1
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Gervais NC, Shapiro RS. Discovering the hidden function in fungal genomes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8219. [PMID: 39300175 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52568-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
New molecular technologies have helped unveil previously unexplored facets of the genome beyond the canonical proteome, including microproteins and short ORFs, products of alternative splicing, regulatory non-coding RNAs, as well as transposable elements, cis-regulatory DNA, and other highly repetitive regions of DNA. In this Review, we highlight what is known about this 'hidden genome' within the fungal kingdom. Using well-established model systems as a contextual framework, we describe key elements of this hidden genome in diverse fungal species, and explore how these factors perform critical functions in regulating fungal metabolism, stress tolerance, and pathogenesis. Finally, we discuss new technologies that may be adapted to further characterize the hidden genome in fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Gervais
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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2
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Khalifa ME, Ayllón MA, Rodriguez Coy L, Plummer KM, Gendall AR, Chooi KM, van Kan JAL, MacDiarmid RM. Mycologists and Virologists Align: Proposing Botrytis cinerea for Global Mycovirus Studies. Viruses 2024; 16:1483. [PMID: 39339959 PMCID: PMC11437445 DOI: 10.3390/v16091483] [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: 08/19/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycoviruses are highly genetically diverse and can significantly change their fungal host's phenotype, yet they are generally under-described in genotypic and biological studies. We propose Botrytis cinerea as a model mycovirus system in which to develop a deeper understanding of mycovirus epidemiology including diversity, impact, and the associated cellular biology of the host and virus interaction. Over 100 mycoviruses have been described in this fungal host. B. cinerea is an ideal model fungus for mycovirology as it has highly tractable characteristics-it is easy to culture, has a worldwide distribution, infects a wide range of host plants, can be transformed and gene-edited, and has an existing depth of biological resources including annotated genomes, transcriptomes, and isolates with gene knockouts. Focusing on a model system for mycoviruses will enable the research community to address deep research questions that cannot be answered in a non-systematic manner. Since B. cinerea is a major plant pathogen, new insights may have immediate utility as well as creating new knowledge that complements and extends the knowledge of mycovirus interactions in other fungi, alone or with their respective plant hosts. In this review, we set out some of the critical steps required to develop B. cinerea as a model mycovirus system and how this may be used in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud E Khalifa
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Damietta 34517, Egypt
| | - María A Ayllón
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)/Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA/CSIC), Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biotecnología Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Rodriguez Coy
- La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF), Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Australian Research Council Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Kim M Plummer
- La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF), Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Australian Research Council Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Anthony R Gendall
- La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF), Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Australian Research Council Research Hub for Sustainable Crop Protection, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Kar Mun Chooi
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Auckland 1025, New Zealand
| | - Jan A L van Kan
- Laboratory of Phytopathology, Wageningen University, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robin M MacDiarmid
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Auckland 1025, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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3
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Villalba de la Peña M, Kronholm I. Antimicrobial resistance in the wild: Insights from epigenetics. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13707. [PMID: 38817397 PMCID: PMC11134192 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Spreading of bacterial and fungal strains that are resistant to antimicrobials poses a serious threat to the well-being of humans, animals, and plants. Antimicrobial resistance has been mainly investigated in clinical settings. However, throughout their evolutionary history microorganisms in the wild have encountered antimicrobial substances, forcing them to evolve strategies to combat antimicrobial action. It is well known that many of these strategies are based on genetic mechanisms, but these do not fully explain important aspects of the antimicrobial response such as the rapid development of resistance, reversible phenotypes, and hetero-resistance. Consequently, attention has turned toward epigenetic pathways that may offer additional insights into antimicrobial mechanisms. The aim of this review is to explore the epigenetic mechanisms that confer antimicrobial resistance, focusing on those that might be relevant for resistance in the wild. First, we examine the presence of antimicrobials in natural settings. Then we describe the documented epigenetic mechanisms in bacteria and fungi associated with antimicrobial resistance and discuss innovative epigenetic editing techniques to establish causality in this context. Finally, we discuss the relevance of these epigenetic mechanisms on the evolutionary dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in the wild, emphasizing the critical role of priming in the adaptation process. We underscore the necessity of incorporating non-genetic mechanisms into our understanding of antimicrobial resistance evolution. These mechanisms offer invaluable insights into the dynamics of antimicrobial adaptation within natural ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilkka Kronholm
- Department of Biological and Environmental ScienceUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
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4
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Wirtz L, Casanova F, Schaffrath U, Wegner A. Development of a telomere vector-based approach to overcome limitations caused by lethal phenotypes in the study of essential genes in Magnaporthe oryzae. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13460. [PMID: 38695626 PMCID: PMC11064798 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Reverse genetic approaches are common tools in genomics for elucidating gene functions, involving techniques such as gene deletion followed by screening for aberrant phenotypes. If the generation of gene deletion mutants fails, the question arises whether the failure stems from technical issues or because the gene of interest (GOI) is essential, meaning that the deletion causes lethality. In this report, we introduce a novel method for assessing gene essentiality using the phytopathogenic ascomycete Magnaporthe oryzae. The method is based on the observation that telomere vectors are lost in transformants during cultivation without selection pressure. We tested the hypothesis that essential genes can be identified in deletion mutants co-transformed with a telomere vector. The M. oryzae gene MoPKC, described in literature as essential, was chosen as GOI. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology transformants with deleted GOI were generated and backed up by a telomere vector carrying a copy of the GOI and conferring fenhexamid resistance. Transformants in which the GOI deletion in the genome was not successful lost the telomere vector on media without fenhexamid. In contrast, transformants with confirmed GOI deletion retained the telomere vector even in absence of fenhexamid selection. In the latter case, the maintenance of the telomere indicates that the GOI is essential for the surveillance of the fungi, as it would have been lost otherwise. The method presented here allows to test for essentiality of genes when no mutants can be obtained from gene deletion approaches, thereby expanding the toolbox for studying gene function in ascomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Wirtz
- Department of Molecular Plant PhysiologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Florencia Casanova
- Department of Molecular Plant PhysiologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Ulrich Schaffrath
- Department of Molecular Plant PhysiologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Alex Wegner
- Department of Molecular Plant PhysiologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
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5
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Li N, Sun Y, Liu Y, Wei L, Zhang J, Li N, Sun D, Jiao J, Zuo Y, Li R, Cai X, Qiao J, Meng Q. Expression profiles and characterization of microRNAs responding to chitin in Arthrobotrys oligospora. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:220. [PMID: 38630188 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03949-x] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular proteases, such as chitinases secreted by Arthrobotrys oligospora (A. oligospora), play a crucial role in the process of nematode infection. However, post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression involving microRNAs (miRNAs) in A. oligospora remains scarcely described. Hereto, transcriptome sequencing was carried out to analyze the expression profiles of chitin-responsive miRNAs in A. oligospora. Based on the RNA-seq data, the differential expression of miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in response to chitin was screened, identified and characterized in A. oligospora. Meanwhile, the potential target genes were predicted by the online tools miRanda and Targetscan, respectively. Furthermore, the interaction of DEmiRNA with it's target gene was validated by a dual-luciferase reporter assay system. Among 85 novel miRNAs identified, 25 miRNAs displayed significant differences in expression in A. oligospora in response to chitin. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the potential genes targeted by DEmiRNAs were enriched in the biological processes such as bio-degradation, extracellular components and cell cycle. KEGG analysis revealed that the target genes were mainly involved in Hippo, carbon and riboflavin metabolic pathway. Outstandingly, chitinase AOL_s00004g379, which is involved in the hydrolysis metabolic pathway of chitin, was confirmed to be a target gene of differential miR_70. These findings suggest that chitin-responsive miRNAs are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, predator hyphae growth and chitinase expression through the mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation, which provides a new perspective to the molecular mechanisms underlying miRNAs-mediated control of gene expression in A. oligospora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningxing Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yansen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yucheng Liu
- State key laboratory of sheep genetic improvement and healthy breeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Research, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, 832000, Xinjiang, China
| | - Lixiang Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jiahua Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Nengxiu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dianming Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jian Jiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yufei Zuo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ruobing Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xuepeng Cai
- State key laboratory of veterinary etiological biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Jun Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Qingling Meng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, North Street No.4, Shihezi, 832003, Xinjiang, China.
