeding a difficult and challenging task for breeders. Using pesticides for control of the attacking insects can harm beneficial insects, human and other animals and the environment as well. As alternative and effective strategy for control of insect pests, genetic engineering has been applied for overexpression of cry proteins, vegetative insecticidal proteins (vip), lectins and proteinase inhibitors (PI). In addition, the latest biotechnological tools such as host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and CRISPR/Cas9 can be employed for sustainable control of insect pests in sugarcane. In this review overexpression of the cry, vip, lectins and PI genes in transgenic sugarcane and their disease resistance potential is described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aneela Iqbal
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Raham Sher Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan.
| | - Mubarak Ali Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Karim Gul
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Jalil
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Daud Ali Shah
- Department of Biotechnology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Hazir Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Talaat Ahmed
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Science, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Persson Hodén K, Hu X, Martinez G, Dixelius C. smartPARE: An R Package for Efficient Identification of True mRNA Cleavage Sites. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4267. [PMID: 33924042 PMCID: PMC8073297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Degradome sequencing is commonly used to generate high-throughput information on mRNA cleavage sites mediated by small RNAs (sRNA). In our datasets of potato (Solanum tuberosum, St) and Phytophthora infestans (Pi), initial predictions generated high numbers of cleavage site predictions, which highlighted the need of improved analytic tools. Here, we present an R package based on a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) in a machine learning environment to optimize discrimination of false from true cleavage sites. When applying smartPARE to our datasets on potato during the infection process by the late blight pathogen, 7.3% of all cleavage windows represented true cleavages distributed on 214 sites in P. infestans and 444 sites in potato. The sRNA landscape of the two organisms is complex with uneven sRNA production and cleavage regions widespread in the two genomes. Multiple targets and several cases of complex regulatory cascades, particularly in potato, was revealed. We conclude that our new analytic approach is useful for anyone working on complex biological systems and with the interest of identifying cleavage sites particularly inferred by sRNA classes beyond miRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christina Dixelius
- The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Biology, Uppsala BioCenter, Linnean Center for Plant Biology, P.O. Box 7080, S-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; (K.P.H.); (X.H.); (G.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Li L, Ma H, Zheng F, Chen Y, Wang M, Jiao C, Li H, Gai Y. The transcription regulator ACTR controls ACT-toxin biosynthesis and pathogenicity in the tangerine pathotype of Alternaria alternata. Microbiol Res 2021; 248:126747. [PMID: 33740671 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The host-selective ACT toxin is essential for the pathogenesis of the citrus fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata. However, the mechanism of ACT-toxin gene clusters ACT-toxin biosynthesis regulated by is still poorly understood. The biosynthesis of ACT toxin is mainly regulated by multiple ACT toxin genes located in the secondary metabolite gene cluster. In this study, we reported a transcription regulator ACTR contributes ACT toxin biosynthesis through mediating ACT toxin synthesis gene ACTS4 in Alternaria alternata. We generated ACTR-disrupted and -silenced mutants in the tangerine pathotype of A. alternata. Phenotype analysis showed that the ACTR mutants displayed a significant loss of ACT toxin production and a decreased virulence on citrus leaves whereas the vegetative growth and sporulation were not affected, indicating an essential role of ACTR in both ACT toxin biosynthesis and pathogenicity. To elucidate the transcription network of ACTR, we performed RNA-Seq experiments on wild-type and ACTR null mutant and identified genes that were differentially expressed between two genotypes. Transcriptome profiling and RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that the ACT toxin biosynthetic gene ACTS4 is down-regulated in ACTR mutant. We generated ACTS4 knock-down mutant and found that the pathogenicity of ACTS4 mutant was severely impaired. Interestingly, both ACTR and ACTS4 are not involved in the response to different abiotic stresses including oxidative stress, salt stress, cell-wall disrupting regents, and metal ion stress, indicating the function of these two genes is highly specific. In conclusion, our results highlight the important regulatory role of ACTR in ACT toxin biosynthesis through mediating ACT toxin synthesis gene ACTS4 and underline the essential role of in the tangerine pathotype of A. alternata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Haijie Ma
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Fang Zheng
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Meiqin Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Chen Jiao
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Hongye Li
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yunpeng Gai
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Niño-Sánchez J, Chen LH, De Souza JT, Mosquera S, Stergiopoulos I. Targeted Delivery of Gene Silencing in Fungi Using Genetically Engineered Bacteria. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020125. [PMID: 33572197 PMCID: PMC7914413 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploiting RNA interference (RNAi) in disease control through non-transformative methods that overcome the hurdle of producing transgenic plants has attracted much attention over the last years. Here, we explored such a method and used non-pathogenic bacteria as a versatile system for delivering RNAi to fungi. Specifically, the RNaseIII-null mutant strain of Escherichia coli HT115(DE3) was transformed with two plasmid vectors that enabled the constitutive or IPTG-inducible production of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) against genes involved in aflatoxins production in Aspergillus flavus (AflC) or virulence of Botrytis cinerea (BcSAS1). To facilitate the release of the dsRNAs, the bacterial cells were further genetically engineered to undergo a bacteriophage endolysin R-mediated autolysis, following a freeze-thaw cycle. Exposure under in vitro conditions of A. flavus or B. cinerea to living bacteria or their whole-cell autolysates induced silencing of AflC and BcSAS1 in a bacteria concentration-dependent manner, and instigated a reduction in aflatoxins production and mycelial growth, respectively. In planta applications of the living bacteria or their crude whole-cell autolysates produced similar results, thus creating a basis for translational research. These results demonstrate that bacteria can produce biologically active dsRNA against target genes in fungi and that bacteria-mediated RNAi can be used to control fungal pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan Niño-Sánchez
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (J.N.-S.); (L.-H.C.); (J.T.D.S.); (S.M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Li-Hung Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (J.N.-S.); (L.-H.C.); (J.T.D.S.); (S.M.)
- Department of Plant Pathology, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Jorge Teodoro De Souza
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (J.N.-S.); (L.-H.C.); (J.T.D.S.); (S.M.)
- Department of Plant Pathology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras, MG 37200-000, Brazil
| | - Sandra Mosquera
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (J.N.-S.); (L.-H.C.); (J.T.D.S.); (S.M.)
- Department of Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad EAFIT, Medellín 050022, Colombia
| | - Ioannis Stergiopoulos
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (J.N.-S.); (L.-H.C.); (J.T.D.S.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-530-400-9802
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Waheed S, Anwar M, Saleem MA, Wu J, Tayyab M, Hu Z. The Critical Role of Small RNAs in Regulating Plant Innate Immunity. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020184. [PMID: 33572741 PMCID: PMC7912340 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants, due to their sessile nature, have an innate immune system that helps them to defend against different pathogen infections. The defense response of plants is composed of a highly regulated and complex molecular network, involving the extensive reprogramming of gene expression during the presence of pathogenic molecular signatures. Plants attain proper defense against pathogens through the transcriptional regulation of genes encoding defense regulatory proteins and hormone signaling pathways. Small RNAs are emerging as versatile regulators of plant development and act in different tiers of plant immunity, including pathogen-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). The versatile regulatory functions of small RNAs in plant growth and development and response to biotic and abiotic stresses have been widely studied in recent years. However, available information regarding the contribution of small RNAs in plant immunity against pathogens is more limited. This review article will focus on the role of small RNAs in innate immunity in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saquib Waheed
- College of Horticulture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
| | - Muhammad Anwar
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (Z.H.)
| | - Muhammad Asif Saleem
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Jinsong Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-Environmental Science, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
| | - Muhammad Tayyab
- Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
| | - Zhangli Hu
- Guangdong Technology Research Center for Marine Algal Bioengineering, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource & Eco-Environmental Science, Longhua Innovation Institute for Biotechnology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China;