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Enriquez-Felix EE, Pérez-Salazar C, Rico-Ruiz JG, Calheiros de Carvalho A, Cruz-Morales P, Villalobos-Escobedo JM, Herrera-Estrella A. Argonaute and Dicer are essential for communication between Trichoderma atroviride and fungal hosts during mycoparasitism. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0316523. [PMID: 38441469 PMCID: PMC10986496 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03165-23] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Trichoderma species are known for their mycoparasitic activity against phytopathogenic fungi that cause significant economic losses in agriculture. During mycoparasitism, Trichoderma spp. recognize molecules produced by the host fungus and release secondary metabolites and hydrolytic enzymes to kill and degrade the host's cell wall. Here, we explored the participation of the Trichoderma atroviride RNAi machinery in the interaction with six phytopathogenic fungi of economic importance. We determined that both Argonaute-3 and Dicer-2 play an essential role during mycoparasitism. Using an RNA-Seq approach, we identified that perception, detox, and cell wall degradation depend on the T. atroviride-RNAi when interacting with Alternaria alternata, Rhizoctonia solani AG2, and R. solani AG5. Furthermore, we constructed a gene co-expression network that provides evidence of two gene modules regulated by RNAi, which play crucial roles in essential processes during mycoparasitism. In addition, based on small RNA-seq, we conclude that siRNAs regulate amino acid and carbon metabolism and communication during the Trichoderma-host interaction. Interestingly, our data suggest that siRNAs might regulate allorecognition (het) and transport genes in a cross-species manner. Thus, these results reveal a fine-tuned regulation in T. atroviride dependent on siRNAs that is essential during the biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi, showing a greater complexity of this process than previously established.IMPORTANCEThere is an increasing need for plant disease control without chemical pesticides to avoid environmental pollution and resistance, and the health risks associated with the application of pesticides are increasing. Employing Trichoderma species in agriculture to control fungal diseases is an alternative plant protection strategy that overcomes these issues without utilizing chemical fungicides. Therefore, understanding the biocontrol mechanisms used by Trichoderma species to antagonize other fungi is critical. Although there has been extensive research about the mechanisms involved in the mycoparasitic capability of Trichoderma species, there are still unsolved questions related to how Trichoderma regulates recognition, attack, and defense mechanisms during interaction with a fungal host. In this work, we report that the Argonaute and Dicer components of the RNAi machinery and the small RNAs they process are essential for gene regulation during mycoparasitism by Trichoderma atroviride.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Efrain Enriquez-Felix
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad-Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Cinvestav Campus Guanajuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Camilo Pérez-Salazar
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad-Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Cinvestav Campus Guanajuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - José Guillermo Rico-Ruiz
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad-Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Cinvestav Campus Guanajuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | - Pablo Cruz-Morales
- Novo Nordisk Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- The LatAmBio Initiative, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - José Manuel Villalobos-Escobedo
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad-Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Cinvestav Campus Guanajuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- The LatAmBio Initiative, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- Plant and Microbial Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Carlifornia, USA
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, Carlifornia, USA
| | - Alfredo Herrera-Estrella
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad-Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Cinvestav Campus Guanajuato, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- The LatAmBio Initiative, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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7
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Palma D, Oliva V, Montanares M, Gil-Durán C, Travisany D, Chávez R, Vaca I. Expanding the Toolbox for Genetic Manipulation in Pseudogymnoascus: RNAi-Mediated Silencing and CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Disruption of a Polyketide Synthase Gene Involved in Red Pigment Production in P. verrucosus. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:157. [PMID: 38392828 PMCID: PMC10889956 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020157] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungi belonging to the genus Pseudogymnoascus have garnered increasing attention in recent years. One of the members of the genus, P. destructans, has been identified as the causal agent of a severe bat disease. Simultaneously, the knowledge of Pseudogymnoascus species has expanded, in parallel with the increased availability of genome sequences. Moreover, Pseudogymnoascus exhibits great potential as a producer of specialized metabolites, displaying a diverse array of biological activities. Despite these significant advancements, the genetic landscape of Pseudogymnoascus remains largely unexplored due to the scarcity of suitable molecular tools for genetic manipulation. In this study, we successfully implemented RNAi-mediated gene silencing and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption in Pseudogymnoascus, using an Antarctic strain of Pseudogymnoascus verrucosus as a model. Both methods were applied to target azpA, a gene involved in red pigment biosynthesis. Silencing of the azpA gene to levels of 90% or higher eliminated red pigment production, resulting in transformants exhibiting a white phenotype. On the other hand, the CRISPR/Cas9 system led to a high percentage (73%) of transformants with a one-nucleotide insertion, thereby inactivating azpA and abolishing red pigment production, resulting in a white phenotype. The successful application of RNAi-mediated gene silencing and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption represents a significant advancement in Pseudogymnoascus research, opening avenues for comprehensive functional genetic investigations within this underexplored fungal genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Palma
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Vicente Oliva
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Mariana Montanares
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Carlos Gil-Durán
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Dante Travisany
- Núcleo de Investigación en Data Science, Facultad de Ingeniería y Negocios, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago 7500975, Chile
| | - Renato Chávez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Inmaculada Vaca
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
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Qi GF, Cui X, Gong XF, Cui X, Xu HG, Liang QL, Zhang K, Sha XL, Li L, Wang GY, Liang HW, Wang L. A self-assembling peptide inhibits the growth and function of fungi via a wrapping strategy. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:990-1003. [PMID: 38193333 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01845h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections contribute substantially to human morbidity and mortality. A particular concern is the high rate of mortality associated with invasive fungal infections, which often exceeds 50.0% despite the availability of several antifungal drugs. Herein, we show a self-assembling antifungal peptide (AFP), which is able to bind to chitin on the fungal cell wall and in situ form AFP nanofibers, wrapping fungi. As a result, AFP limits the proliferation of fungi, slows down the morphological transformation of biphasic fungi, and inhibits the adhesion of fungi to host cells and the formation of biofilms. Compared to the broad-spectrum antifungal fluconazole, AFP achieved a comparable inhibitory effect (MIC50 = 3.5 μM) on fungal proliferation. In addition, AFP significantly inhibited the formation of fungal biofilms with the inhibition rate of 69.6% at 1 μM, better than fluconazole (17.2% at 1 μM). In a skin infection model of mice, it was demonstrated that AFP showed significantly superior efficacy to fluconazole. In the systemic candidiasis mouse model, AFP showed similar efficacy to first-line antifungal amphotericin B (AmpB) and anidulafungin (AFG). This study provides a promising wrapping strategy for anti-fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao-Feng Qi
- Department of Graduate, Hebei North University, No.11 Diamond South Road, High-tech Zone, Zhangjiakou 075000, Hebei Province, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China.
- Department of Orthopaedics, The 4th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Jia No.17 Heishanhu road, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xin Cui
- Department of Graduate, Hebei North University, No.11 Diamond South Road, High-tech Zone, Zhangjiakou 075000, Hebei Province, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China.
- Department of Orthopaedics, The 4th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Jia No.17 Heishanhu road, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xue-Feng Gong
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Xu Cui
- Department of Graduate, Hebei North University, No.11 Diamond South Road, High-tech Zone, Zhangjiakou 075000, Hebei Province, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The 4th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Jia No.17 Heishanhu road, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Huan-Ge Xu
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Qi-Lin Liang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Kuo Zhang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Xiao-Ling Sha
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Litao Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The 4th Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Jia No.17 Heishanhu road, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Gui-Yuan Wang
- Department of Graduate, Hebei North University, No.11 Diamond South Road, High-tech Zone, Zhangjiakou 075000, Hebei Province, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Hong-Wen Liang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), No. 11 Beiyitiao, Zhongguancun, Beijing 100190, China.
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9
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Song H, Gao X, Song L, Jiao Y, Shen L, Yang J, Li C, Shang J, Wang H, Zhang S, Li Y. Unraveling the regulatory network of miRNA expression in Potato Y virus-infected of Nicotiana benthamiana using integrated small RNA and transcriptome sequencing. Front Genet 2024; 14:1290466. [PMID: 38259624 PMCID: PMC10800900 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1290466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Potato virus Y (PVY) disease is a global problem that causes significant damage to crop quality and yield. As traditional chemical control methods are ineffective against PVY, it is crucial to explore new control strategies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in plant and animal defense responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. These endogenous miRNAs act as a link between antiviral gene pathways and host immunity. Several miRNAs target plant immune genes and are involved in the virus infection process. In this study, we conducted small RNA sequencing and transcriptome sequencing on healthy and PVY-infected N. benthamiana tissues (roots, stems, and leaves). Through bioinformatics analysis, we predicted potential targets of differentially expressed miRNAs using the N. benthamiana reference genome and the PVY genome. We then compared the identified differentially expressed mRNAs with the predicted target genes to uncover the complex relationships between miRNAs and their targets. This study successfully constructed a miRNA-mRNA network through the joint analysis of Small RNA sequencing and transcriptome sequencing, which unveiled potential miRNA targets and identified potential binding sites of miRNAs on the PVY genome. This miRNA-mRNA regulatory network suggests the involvement of miRNAs in the virus infection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping Song
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Xinwen Gao
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Pest Monitoring Controlling and Integrated Management, Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Liyun Song
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Pest Monitoring Controlling and Integrated Management, Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yubing Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Pest Monitoring Controlling and Integrated Management, Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Lili Shen
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Pest Monitoring Controlling and Integrated Management, Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Jinguang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Pest Monitoring Controlling and Integrated Management, Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Changquan Li
- Liupanshui City Company of Guizhou Tobacco Company, Guizhou, Guizhou, China
| | - Jun Shang
- Liupanshui City Company of Guizhou Tobacco Company, Guizhou, Guizhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Luoyang City Company of Henan Tobacco Company, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Songbai Zhang
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Tobacco Pest Monitoring Controlling and Integrated Management, Tobacco Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
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10
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Moonjely S, Ebert M, Paton-Glassbrook D, Noel ZA, Roze L, Shay R, Watkins T, Trail F. Update on the state of research to manage Fusarium head blight. Fungal Genet Biol 2023; 169:103829. [PMID: 37666446 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103829] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most devastating diseases of cereal crops, causing severe reduction in yield and quality of grain worldwide. In the United States, the major causal agent of FHB is the mycotoxigenic fungus, Fusarium graminearum. The contamination of grain with mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, is a particularly serious concern due to its impact on the health of humans and livestock. For the past few decades, multidisciplinary studies have been conducted on management strategies designed to reduce the losses caused by FHB. However, effective management is still challenging due to the emergence of fungicide-tolerant strains of F. graminearum and the lack of highly resistant wheat and barley cultivars. This review presents multidisciplinary approaches that incorporate advances in genomics, genetic-engineering, new fungicide chemistries, applied biocontrol, and consideration of the disease cycle for management of FHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Moonjely
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Malaika Ebert
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Drew Paton-Glassbrook
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA; Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Zachary A Noel
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Ludmila Roze
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Rebecca Shay
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Tara Watkins
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA; Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Frances Trail
- Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA; Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA.