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (Z.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wang M, Ren X, Wang L, Lu X, Han L, Zhang X, Feng J. A functional analysis of mitochondrial respiratory chain cytochrome bc 1 complex in Gaeumannomyces tritici by RNA silencing as a possible target of carabrone. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2020; 21:1529-1544. [PMID: 32997435 PMCID: PMC7694678 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Gaeumannomyces tritici, an ascomycete soilborne fungus, causes a devastating root disease in wheat. Carabrone, a botanical bicyclic sesquiterpenic lactone, is a promising fungicidal agent that can effectively control G. tritici. However, the mechanism of action of carabrone against G. tritici remains largely unclear. Here, we used immunogold for subcellular localization of carabrone and the results showed that carabrone is subcellularly localized in the mitochondria of G. tritici. We then explored the functional analysis of genes GtCytc1 , GtCytb, and GtIsp of the mitochondrial respiratory chain cytochrome bc1 complex in G. tritici by RNA silencing as a possible target of carabrone. The results showed that the silenced mutant ∆GtIsp is less sensitive to carabrone compared to ∆GtCytc1 and ∆GtCytb. Compared with the control, the activities of complex III in all the strains, except ∆GtIsp and carabrone-resistant isolate 24-HN-1, were significantly decreased following treatment with carabrone at EC20 and EC80 in vitro (40%-50% and 70%-80%, respectively). The activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex III and the mitochondrial respiration oxygen consumption rates in all the strains, except ∆GtIsp and 24-HN-1, were higher with respect to the control when treated with carabrone at EC20 in vivo. The rates of mitochondrial respiration of all strains, except ∆GtIsp, were significantly inhibited following treatment with carabrone at EC80 (ranging from 57% to 81%). This study reveals that the targeting of the iron-sulphur protein encoded by GtIsp is highly sensitive to carabrone and provides a direction for the research of carabrone's target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Engineering and Research Center of Biological Pesticide of Shaanxi ProvinceNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
- College of Life SciencesYulin UniversityYulinChina
| | - Xingyu Ren
- Engineering and Research Center of Biological Pesticide of Shaanxi ProvinceNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Lanying Wang
- Engineering and Research Center of Biological Pesticide of Shaanxi ProvinceNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and PestsMinistry of EducationHainan UniversityHaikouChina
| | - Xiang Lu
- Engineering and Research Center of Biological Pesticide of Shaanxi ProvinceNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Lirong Han
- Engineering and Research Center of Biological Pesticide of Shaanxi ProvinceNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Xing Zhang
- Engineering and Research Center of Biological Pesticide of Shaanxi ProvinceNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid AreasNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
| | - Juntao Feng
- Engineering and Research Center of Biological Pesticide of Shaanxi ProvinceNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid AreasNorthwest A&F UniversityYanglingChina
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Meng X, Jin W, Wu F. Novel tomato miRNA miR1001 initiates cross-species regulation to suppress the conidiospore germination and infection virulence of Botrytis cinerea in vitro. Gene 2020; 759:145002. [PMID: 32726608 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence has shown that microRNAs are transferred from one species to another through cross-species transmission and exhibit biological activities in the receptor. However, the cross-kingdom regulation of pathogen virulence by plant-derived miRNAs is rarely reported. This study investigated the regulatory role of novel tomato miRNA miR1001 in the growth and development of Botrytis cinerea. Results showed that miR1001 inhibited the virulence of B. cinerea-infected plants, and the inhibitory effect of miR1001/miR1001* was stronger than that of miR1001. Moreover, miR1001 exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the conidiospore germination of B. cinerea. Degradome-seq experiment showed that miR1001 can directly target the Bcin03g02170.1 and Bcin10g01400.1 genes, which respectively encode the ATP-dependent metallopeptidase and cysteine-type endopeptidase, in B. cinerea. The interactions of both targets with miR1001 were further confirmed by using transient co-expression in tobacco. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of the two target genes were significantly downregulated in B. cinerea with miR1001 treatment. Our findings provide new evidence into the coevolution of pathogens and host plants, as well as new directions for the use of plant-derived miRNAs to control pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Meng
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Weibo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Fangli Wu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Secondary Metabolism and Regulation of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Figlan S, Ntushelo K, Mwadzingeni L, Terefe T, Tsilo TJ, Shimelis H. Breeding Wheat for Durable Leaf Rust Resistance in Southern Africa: Variability, Distribution, Current Control Strategies, Challenges and Future Prospects. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:549. [PMID: 32499800 PMCID: PMC7242648 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Leaf or brown rust of wheat caused by Puccinia triticina (Pt) is one of the most damaging diseases globally. Considerable progress has been made to control leaf rust through crop protection chemicals and host plant resistance breeding in southern Africa. However, frequent changes in the pathogen population still present a major challenge to achieve durable resistance. Disease surveillance and monitoring of the pathogen have revealed the occurrence of similar races across the region, justifying the need for concerted efforts by countries in southern Africa to develop and deploy more efficient and sustainable strategies to manage the disease. Understanding the genetic variability and composition of Pt is a pre-requisite for cultivar release with appropriate resistance gene combinations for sustainable disease management. This review highlights the variability and distribution of the Pt population, and the current control strategies, challenges and future prospects of breeding wheat varieties with durable leaf rust resistance in southern Africa. The importance of regular, collaborative and efficient surveillance of the pathogen and germplasm development across southern Africa is discussed, coupled with the potential of using modern breeding technologies to produce wheat cultivars with durable resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandiswa Figlan
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Agricultural Research Council-Small Grain, Bethlehem, South Africa
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
| | - Khayalethu Ntushelo
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
| | - Learnmore Mwadzingeni
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Agricultural Research Council-Small Grain, Bethlehem, South Africa
| | - Tarekegn Terefe
- Agricultural Research Council-Small Grain, Bethlehem, South Africa
| | - Toi J. Tsilo
- Agricultural Research Council-Small Grain, Bethlehem, South Africa
| | - Hussein Shimelis
- School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Zhang K, Wei J, Huff Hartz KE, Lydy MJ, Moon TS, Sander M, Parker KM. Analysis of RNA Interference (RNAi) Biopesticides: Double-Stranded RNA (dsRNA) Extraction from Agricultural Soils and Quantification by RT-qPCR. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:4893-4902. [PMID: 32212649 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b07781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules are used as a novel class of biopesticides. To enable assessments of the ecological risk associated with their release to receiving environments, we developed an approach to quantify dsRNA in agricultural soils using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). To allow quantification of dsRNA adsorbed to particles, we also developed a protocol to transfer dsRNA from particles to the extraction buffer by changing particle surface charge and adding constituents to compete with dsRNA for adsorption sites. Our approach could quantify dsRNA amounts as low as 0.003 ngdsRNA/gsoil. This approach is the first available field-applicable approach able to quantify dsRNA biopesticides down to environmentally relevant concentrations. We applied this approach to investigate dsRNA dissipation (including dilution, degradation, and adsorption) in two agricultural soils. When we applied a low amount of dsRNA (1 ngdsRNA/gsoil) to the soils, we observed that a greater fraction of dsRNA was adsorbed to and extractable from soil particles in a silty clay loam soil than in a fine sandy loam soil. In both soils, dsRNA dissipated on the timescale of hours. Overall, these results demonstrate that our approach can be applied to assess the environmental fate of dsRNA biopesticides at concentrations relevant to their release to soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Jingmiao Wei
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Kara E Huff Hartz
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
| | - Michael J Lydy
- Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
| | - Tae Seok Moon
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Michael Sander
- Department of Environmental Systems Science (DUSYS), ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kimberly M Parker
- Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Islam MT, Sherif SM. RNAi-Based Biofungicides as a Promising Next-Generation Strategy for Controlling Devastating Gray Mold Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062072. [PMID: 32197315 PMCID: PMC7139463 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is one of the most critical agro-economic phytopathogens and has been reported to cause gray mold disease in more than 1000 plant species. Meanwhile, small interfering RNA (siRNA), which induce RNA interference (RNAi), are involved in both host immunity and pathogen virulence. B. cinerea has been reported to use both siRNA effectors and host RNAi machinery to facilitate the progression of gray mold in host species. Accordingly, RNAi-based biofungicides that use double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to target essential fungal genes are considered an emerging approach for controlling devastating gray mold diseases. Furthermore, spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), in which the foliar application of dsRNA is used to silence the pathogen virulence genes, holds great potential as an alternative to host-induced gene silencing (HIGS). Recently, SIGS approaches have attracted research interest, owing to their ability to mitigate both pre- and post-harvest B. cinerea infections. The RNAi-mediated regulation of host immunity and susceptibility in B. cinerea–host interactions are summarized in this review, along with the limitations of the current knowledge of RNAi-based biofungicides, especially regarding SIGS approaches for controlling gray mold diseases under field conditions.