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11
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Fan L, Li X, Li H, Li B, Wang J, He L, Wang Z, Lin Y. Comparative transcriptome analysis to unveil genes affecting the host cuticle destruction in Metarhizium rileyi. Curr Genet 2023; 69:253-265. [PMID: 37726495 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-023-01274-2] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Insect pathogenic fungi, also known as entomopathogenic fungi, are one of the largest insect pathogenic microorganism communities, represented by Beauveria spp. and Metarhizium spp. Entomopathogenic fungi have been proved to be a great substitute for chemical pesticide in agriculture. In fact, a lot of functional genes were also already characterized in entomopathogenic fungi, but more depth of exploration is still needed to reveal their complicated pathogenic mechanism to insects. Metarhizium rileyi (Nomuraea rileyi) is a great potential biocontrol fungus that can parasitize more than 40 distinct species (mainly Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to cause large-scale infectious diseases within insect population. In this study, a comparative analysis of transcriptome profile was performed with topical inoculation and hemolymph injection to character the infectious pattern of M. rileyi. Appressorium and multiple hydrolases are indispensable constituents to break the insect host primary cuticle defense in entomopathogenic fungi. Within our transcriptome data, numerous transcripts related to destruction of insect cuticle rather growth regulations were obtained. Most importantly, some unreported ribosomal protein genes and novel unannotated protein (hypothetical protein) genes were proved to participate in the course of pathogenic regulation. Our current data provide a higher efficiency gene library for virulence factors screen in M. rileyi, and this library may be also useful for furnishing valuable information on entomopathogenic fungal pathogenic mechanisms to host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Fan
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongli Li
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingjie Li
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Le He
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongkang Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Lin
- Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466001, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Precision Medical Industry Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Regmi R, Newman TE, Khentry Y, Kamphuis LG, Derbyshire MC. Genome-wide identification of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum small RNAs and their endogenous targets. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:582. [PMID: 37784009 PMCID: PMC10544508 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09686-7] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several phytopathogens produce small non-coding RNAs of approximately 18-30 nucleotides (nt) which post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Commonly called small RNAs (sRNAs), these small molecules were also reported to be present in the necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. S. sclerotiorum causes diseases in more than 400 plant species, including the important oilseed crop Brassica napus. sRNAs can further be classified as microRNAs (miRNAs) and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Certain miRNAs can activate loci that produce further sRNAs; these secondary sRNA-producing loci are called 'phased siRNA' (PHAS) loci and have only been described in plants. To date, very few studies have characterized sRNAs and their endogenous targets in S. sclerotiorum. RESULTS We used Illumina sequencing to characterize sRNAs from fungal mycelial mats of S. sclerotiorum spread over B. napus leaves. In total, eight sRNA libraries were prepared from in vitro, 12 h post-inoculation (HPI), and 24 HPI mycelial mat samples. Cluster analysis identified 354 abundant sRNA clusters with reads of more than 100 Reads Per Million (RPM). Differential expression analysis revealed upregulation of 34 and 57 loci at 12 and 24 HPI, respectively, in comparison to in vitro samples. Among these, 25 loci were commonly upregulated. Altogether, 343 endogenous targets were identified from the major RNAs of 25 loci. Almost 88% of these targets were annotated as repeat element genes, while the remaining targets were non-repeat element genes. Fungal degradome reads confirmed cleavage of two transposable elements by one upregulated sRNA. Altogether, 24 milRNA loci were predicted with both mature and milRNA* (star) sequences; these are both criteria associated previously with experimentally verified miRNAs. Degradome sequencing data confirmed the cleavage of 14 targets. These targets were related to repeat element genes, phosphate acetyltransferases, RNA-binding factor, and exchange factor. A PHAS gene prediction tool identified 26 possible phased interfering loci with 147 phasiRNAs from the S. sclerotiorum genome, suggesting this pathogen might produce sRNAs that function similarly to miRNAs in higher eukaryotes. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide new insights into sRNA populations and add a new resource for the study of sRNAs in S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Regmi
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Floreat, WA, 6014, Australia
- Present address: Microbiome for One Systems Health, CSIRO, Urrbrae, South Australia, Australia
| | - Toby E Newman
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Yuphin Khentry
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Lars G Kamphuis
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Floreat, WA, 6014, Australia
| | - Mark C Derbyshire
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
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13
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Chen Q, An B, Peng X, Wu Y, Peng M, Zhang C, He Y, Sang H, Kong Q. Simplified and effective RNA interference and CRISPR-Cas9 systems for Cryptococcus neoformans. J Basic Microbiol 2023; 63:1095-1105. [PMID: 37309240 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300102] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) melanin is one of the important virulence factors for Cryptococcus neoformans, which may trigger immune responses in the host. While the production of DOPA melanin is catalyzed by laccase that is predominantly encoded by LAC1 gene. Therefore, regulating the genetic expression of C. neoformans is conducive to exploring the impact of interested molecules on the host. In this work, we established two systems that were constructed quickly and easily for the knock-down/knock-out of LAC1 gene: RNA interference (RNAi) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats CRISPR-Cas9. The RNAi system was constructed by pSilencer 4.1-CMV neo plasmid and short hairpin RNA to achieve effective transcriptional suppression. The CRISPR-Cas9 system was used the PNK003 vectors to obtain a stable albino mutant strain. The results of phenotype, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, transmission electron microscope, and spectrophotometry were used to assess the ability of melanin production. As a result, the RNAi system displayed attenuation of transcriptional suppression when the transformants continuously passed on new plates. However, the transcriptional suppression of long loop in short hairpin RNA was more powerful and lasted longer. An albino strain produced by CRISPR-Cas9 was completely unable to synthesize melanin. In conclusion, strains with different capacities of melanin production were obtained by RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 systems, which might be useful for exploring the linear relation between melanin and immunoreaction of the host. In addition, the two systems in this article might be convenient to quickly screen the possible trait-regulating genes of other serotypes of C. neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binyi An
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyuan Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Peng
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan He
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Sang
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingtao Kong
- Department of Dermatology, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China
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14
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Marcial-Quino J, Fierro F, Fernández FJ, Montiel-Gonzalez AM, Sierra-Palacios E, Tomasini A. Silencing of Amylomyces rouxii aspartic II protease by siRNA to increase tyrosinase activity. Fungal Biol 2023; 127:1415-1425. [PMID: 37993253 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2023.10.004] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Amylomyces rouxii is a zygomycete that produces extracellular protease and tyrosinase. The tyrosinase activity is negatively regulated by the proteases and, which attempts to purify the tyrosinase (tyr) enzyme that has been hampered by the presence of a protease that co-purified with it. In this work we identified genes encoding aspartic protease II (aspII) and VI of A. rouxii. Using an RNAi strategy based on the generation of a siRNA by transcription from two opposite-orientated promoters, the expression of these two proteases was silenced, showing that this molecular tool is suitable for gene silencing in Amylomyces. The transformant strains showed a significant attenuation of the transcripts (determined by RT-qPCR), with respective inhibition of the protease activity. In the case of aspII, inhibition was in the range of 43-90 % in different transformants, which correlated well with up to a five-fold increase in tyr activity with respect to the wild type and control strains. In contrast, silencing of aspVI caused a 43-65 % decrease in protease activity but had no significant effect on the tyr activity. The results show that aspII has a negative effect on tyr activity, and that the silencing of this protease is important to obtain strains with high levels of tyr activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Marcial-Quino
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación en Genética y Ambiente, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, 90120, Mexico
| | - Francisco Fierro
- Depto. de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Apdo, Postal 55-535, C.P. 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco José Fernández
- Depto. de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Apdo, Postal 55-535, C.P. 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alba Mónica Montiel-Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación en Genética y Ambiente, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, 90120, Mexico
| | - Edgar Sierra-Palacios
- Colegio de Ciencias y Humanidades, Plantel Casa Libertad, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Ciudad de Mexico, 09620, Mexico
| | - Araceli Tomasini
- Depto. de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Apdo, Postal 55-535, C.P. 09340, Mexico City, Mexico.
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15
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Rousset F, Yirmiya E, Nesher S, Brandis A, Mehlman T, Itkin M, Malitsky S, Millman A, Melamed S, Sorek R. A conserved family of immune effectors cleaves cellular ATP upon viral infection. Cell 2023; 186:3619-3631.e13. [PMID: 37595565 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
During viral infection, cells can deploy immune strategies that deprive viruses of molecules essential for their replication. Here, we report a family of immune effectors in bacteria that, upon phage infection, degrade cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and deoxyadenosine triphosphate (dATP) by cleaving the N-glycosidic bond between the adenine and sugar moieties. These ATP nucleosidase effectors are widely distributed within multiple bacterial defense systems, including cyclic oligonucleotide-based antiviral signaling systems (CBASS), prokaryotic argonautes, and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR)-like proteins, and we show that ATP and dATP degradation during infection halts phage propagation. By analyzing homologs of the immune ATP nucleosidase domain, we discover and characterize Detocs, a family of bacterial defense systems with a two-component phosphotransfer-signaling architecture. The immune ATP nucleosidase domain is also encoded within diverse eukaryotic proteins with immune-like architectures, and we show biochemically that eukaryotic homologs preserve the ATP nucleosidase activity. Our findings suggest that ATP and dATP degradation is a cell-autonomous innate immune strategy conserved across the tree of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Rousset
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Erez Yirmiya
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Shahar Nesher
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Alexander Brandis
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Tevie Mehlman
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Maxim Itkin
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sergey Malitsky
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Adi Millman
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Sarah Melamed
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Rotem Sorek
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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16
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Mann CWG, Sawyer A, Gardiner DM, Mitter N, Carroll BJ, Eamens AL. RNA-Based Control of Fungal Pathogens in Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12391. [PMID: 37569766 PMCID: PMC10418863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Our duty to conserve global natural ecosystems is increasingly in conflict with our need to feed an expanding population. The use of conventional pesticides not only damages the environment and vulnerable biodiversity but can also still fail to prevent crop losses of 20-40% due to pests and pathogens. There is a growing call for more ecologically sustainable pathogen control measures. RNA-based biopesticides offer an eco-friendly alternative to the use of conventional fungicides for crop protection. The genetic modification (GM) of crops remains controversial in many countries, though expression of transgenes inducing pathogen-specific RNA interference (RNAi) has been proven effective against many agronomically important fungal pathogens. The topical application of pathogen-specific RNAi-inducing sprays is a more responsive, GM-free approach to conventional RNAi transgene-based crop protection. The specific targeting of essential pathogen genes, the development of RNAi-nanoparticle carrier spray formulations, and the possible structural modifications to the RNA molecules themselves are crucial to the success of this novel technology. Here, we outline the current understanding of gene silencing pathways in plants and fungi and summarize the pioneering and recent work exploring RNA-based biopesticides for crop protection against fungal pathogens, with a focus on spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS). Further, we discuss factors that could affect the success of RNA-based control strategies, including RNA uptake, stability, amplification, and movement within and between the plant host and pathogen, as well as the cost and design of RNA pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. G. Mann
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.W.G.M.); (A.S.); (B.J.C.)
| | - Anne Sawyer
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.W.G.M.); (A.S.); (B.J.C.)
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.M.G.); (N.M.)
| | - Donald M. Gardiner
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.M.G.); (N.M.)
| | - Neena Mitter
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (D.M.G.); (N.M.)
| | - Bernard J. Carroll
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.W.G.M.); (A.S.); (B.J.C.)
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
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17
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Kelani AA, Bruch A, Rivieccio F, Visser C, Krüger T, Weaver D, Pan X, Schäuble S, Panagiotou G, Kniemeyer O, Bromley MJ, Bowyer P, Barber AE, Brakhage AA, Blango MG. Disruption of the Aspergillus fumigatus RNA interference machinery alters the conidial transcriptome. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1033-1050. [PMID: 37019633 PMCID: PMC10275271 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079350.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) pathway has evolved numerous functionalities in eukaryotes, with many on display in Kingdom Fungi. RNAi can regulate gene expression, facilitate drug resistance, or even be altogether lost to improve growth potential in some fungal pathogens. In the WHO fungal priority pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus, the RNAi system is known to be intact and functional. To extend our limited understanding of A. fumigatus RNAi, we first investigated the genetic variation in RNAi-associated genes in a collection of 217 environmental and 83 clinical genomes, where we found that RNAi components are conserved even in clinical strains. Using endogenously expressed inverted-repeat transgenes complementary to a conditionally essential gene (pabA) or a nonessential gene (pksP), we determined that a subset of the RNAi componentry is active in inverted-repeat transgene silencing in conidia and mycelium. Analysis of mRNA-seq data from RNAi double-knockout strains linked the A. fumigatus dicer-like enzymes (DclA/B) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RrpA/B) to regulation of conidial ribosome biogenesis genes; however, surprisingly few endogenous small RNAs were identified in conidia that could explain this broad change. Although RNAi was not clearly linked to growth or stress response defects in the RNAi knockouts, serial passaging of RNAi knockout strains for six generations resulted in lineages with diminished spore production over time, indicating that loss of RNAi can exert a fitness cost on the fungus. Cumulatively, A. fumigatus RNAi appears to play an active role in defense against double-stranded RNA species alongside a previously unappreciated housekeeping function in regulation of conidial ribosomal biogenesis genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulrahman A Kelani
- Junior Research Group RNA Biology of Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Bruch
- Junior Research Group RNA Biology of Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Flora Rivieccio
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Corissa Visser
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Danielle Weaver
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaoqing Pan
- Junior Research Group RNA Biology of Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Schäuble
- Department of Microbiome Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Gianni Panagiotou
- Department of Microbiome Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael J Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Amelia E Barber
- Junior Research Group Fungal Informatics, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Matthew G Blango
- Junior Research Group RNA Biology of Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
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18
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Nagy L, Vonk P, Künzler M, Földi C, Virágh M, Ohm R, Hennicke F, Bálint B, Csernetics Á, Hegedüs B, Hou Z, Liu X, Nan S, Pareek M, Sahu N, Szathmári B, Varga T, Wu H, Yang X, Merényi Z. Lessons on fruiting body morphogenesis from genomes and transcriptomes of Agaricomycetes. Stud Mycol 2023; 104:1-85. [PMID: 37351542 PMCID: PMC10282164 DOI: 10.3114/sim.2022.104.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Fruiting bodies (sporocarps, sporophores or basidiomata) of mushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes) are among the most complex structures produced by fungi. Unlike vegetative hyphae, fruiting bodies grow determinately and follow a genetically encoded developmental program that orchestrates their growth, tissue differentiation and sexual sporulation. In spite of more than a century of research, our understanding of the molecular details of fruiting body morphogenesis is still limited and a general synthesis on the genetics of this complex process is lacking. In this paper, we aim at a comprehensive identification of conserved genes related to fruiting body morphogenesis and distil novel functional hypotheses for functionally poorly characterised ones. As a result of this analysis, we report 921 conserved developmentally expressed gene families, only a few dozens of which have previously been reported to be involved in fruiting body development. Based on literature data, conserved expression patterns and functional annotations, we provide hypotheses on the potential role of these gene families in fruiting body development, yielding the most complete description of molecular processes in fruiting body morphogenesis to date. We discuss genes related to the initiation of fruiting, differentiation, growth, cell surface and cell wall, defence, transcriptional regulation as well as signal transduction. Based on these data we derive a general model of fruiting body development, which includes an early, proliferative phase that is mostly concerned with laying out the mushroom body plan (via cell division and differentiation), and a second phase of growth via cell expansion as well as meiotic events and sporulation. Altogether, our discussions cover 1 480 genes of Coprinopsis cinerea, and their orthologs in Agaricus bisporus, Cyclocybe aegerita, Armillaria ostoyae, Auriculariopsis ampla, Laccaria bicolor, Lentinula edodes, Lentinus tigrinus, Mycena kentingensis, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Schizophyllum commune, providing functional hypotheses for ~10 % of genes in the genomes of these species. Although experimental evidence for the role of these genes will need to be established in the future, our data provide a roadmap for guiding functional analyses of fruiting related genes in the Agaricomycetes. We anticipate that the gene compendium presented here, combined with developments in functional genomics approaches will contribute to uncovering the genetic bases of one of the most spectacular multicellular developmental processes in fungi. Citation: Nagy LG, Vonk PJ, Künzler M, Földi C, Virágh M, Ohm RA, Hennicke F, Bálint B, Csernetics Á, Hegedüs B, Hou Z, Liu XB, Nan S, M. Pareek M, Sahu N, Szathmári B, Varga T, Wu W, Yang X, Merényi Z (2023). Lessons on fruiting body morphogenesis from genomes and transcriptomes of Agaricomycetes. Studies in Mycology 104: 1-85. doi: 10.3114/sim.2022.104.01.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.G. Nagy
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - P.J. Vonk
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - M. Künzler
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - C. Földi
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - M. Virágh
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - R.A. Ohm
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - F. Hennicke
- Project Group Genetics and Genomics of Fungi, Chair Evolution of Plants and Fungi, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany;
| | - B. Bálint
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - Á. Csernetics
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - B. Hegedüs
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - Z. Hou
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - X.B. Liu
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - S. Nan
- Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Hubei Province, PR China
| | - M. Pareek
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - N. Sahu
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - B. Szathmári
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - T. Varga
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - H. Wu
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
| | - X. Yang
- Institute of Applied Mycology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Z. Merényi
- Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Biological Research Center, Szeged, 6726, Hungary;
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Hirpara DG, Gajera HP. Intracellular metabolomics and microRNAomics unveil new insight into the regulatory network for potential biocontrol mechanism of stress-tolerant Tricho-fusants interacting with phytopathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:1288-1307. [PMID: 37021806 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study employed microRNA (miRNA) sequencing and metabolome profiling of Trichoderma parental strains and fusants during normal growth and interaction with the phytopathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. In-vitro antagonism indicated that abiotic stress-tolerant Tricho-fusant FU21 was examined as a potent biocontroller with mycoparasitic action after 10 days. During interaction with the test pathogen, the most abundant uprising intracellular metabolite was recognized as l-proline, which corresponds to held-down l-alanine, associated with arginine and proline metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and nitrogen metabolism linked to predicted genes controlled by miRNAs viz., cel-miR-8210-3p, hsa-miR-3613-5p, and mml-miR-7174-3p. The miRNAs- mml-miR-320c and mmu-miR-6980-5p were found to be associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, transcription factors, and signal transduction pathways, respectively, and were ascertained downregulated in potent FU21_IB compared with FU21_CB. The amino benzoate degradation and T cell receptor signaling pathways were regulated by miRNAs cel-miR-8210 and tca-miR-3824 as stress tolerance mechanisms of FU21. The intracellular metabolites l-proline, maleic acid, d-fructose, Myo-inositol, arabinitol, d-xylose, mannitol, and butane were significantly elevated as potential biocontrol and stress-tolerant constituents associated with miRNA regulatory pathways in potent FU21_IB. A network analysis between regulatory miRNA-predicted genes and intracellular metabolomics acknowledged possible biocontrol pathways/mechanisms in potent FU21_IB to restrain phytopathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshna G Hirpara
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, India
| | - Harsukh P Gajera
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat, India
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20
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Singewar K, Fladung M. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) technology to control forest insect pests and fungal pathogens: challenges and opportunities. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:185. [PMID: 37243792 PMCID: PMC10220346 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01107-y] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Climate change alters the seasonal synchronization between plants and respective pests plus pathogens. The geographical infiltration helps to shift their hosts, resulting in novel outbreaks that damage forests and ecology. Traditional management schemes are unable to control such outbreaks, therefore unconventional and competitive governance is needed to manage forest pests and pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi) mediated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment method can be implemented to protect forest trees. Exogenous dsRNA triggers the RNAi-mediated gene silencing of a vital gene, and suspends protein production, resulting in the death of targeted pathogens and pests. The dsRNA treatment method is successful for many crop insects and fungi, however, studies of dsRNA against forest pests and pathogens are depleting. Pesticides and fungicides based on dsRNA could be used to combat pathogens that caused outbreaks in different parts of the world. Although the dsRNA has proved its potential, the crucial dilemma and risks including species-specific gene selection, and dsRNA delivery methods cannot be overlooked. Here, we summarized the major fungi pathogens and insect pests that have caused outbreaks, their genomic information, and studies on dsRNA fungi-and pesticides. Current challenges and opportunities in dsRNA target decision, delivery using nanoparticles, direct applications, and a new method using mycorrhiza for forest tree protection are discussed. The importance of affordable next-generation sequencing to minimize the impact on non-target species is discussed. We suggest that collaborative research among forest genomics and pathology institutes could develop necessary dsRNA strategies to protect forest tree species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Singewar
- Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, 22927, Großhansdorf, Germany.