Collapse
|
48
|
Wei C, Qin T, Li Y, Wang W, Dong T, Wang Q. Host-induced gene silencing of the acetolactate synthases VdILV2 and VdILV6 confers resistance to Verticillium wilt in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 524:392-397. [PMID: 32005518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.01.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cotton Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae (V. dahliae) is one of the most destructive fungal diseases and is difficult to control. However, resistant germplasm resources are scarce in cotton. Many studies have shown that host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) is a practical and effective technology in crop disease prevention by silencing virulence genes of pathogens. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) contains a catalytic subunit ILV2 and a regulatory subunit ILV6, which catalyzes the first common step reaction in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis. We identified two acetolactate synthases, VdILV2 and VdILV6, which are homologs of ILV2 and ILV6, respectively, in Magnaporthe oryzae. To characterize the function of VdILV2 and VdILV6 in V. dahliae, we suppressed their expression in the strong pathogenic isolate Vd991 by using HIGS technology. VdILV2- or VdILV6-silenced V. dahliae had a dramatic reduction in pathogenicity. The results indicated that VdILV2 and VdILV6 are involved in the pathogenicity of V. dahliae. HIGS of VdILV2 or VdILV6 provides a novel fungicide target and an effective control to resist Verticillium wilt caused by V. dahliae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Wei
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding of Henan Province, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Tengfei Qin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding of Henan Province, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Yuqing Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding of Henan Province, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Weipeng Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding of Henan Province, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Tao Dong
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding of Henan Province, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Qinglian Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding of Henan Province, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Henan, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Nerva L, Sandrini M, Gambino G, Chitarra W. Double-Stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) as a Sustainable Tool against Gray Mold ( Botrytis cinerea) in Grapevine: Effectiveness of Different Application Methods in an Open-Air Environment. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020200. [PMID: 32013165 PMCID: PMC7072719 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Grapevine is one of the most important and globally widespread fruit species, with a high impact on the economy of many countries but with an intense environmental effect. Therefore, new environmentally friendly defense strategies against fungal pathogens are needed for more sustainable agriculture. A novel emerging approach is spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), which concerns the exogenous application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) inducing enhanced plant resistance against fungal pathogens. Here, we tested the ability of SIGS to prevent and counteract infection of Botrytis cinerea, one of the most economically impacting pathogens of grapevine. In particular, we tested three independent approaches for dsRNA delivery into plants: (i) high pressure spraying of leaves; (ii) petiole adsorption of dsRNAs; (iii) postharvest spraying of bunches. We demonstrated that independently from the method of application, SIGS can reduce virulence of the fungus. Moreover, we also observed three different levels of efficacy depending on the method of application. Thus, the present data provide crucial information on the possibility to exploit SIGS as an alternative sustainable and ecofriendly strategy for grapevine pre- and postharvest protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Nerva
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, Italy
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (IPSP-CNR), Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.N.); (W.C.); Tel.: +39-043-8456712 (L.N. & W.C.); Fax: +39-043-8450773 (L.N. & W.C.)
| | - Marco Sandrini
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agroalimentari, Ambientali e Animali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gambino
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (IPSP-CNR), Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, Italy
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council (IPSP-CNR), Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.N.); (W.C.); Tel.: +39-043-8456712 (L.N. & W.C.); Fax: +39-043-8450773 (L.N. & W.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Su X, Lu G, Li X, Rehman L, Liu W, Sun G, Guo H, Wang G, Cheng H. Host-Induced Gene Silencing of an Adenylate Kinase Gene Involved in Fungal Energy Metabolism Improves Plant Resistance to Verticillium dahliae. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E127. [PMID: 31940882 PMCID: PMC7023357 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Verticillium wilt, caused by the ascomycete fungus Verticillium dahliae (Vd), is a devastating disease of numerous plant species. However, the pathogenicity/virulence-related genes in this fungus, which may be potential targets for improving plant resistance, remain poorly elucidated. For the study of these genes in Vd, we used a well-established host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) approach and identified 16 candidate genes, including a putative adenylate kinase gene (VdAK). Transiently VdAK-silenced plants developed milder wilt symptoms than control plants did. VdAK-knockout mutants were more sensitive to abiotic stresses and had reduced germination and virulence on host plants. Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana plants that overexpressed VdAK dsRNAs had improved Vd resistance than the wild-type. RT-qPCR results showed that VdAK was also crucial for energy metabolism. Importantly, in an analysis of total small RNAs from Vd strains isolated from the transgenic plants, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting VdAK was identified in transgenic N. benthamiana. Our results demonstrate that HIGS is a promising strategy for efficiently screening pathogenicity/virulence-related genes of Vd and that VdAK is a potential target to control this fungus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Su
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (X.S.); (G.L.); (X.L.); (L.R.); (G.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Guoqing Lu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (X.S.); (G.L.); (X.L.); (L.R.); (G.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Xiaokang Li
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (X.S.); (G.L.); (X.L.); (L.R.); (G.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Latifur Rehman
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (X.S.); (G.L.); (X.L.); (L.R.); (G.S.); (H.G.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23561, Pakistan
| | - Wende Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Guoqing Sun
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (X.S.); (G.L.); (X.L.); (L.R.); (G.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Huiming Guo
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (X.S.); (G.L.); (X.L.); (L.R.); (G.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Guoliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China;
- Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hongmei Cheng
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; (X.S.); (G.L.); (X.L.); (L.R.); (G.S.); (H.G.)
| |
Collapse
|