| | - Matthias Fladung
- Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, 22927, Großhansdorf, Germany.
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21
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Chávez R, Vaca I, García-Estrada C. Secondary Metabolites Produced by the Blue-Cheese Ripening Mold Penicillium roqueforti; Biosynthesis and Regulation Mechanisms. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040459. [PMID: 37108913 PMCID: PMC10144355 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040459] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are an important source of natural products. The mold Penicillium roqueforti, which is well-known for being responsible for the characteristic texture, blue-green spots, and aroma of the so-called blue-veined cheeses (French Bleu, Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Cabrales, and Valdeón, among others), is able to synthesize different secondary metabolites, including andrastins and mycophenolic acid, as well as several mycotoxins, such as Roquefortines C and D, PR-toxin and eremofortins, Isofumigaclavines A and B, festuclavine, and Annullatins D and F. This review provides a detailed description of the biosynthetic gene clusters and pathways of the main secondary metabolites produced by P. roqueforti, as well as an overview of the regulatory mechanisms controlling secondary metabolism in this filamentous fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Chávez
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Inmaculada Vaca
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Carlos García-Estrada
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Vegazana, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
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22
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Hirpara DG, Gajera HP, Savaliya DD, Parakhia MV. Exploring conserved and novel MicroRNA-like small RNAs from stress tolerant Trichoderma fusants and parental strains during interaction with fungal phytopathogen Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 191:105368. [PMID: 36963937 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The study investigated potential microRNA-like small RNAs (milRNAs) from multi-stress-tolerant Tricho-fusants and parental strains (P1- Trichoderma virens NBAIITvs12 and P2- Trichoderma koningii MTCC796) for antagonistic activity during interaction with phytopathogen Sclerotium rolfsii. The Trichoderma was cultured in-vitro, with and without antagonism, against the pathogen and total RNA was extracted followed by small RNA library construction and sequencing. The milRNAs were identified by mapping high-quality unique reads against a reference genome. The milRNAs were recognized higher in antagonist Trichoderma during interaction with test pathogen compared to normal growth. The novel milRNAs candidates were found to vary during interaction with the pathogen and normal growth. The gene ontology and functional analysis illustrated that a total of 5828 potential targeted genes were recognized for 93 milRNAs of potent Fu21_IB and 3053 genes for 62 milRNAs of least fusant Fu28_IL. Functional annotation of milRNA-predicted genes integrating KEGG pathways indicates new insights into regulatory mechanisms, by interfering with milRNAs, associated with signal transduction, amino sugar metabolism, benzoate degradation, amino acid metabolism, and steroid and alkaloid metabolism for potential biocontrol of stress-tolerant Tricho-fusant FU21 during interaction with S. rolfsii. The present investigation is the first report of conserved and novel milRNAs from Tricho-fusants and parental strains interacting with S. rolfsii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshna G Hirpara
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, 362 001, Gujarat, India
| | - H P Gajera
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, 362 001, Gujarat, India.
| | - Disha D Savaliya
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, 362 001, Gujarat, India
| | - M V Parakhia
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, 362 001, Gujarat, India
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23
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Uncovering a Complex Virome Associated with the Cacao Pathogens Ceratocystis cacaofunesta and Ceratocystis fimbriata. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020287. [PMID: 36839559 PMCID: PMC9967352 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Theobroma cacao is one of the main crops of economic importance in the world as the source of raw material for producing chocolate and derivatives. The crop is the main source of income for thousands of small farmers, who produce more than 80% of the world's cocoa supply. However, the emergence, re-emergence and proliferation of pathogens, such as Ceratocystis spp., the causative agent of Ceratocystis wilt disease and canker disease, have been affecting the sustainability of many crops. Fungal control is laborious, often depending on fungicides that are expensive and/or toxic to humans, prompting researchers to look for new solutions to counteract the proliferation of these pathogens, including the use of biological agents such as mycoviruses. In this study, we investigated the diversity of microorganisms associated with the T. cacao pathogens Ceratocystis cacaofunesta and Ceratocystis fimbriata with a focus on the virome using RNA sequencing data available in public databases. We used a comprehensive bioinformatics pipeline containing several steps for viral sequence enrichment and took advantage of an integrated assembly step composed of different assemblers followed by sequence similarity searches using NCBI nonredundant databases. Our strategy was able to identify four putative C. cacaofunesta viruses (hypovirus, sclerotimonavirus, alphapartitivirus and narnavirus) and six C. fimbriata viruses (three alphaendornaviruses, one victorivirus and two mitoviruses). All the viral sequences identified showed similarity to viral genomes in public databases only at the amino acid level, likely representing new viral species. Of note, we present the first report of viruses associated with the cacao pathogens C. cacaofunesta and C. fimbriata and the second report of viral species infecting members of the Ceratocystidaceae family. Our findings highlight the need for further prospective studies to uncover the real diversity of fungus-infecting viruses that can contribute to the development of new management strategies.
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24
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Maksimov IV, Shein MY, Burkhanova GF. RNA Interference in Plant Protection from Fungal and Oomycete Infection. APPL BIOCHEM MICRO+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0003683822100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
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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.
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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
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26
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Pedersen CJ, Marzano SYL. Characterization of Transcriptional Responses to Genomovirus Infection of the White Mold Fungus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091892. [PMID: 36146699 PMCID: PMC9506476 DOI: 10.3390/v14091892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Soybean leaf-associated gemygorvirus-1 (SlaGemV−1) is a CRESS-DNA virus classified in the family Genomoviridae, which causes hypovirulence and abolishes sclerotia formation in infected fungal pathogens under the family Sclerotiniaceae. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the induction of hypovirulence, RNA-Seq was compared between virus-free and SlaGemV−1-infected Sclerotinia sclerotiorum strain DK3. Overall, 4639 genes were differentially expressed, with 50.5% up regulated and 49.5% down regulated genes. GO enrichments suggest changes in integral membrane components and transmission electron microscopy images reveal virus-like particles localized near the inner cell membrane. Differential gene expression analysis focused on genes responsible for cell cycle and DNA replication and repair pathways, ubiquitin proteolysis, gene silencing, methylation, pathogenesis-related, sclerotial development, carbohydrate metabolism, and oxalic acid biosynthesis. Carbohydrate metabolism showed the most changes, with two glycoside hydrolase genes being the most down regulated by −2396.1- and −648.6-fold. Genes relating to pathogenesis showed consistent down regulation with the greatest being SsNep1, SsSSVP1, and Endo2 showing, −4555-, −14.7-, and −12.3-fold changes. The cell cycle and DNA replication/repair pathways were almost entirely up regulated including a putative cyclin and separase being up regulated 8.3- and 5.2-fold. The oxalate decarboxylase genes necessary for oxalic acid catabolism and oxalic acid precursor biosynthesis genes and its metabolism show down regulations of −17.2- and −12.1-fold changes. Sclerotial formation genes also appear differentially regulated including a melanin biosynthesis gene Pks1 and a sclerotia formation gene Sl2 with fold changes of 3.8 and −2.9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor J. Pedersen
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Shin-Yi Lee Marzano
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
- Department of Horticulture, and Plant Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
- Correspondence:
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27
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Derbyshire MC, Newman TE, Khentry Y, Owolabi Taiwo A. The evolutionary and molecular features of the broad-host-range plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2022; 23:1075-1090. [PMID: 35411696 PMCID: PMC9276942 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a pathogenic fungus that infects hundreds of plant species, including many of the world's most important crops. Key features of S. sclerotiorum include its extraordinary host range, preference for dicotyledonous plants, relatively slow evolution, and production of protein effectors that are active in multiple host species. Plant resistance to this pathogen is highly complex, typically involving numerous polymorphisms with infinitesimally small effects, which makes resistance breeding a major challenge. Due to its economic significance, S. sclerotiorum has been subjected to a large amount of molecular and evolutionary research. In this updated pathogen profile, we review the evolutionary and molecular features of S. sclerotiorum and discuss avenues for future research into this important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C. Derbyshire
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Toby E. Newman
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Yuphin Khentry
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Akeem Owolabi Taiwo
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
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28
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Tsuji K, Kitade Y, Yoshimi A, Tanaka C. Meiotic Silencing in Dothideomycetous Bipolaris maydis. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:931888. [PMID: 37746229 PMCID: PMC10512333 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.931888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The filamentous ascomycete Bipolaris maydis is a plant pathogen that causes corn leaf blight and has been used in cytological studies of sexual reproduction. In this fungus, when null mutants of each septin are crossed with the wild-type strain, all ascospores derived from the same asci show abnormal morphology. The phenomenon was remarkably similar to the event known as "ascus dominance" in Neurospora crassa, which is known to be caused by MSUD (meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA). However, it is not clear whether B. maydis possesses functional MSUD. The object of this study is to elucidate whether this fungus carries a functional MSUD system that causes ascus dominance in the crosses of septin mutants and the wild-type strain. The results of homozygous and heterozygous crossing tests with mutants, having the insertional CDC10-septin gene sequence into the genome, suggested that the ascus dominance in B. maydis is triggered by the unpaired DNA as in N. crassa. To investigate whether MSUD is caused by the same mechanism as in N. crassa, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, one of the essential factors in MSUD, was identified and disrupted (Δrdr1) in B. maydis. When the Δrdr1 strain was crossed with each mutant of the septins, ascus dominance did not occur in all crosses. These results suggest that this ascus dominance is caused by RNA silencing triggered by an unpaired gene, as in N. crassa, and septin genes were affected by this silencing. To date, although MSUD has been found only in Fusarium graminearum and N. crassa, which are classified as Sordariomycetes, this study showed that MSUD is also functional in B. maydis, which is classified as a Dothideomycete. These results showed the possibility that this posttranscriptional regulation is extensively conserved among filamentous ascomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Tsuji
- Laboratory of Terrestrial Microbiology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Environmental Interface Technology of Filamentous Fungi, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Kitade
- Laboratory of Terrestrial Microbiology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Yoshimi
- Laboratory of Terrestrial Microbiology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Laboratory of Environmental Interface Technology of Filamentous Fungi, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chihiro Tanaka
- Laboratory of Terrestrial Microbiology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Terrestrial Microbiology and Systematics, Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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29
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Shankar J. Insight into the metabolic changes during germination of Aspergillus niger conidia using nLC-qTOF. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01115-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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30
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Tripathi AM, Admoni Y, Fridrich A, Lewandowska M, Surm JM, Aharoni R, Moran Y. Functional characterization of a 'plant-like' HYL1 homolog in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis indicates a conserved involvement in microRNA biogenesis. eLife 2022; 11:69464. [PMID: 35289745 PMCID: PMC9098223 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69464] [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: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
While the biogenesis of microRNAs (miRNAs) in both animals and plants depends on the RNase III Dicer, its partner proteins are considered distinct for each kingdom. Nevertheless, recent discovery of homologs of Hyponastic Leaves1 (HYL1), a ‘plant-specific’ Dicer partner, in the metazoan phylum Cnidaria, challenges the view that miRNAs evolved convergently in animals and plants. Here, we show that the HYL1 homolog Hyl1-like a (Hyl1La) is crucial for development and miRNA biogenesis in the cnidarian model Nematostella vectensis. Inhibition of Hyl1La by morpholinos resulted in metamorphosis arrest in Nematostella embryos and a significant reduction in levels of most miRNAs. Further, meta-analysis of morphants of miRNA biogenesis components, like Dicer1, shows clustering of their miRNA profiles with Hyl1La morphants. Strikingly, immunoprecipitation of Hyl1La followed by quantitative PCR revealed that in contrast to the plant HYL1, Hyl1La interacts only with precursor miRNAs and not with primary miRNAs. This was complemented by an in vitro binding assay of Hyl1La to synthetic precursor miRNA. Altogether, these results suggest that the last common ancestor of animals and plants carried a HYL1 homolog that took essential part in miRNA biogenesis and indicate early emergence of the miRNA system before plants and animals separated. In both animals and plants, small molecules known as micro ribonucleic acids (or miRNAs for short) control the amount of proteins cells make from instructions encoded in their DNA. Cells make mature miRNA molecules by cutting and modifying newly-made RNA molecules in two stages. Some of the components animals and plants utilize to make and use miRNAs are similar, but most are completely different. For example, in plants an enzyme known as Dicer cuts newly made RNAs into mature miRNAs with the help of a protein called HYL1, whereas humans and other animals do not have HYL1 and Dicer works with alternative partner proteins, instead. Therefore, it is generally believed that miRNAs evolved separately in animals and plants after they split from a common ancestor around 1.6 billion years ago. Recent studies on sea anemones and other primitive animals challenge this idea. Proteins similar to HYL1 in plants have been discovered in sea anemones and sponges, and sea anemone miRNAs show several similarities to plant miRNAs including their mode of action. However, it is not clear whether these HYL1-like proteins work in the same way as their plant counterparts. Here, Tripathi, Admoni et al. investigated the role of the HYL1-like protein in sea anemones. The experiments found that this protein was essential for the sea anemones to make miRNAs and to grow and develop properly. Unlike HYL1 in plants – which is involved in both stages of processing newly-made miRNAs into mature miRNAs – the sea anemone HYL1-like protein only helped in the second stage to make mature miRNAs from intermediate molecules known as precursor miRNAs. These findings demonstrate that some of the components plants use to make miRNAs also perform similar roles in sea anemones. This suggests that the miRNA system evolved before the ancestors of plants and animals separated from each other. Questions for future studies will include investigating how plants and animals evolved different miRNA machinery, and why sponges and jellyfish have HYL1-like proteins, whereas humans and other more complex animals do not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinandan M Tripathi
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Admoni
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Arie Fridrich
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Magda Lewandowska
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joachim M Surm
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Reuven Aharoni
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yehu Moran
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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31
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Kang YG, Kim J, Lee K, Choe JY, Dua P, Lee DK. Retinoic Acid-Inducible Gene I-Mediated Innate Immune Stimulation by Chemically Synthesized Long Double-Stranded RNAs Is Structure and Sequence Dependent. Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:321-332. [PMID: 35263174 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2021.0104] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) longer than 30 bp have not been considered desirable RNA interference (RNAi) triggering structures in mammalian cells as they nonspecifically activate innate immune response. However, in earlier studies, not only dsRNA length but also 5'-triphosphate moiety produced by in vitro transcription might have affected the stimulation of innate immune system. Herein, using chemically synthesized long dsRNAs without 5'-triphosphate, we elucidated direct relationship between length of dsRNAs and innate immune stimulation. First, we found that blunt-ended, chemically synthesized 38/40-60 bp-long dsRNAs induced retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-mediated innate immune response, which was suppressed by the introduction of the 2-nt 3' overhang structure. Surprisingly, we discovered that RIG-I activation by these long dsRNAs is also sequence dependent, and the sequence composition at dsRNA termini is important for RIG-I activation. In addition, we identified that long dsRNAs over 38 bp could elicit single- or dual-target gene silencing in a Dicer-independent manner. Taken together, our findings may serve as guidelines to develop an immunostimulatory RNAi trigger to exploit host's innate immune system, as well as a specific dual-gene targeting RNAi therapeutics platform without nonspecific innate immune stimulation by RIG-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Gyu Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea.,OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon, Korea
| | - Jaejin Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Kyeongmin Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jeong Yong Choe
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea.,OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon, Korea
| | - Pooja Dua
- OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon, Korea
| | - Dong Ki Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea.,OliX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Suwon, Korea
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32
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Zhao JH, Guo HS. RNA silencing: From discovery and elucidation to application and perspectives. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 64:476-498. [PMID: 34964265 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RNA silencing (or RNA interference, RNAi) is a conserved mechanism for regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. The discovery of natural trans-kingdom RNAi indicated that small RNAs act as signaling molecules and enable communication between organisms in different kingdoms. The phenomenon and potential mechanisms of trans-kingdom RNAi are among the most exciting research topics. To better understand trans-kingdom RNAi, we review the history of the discovery and elucidation of RNAi mechanisms. Based on canonical RNAi mechanisms, we summarize the major points of divergence around RNAi pathways in the main eukaryotes' kingdoms, including plants, animals, and fungi. We review the representative incidents associated with the mechanisms and applications of trans-kingdom RNAi in crop protection, and discuss the critical factors that should be considered to develop successful trans-kingdom RNAi-based crop protection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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35
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RNAi technology for plant protection and its application in wheat. ABIOTECH 2021; 2:365-374. [PMID: 36304420 PMCID: PMC9590511 DOI: 10.1007/s42994-021-00036-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The RNAi technology takes advantage of the intrinsic RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism that exists in nearly all eukaryotes in which target mRNAs are degraded or functionally suppressed. Significant progress has been made in recent years where RNAi technology is applied to several crops and economic plants for protection against diseases like fungi, pests, and nematode. RNAi technology is also applied in controlling pathogen damages in wheat, one of the most important crops in the world. In this review, we first give a brief introduction of the RNAi technology and the underneath mechanism. We then review the recent progress of its utilization in crops, particular wheat. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and prospect future development of this technology in crop protection.
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36
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Goulin EH, de Lima TA, dos Santos PJC, Machado MA. RNAi-induced silencing of the succinate dehydrogenase subunits gene in Colletotrichum abscissum, the causal agent of postbloom fruit drop (PFD) in citrus. Microbiol Res 2021; 260:126938. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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37
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Piombo E, Vetukuri RR, Broberg A, Kalyandurg PB, Kushwaha S, Funck Jensen D, Karlsson M, Dubey M. Role of Dicer-Dependent RNA Interference in Regulating Mycoparasitic Interactions. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0109921. [PMID: 34549988 PMCID: PMC8557909 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01099-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dicer-like proteins (DCLs) play a vital role in RNA interference (RNAi), by cleaving RNA filament into small RNAs. Although DCL-mediated RNAi can regulate interspecific communication between pathogenic/mutualistic organisms and their hosts, its role in mycoparasitic interactions is yet to be investigated. In this study, we deleted dcl genes in the mycoparasitic fungus Clonostachys rosea and characterize the functions of DCL-dependent RNAi in mycoparasitism. Deletion of dcl2 resulted in a mutant with reduced secondary metabolite production, antagonism toward the plant-pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea, and reduced ability to control Fusarium foot rot disease on wheat, caused by Fusarium graminearum. Transcriptome sequencing of the in vitro interaction between the C. rosea Δdcl2 strain and B. cinerea or F. graminearum identified the downregulation of genes coding for transcription factors, membrane transporters, hydrolytic enzymes, and secondary metabolites biosynthesis enzymes putatively involved in antagonistic interactions, in comparison with the C. rosea wild-type interaction. A total of 61 putative novel microRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) were identified in C. rosea, and 11 were downregulated in the Δdcl2 mutant. In addition to putative endogenous gene targets, these milRNAs were predicted to target B. cinerea and F. graminearum virulence factor genes, which showed an increased expression during interaction with the Δdcl2 mutant incapable of producing the targeting milRNAs. In summary, this study constitutes the first step in elucidating the role of RNAi in mycoparasitic interactions, with important implications for biological control of plant diseases, and poses the base for future studies focusing on the role of cross-species RNAi regulating mycoparasitic interactions. IMPORTANCE Small RNAs mediated RNA interference (RNAi) known to regulate several biological processes. Dicer-like endoribonucleases (DCLs) play a vital role in the RNAi pathway by generating sRNAs. In this study, we investigated a role of DCL-mediated RNAi in interference interactions between mycoparasitic fungus Clonostachys rosea and the two fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium graminearum (here called mycohosts). We found that the dcl mutants were not able to produce 11 sRNAs predicted to finetune the regulatory network of genes known to be involved in production of hydrolytic enzymes, antifungal compounds, and membrane transporters needed for antagonistic action of C. rosea. We also found C. rosea sRNAs putatively targeting known virulence factors in the mycohosts, indicating RNAi-mediated cross-species communication. Our study expanded the understanding of underlying mechanisms of cross-species communication during interference interactions and poses a base for future works studying the role of DCL-based cross-species RNAi in fungal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Piombo
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ramesh R. Vetukuri
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Anders Broberg
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pruthvi B. Kalyandurg
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Sandeep Kushwaha
- Department of Plant Breeding, Horticum, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Dan Funck Jensen
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Karlsson
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mukesh Dubey
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Symbiont-Mediated RNA Interference (SMR): Using Symbiotic Bacteria as Vectors for Delivering RNAi to Insects. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2360:295-306. [PMID: 34495522 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1633-8_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a widely used approach for reverse genetic analysis in eukaryotes. In insects, RNAi also has an application in the control of insect pests. Several methods have been developed for delivery of interfering RNA in insects, with varying outcomes for different species. Here we describe how a bacterial symbiont can be exploited for continuous synthesis of interfering double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in its insect host. This approach, termed symbiont-mediated RNAi (SMR), can overcome problems associated with instability of dietary dsRNA due to action of salivary or foregut nucleases. As insects do not possess RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity that can amplify and extend RNAi in other organisms, SMR also offers the possibility of long-term systemic RNAi not afforded by single applications of dsRNA to insects by other delivery methods. Here, we describe how SMR can be applied in a globally distributed agricultural pest species, western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).
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Šečić E, Zanini S, Wibberg D, Jelonek L, Busche T, Kalinowski J, Nasfi S, Thielmann J, Imani J, Steinbrenner J, Kogel KH. A novel plant-fungal association reveals fundamental sRNA and gene expression reprogramming at the onset of symbiosis. BMC Biol 2021; 19:171. [PMID: 34429124 PMCID: PMC8385953 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01104-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ena Šečić
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Silvia Zanini
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniel Wibberg
- Center for Biotechnology - CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Lukas Jelonek
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tobias Busche
- Center for Biotechnology - CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jörn Kalinowski
- Center for Biotechnology - CeBiTec, Bielefeld University, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Sabrine Nasfi
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Thielmann
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jafargholi Imani
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jens Steinbrenner
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Kogel
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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Sakurai Y, Baeg K, Lam AYW, Shoji K, Tomari Y, Iwakawa HO. Cell-free reconstitution reveals the molecular mechanisms for the initiation of secondary siRNA biogenesis in plants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2102889118. [PMID: 34330830 PMCID: PMC8346886 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2102889118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary small interfering RNA (siRNA) production, triggered by primary small RNA targeting, is critical for proper development and antiviral defense in many organisms. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) is a key factor in this pathway. However, how RDR specifically converts the targets of primary small RNAs into double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) intermediates remains unclear. Here, we develop an in vitro system that allows for dissection of the molecular mechanisms underlying the production of trans-acting siRNAs, a class of plant secondary siRNAs that play roles in organ development and stress responses. We find that a combination of the dsRNA-binding protein, SUPPRESSOR OF GENE SILENCING3; the putative nuclear RNA export factor, SILENCING DEFECTIVE5, primary small RNA, and Argonaute is required for physical recruitment of RDR6 to target RNAs. dsRNA synthesis by RDR6 is greatly enhanced by the removal of the poly(A) tail, which can be achieved by the cleavage at a second small RNA-binding site bearing appropriate mismatches. Importantly, when the complementarity of the base pairing at the second target site is too strong, the small RNA-Argonaute complex remains at the cleavage site, thereby blocking the initiation of dsRNA synthesis by RDR6. Our data highlight the light and dark sides of double small RNA targeting in the secondary siRNA biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriki Sakurai
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Kyungmin Baeg
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Andy Y W Lam
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Keisuke Shoji
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Yukihide Tomari
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan;
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Hiro-Oki Iwakawa
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan;
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Saitama 332-0012, Japan
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Niu D, Hamby R, Sanchez JN, Cai Q, Yan Q, Jin H. RNAs - a new frontier in crop protection. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 70:204-212. [PMID: 34217122 PMCID: PMC8957476 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Niu
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Rachael Hamby
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jonatan Nino Sanchez
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Qiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Qin Yan
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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Jia H, Aadland K, Kolaczkowski O, Kolaczkowski B. Direct molecular evidence for an ancient, conserved developmental toolkit controlling post-transcriptional gene regulation in land plants. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:4765-4777. [PMID: 34196710 PMCID: PMC8557471 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In plants, miRNA production is orchestrated by a suite of proteins that control transcription of the pri-miRNA gene, post-transcriptional processing and nuclear export of the mature miRNA. Post-transcriptional processing of miRNAs is controlled by a pair of physically interacting proteins, hyponastic leaves 1 (HYL1) and Dicer-like 1 (DCL1). However, the evolutionary history and structural basis of the HYL1–DCL1 interaction is unknown. Here we use ancestral sequence reconstruction and functional characterization of ancestral HYL1 in vitro and in Arabidopsis thaliana to better understand the origin and evolution of the HYL1–DCL1 interaction and its impact on miRNA production and plant development. We found the ancestral plant HYL1 evolved high affinity for both double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and its DCL1 partner before the divergence of mosses from seed plants (∼500 Ma), and these high-affinity interactions remained largely conserved throughout plant evolutionary history. Structural modeling and molecular binding experiments suggest that the second of two dsRNA-binding motifs (DSRMs) in HYL1 may interact tightly with the first of two C-terminal DCL1 DSRMs to mediate the HYL1–DCL1 physical interaction necessary for efficient miRNA production. Transgenic expression of the nearly 200 Ma-old ancestral flowering-plant HYL1 in A. thaliana was sufficient to rescue many key aspects of plant development disrupted by HYL1− knockout and restored near-native miRNA production, suggesting that the functional partnership of HYL1–DCL1 originated very early in and was strongly conserved throughout the evolutionary history of terrestrial plants. Overall, our results are consistent with a model in which miRNA-based gene regulation evolved as part of a conserved plant “developmental toolkit.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jia
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kelsey Aadland
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Oralia Kolaczkowski
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Bryan Kolaczkowski
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Xu D, Zhou Q, Yan B, Ma A. Identification and physiological function of one microRNA ( Po-MilR-1) in oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. MYCOSCIENCE 2021; 62:182-188. [PMID: 37091326 PMCID: PMC9157778 DOI: 10.47371/mycosci.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are essential regulators of gene expression and have been extensively studied in plants and animals; however, few reports have been published in mushrooms. Po-MilR-1 is a novel microRNA with a length of 22 bp in Pleurotus ostreatus. The secondary structures of five precursors and the target genes of Po-MilR-1 were predicted. Expression profile analysis showed Po-MilR-1 had specific expression in the primordium and fruiting body. To explore its physiological function, Po-MilR-1 was overexpressed in P. ostreatus. The transformants showed slow mycelium growth rate and abnormal pileus with irregular edge, which suggested Po-MilR-1 plays an important role in P. ostreatus development. Additionally, Po-MilR-1 and one of its target hydrophobin genes POH1 had opposite temporal expression profiles in the primordium and fruiting body, which revealed that Po-MilR-1 may perform its physiological function through the negative regulation of POH1. This study explored the development-related function of a mushroom microRNA and will provide a reference for other microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyun Xu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University
| | - Qixia Zhou
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University
| | - Biyun Yan
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University
| | - Aimin Ma
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Microbial Resources and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University
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RNA Interference Strategies for Future Management of Plant Pathogenic Fungi: Prospects and Challenges. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040650. [PMID: 33805521 PMCID: PMC8067263 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Plant pathogenic fungi are the largest group of disease-causing agents on crop plants and represent a persistent and significant threat to agriculture worldwide. Conventional approaches based on the use of pesticides raise social concern for the impact on the environment and human health and alternative control methods are urgently needed. The rapid improvement and extensive implementation of RNA interference (RNAi) technology for various model and non-model organisms has provided the initial framework to adapt this post-transcriptional gene silencing technology for the management of fungal pathogens. Recent studies showed that the exogenous application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules on plants targeting fungal growth and virulence-related genes provided disease attenuation of pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium graminearum in different hosts. Such results highlight that the exogenous RNAi holds great potential for RNAi-mediated plant pathogenic fungal disease control. Production of dsRNA can be possible by using either in-vitro or in-vivo synthesis. In this review, we describe exogenous RNAi involved in plant pathogenic fungi and discuss dsRNA production, formulation, and RNAi delivery methods. Potential challenges that are faced while developing a RNAi strategy for fungal pathogens, such as off-target and epigenetic effects, with their possible solutions are also discussed.
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McCaghey M, Shao D, Kurcezewski J, Lindstrom A, Ranjan A, Whitham SA, Conley SP, Williams B, Smith DL, Kabbage M. Host-Induced Gene Silencing of a Sclerotinia sclerotiorum oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase Using Bean Pod Mottle Virus as a Vehicle Reduces Disease on Soybean. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:677631. [PMID: 34354721 PMCID: PMC8329588 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.677631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A lack of complete resistance in the current germplasm complicates the management of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soybean. In this study, we used bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) as a vehicle to down-regulate expression of a key enzyme in the production of an important virulence factor in S. sclerotiorum, oxalic acid (OA). Specifically, we targeted a gene encoding oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase (Ssoah1), because Ssoah1 deletion mutants are OA deficient and non-pathogenic on soybean. We first established that S. sclerotiorum can uptake environmental RNAs by monitoring the translocation of Cy3-labeled double-stranded and small interfering RNA (ds/siRNAs) into fungal hyphae using fluorescent confocal microscopy. This translocation led to a significant decrease in Ssoah1 transcript levels in vitro. Inoculation of soybean plants with BPMV vectors targeting Ssoah1 (pBPMV-OA) also led to decreased expression of Ssoah1. Importantly, pBPMV-OA inoculated plants showed enhanced resistance to S. sclerotiorum compared to empty-vector control plants. Our combined results provide evidence supporting the use of HIGS and exogenous applications of ds/siRNAs targeting virulence factors such as OA as viable strategies for the control of SSR in soybean and as discovery tools that can be used to identify previously unknown virulence factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan McCaghey
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dandan Shao
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jake Kurcezewski
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ally Lindstrom
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ashish Ranjan
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Steven A. Whitham
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Shawn P. Conley
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Brett Williams
- Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Damon L. Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Damon L. Smith
| | - Mehdi Kabbage
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Mehdi Kabbage
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Role of Non-coding RNAs in Fungal Pathogenesis and Antifungal Drug Responses. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-020-00151-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), constitute a significant part of eukaryotic genomes; however, their roles in fungi are just starting to emerge. ncRNAs have been shown to regulate gene expression in response to varying environmental conditions (like stress) and response to chemicals, including antifungal drugs. In this review, I highlighted recent studies focusing on the functional roles of ncRNAs in pathogenic fungi.
Recent Findings
Emerging evidence suggests sRNAs (small RNAs) and lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) play an important role in fungal pathogenesis and antifungal drug response. Their roles include posttranscriptional gene silencing, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling. Fungal pathogens utilize RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms to regulate pathogenesis-related genes and can also transfer sRNAs inside the host to suppress host immunity genes to increase virulence. Hosts can also transfer sRNAs to induce RNAi in fungal pathogens to reduce virulence. Additionally, sRNAs and lncRNAs also regulate gene expression in response to antifungal drugs increasing resistance (and possibly tolerance) to drugs.
Summary
Herein, I discuss what is known about ncRNAs in fungal pathogenesis and antifungal drug responses. Advancements in genomic technologies will help identify the ncRNA repertoire in fungal pathogens, and functional studies will elucidate their mechanisms. This will advance our understanding of host-fungal interactions and potentially help develop better treatment strategies.
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McGraw E, Dissanayaka RH, Vaughan JC, Kunte N, Mills G, Laurent GM, Avila LA. Laser-Assisted Delivery of Molecules in Fungal Cells. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:6167-6176. [PMID: 35021749 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections are becoming a global health problem. A major limiting factor for the development of antifungals is the high impermeability of the rigid and thick fungal cell wall. Compared to mammalian cells, fungal cells are more resilient to perforation due to the presence of this carbohydrate armor. While a few methods have been reported to penetrate the fungal cell wall, such as electroporation, biolistics, glass beads, and the use of monovalent cations, such methods are generally time-consuming, compromise cell viability, and often lead to low permeation rates. In addition, their use remains limited to in vitro applications due to the collateral damage that these techniques could cause to healthy living tissues. Presented in this study is a delivery approach based on the generation of transient breaks, or pores, in the cell wall. Breaks are generated by cavitation and shock waves resulting from the irradiation of gold nanoparticles with a femtosecond infrared laser. Such an approach enabled the delivery of membrane impermeable molecules (i.e., calcein and plasmid DNA) into Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a fungal model organism. This method is expected to exhibit high biocompatibility and holds potential for clinical applications for the treatment of fungal infections given that neither the laser irradiation nor the nanoparticles have been found to damage cells. Mechanistical aspects of photoporation, such as the proximity needed between the nanoparticle and the cell membrane for these processes to take place, are also discussed. Hence, the laser-assisted drug delivery approach described here is suitable for further preclinical evaluation in oral, vaginal, and skin mycoses where current treatments are insufficient due to host-related adverse reactions, poor fungal cell penetration, or risk of developing antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin McGraw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Radini H Dissanayaka
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - John C Vaughan
- Department of Physics, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Nitish Kunte
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - G Mills
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Guillaume M Laurent
- Department of Physics, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - L Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
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Saçar Demirci MD. Computational prediction of microRNAs in Histoplasma capsulatum. Microb Pathog 2020; 148:104433. [PMID: 32858119 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small and non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional regulation. Although, the standard miRNA repository, MiRBase, lists more than 200 organisms having miRNA mediated regulation mechanism and thousands of miRNAs, there is not enough information about miRNAs of fungal species. Considering that there are various fungal pathogens causing disease phenotypes, it is important to search for miRNAs of those organisms. The leading cause of endemic mycosis in the USA is a fungal disease known as histoplasmosis, which is resulted by infection with a fungal intracellular parasite, Histoplasma capsulatum (H. capsulatum). In this work, genomes of H. capsulatum strains NAm1 and G217B were explored for potential miRNA like sequences and structures. Through a complex workflow involving miRNA detection and target prediction, several miRNA candidates of H. capsulatum and their possible targets in human were identified. The results presented here indicate that H. capsulatum might be one of the fungal pathogens having a miRNA based post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanism and it might have a miRNA mediated host - parasite interaction with human.
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Ali M, Javaid A, Naqvi SH, Batcho A, Kayani WK, Lal A, Sajid IA, Nwogwugwu JO. Biotic stress triggered small RNA and RNAi defense response in plants. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:5511-5522. [PMID: 32562176 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05583-4] [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: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The yield of crops is largely affected by different types of biotic stresses. To minimize the damage, crop plants adapted themselves to overcome the stress conditions through gene expression reprogramming at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. With a better knowledge of plants' responses in adverse environments, new methodologies and strategies have been applied to develop better stress-tolerant plants. In this manner, small RNAs (micro RNA and small-interfering RNA) are reported to play a central role to combat biotic stresses in plants. Depending upon the stress stimuli, these small RNAs can up or down regulate the genes expression, that indicate their potential role in overcoming the stress. These stress-induced small RNAs may reduce the expression of the target gene(s) that might negatively influence plants' response to the adverse conditions. Contrariwise, miRNA, a class of small RNA, can downregulate its expression to upregulate the expression of the target gene(s), which might positively aid to the stress adaptation. Along with this, benefits of RNA interference (RNAi) have also been stated in functional genomic research on insects, fungi and plant pathogens. RNAi is involved in the safe transport of dsRNA to the targeted mRNA(s) in the biotic stress-causing agents (for example fungi and insects) and saves the plant from damage, which is a safer approach compared to use of chemical pesticides. The current review summarizes the role of small RNAs and the use of RNAi to save the plants from biotic stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Ali
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China.
- Department of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan.
| | - Ayesha Javaid
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Sajid Hassan Naqvi
- Department of Bioinformatics & Biotechnology, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Anicet Batcho
- Division of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Catholic University of the West Africa, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Waqas Khan Kayani
- Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 101, 23053, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Aamir Lal
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University Natural Sciences Campus, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, South Korea
| | - Imtiaz Ahmad Sajid
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Joy O Nwogwugwu
- Pathology Section, Department of Forest Conservation and Protection, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Malavia D, Gow NAR, Usher J. Advances in Molecular Tools and In Vivo Models for the Study of Human Fungal Pathogenesis. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E803. [PMID: 32466582 PMCID: PMC7356103 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi represent an increasing infectious disease threat to humans, especially with an increasing challenge of antifungal drug resistance. Over the decades, numerous tools have been developed to expedite the study of pathogenicity, initiation of disease, drug resistance and host-pathogen interactions. In this review, we highlight advances that have been made in the use of molecular tools using CRISPR technologies, RNA interference and transposon targeted mutagenesis. We also discuss the use of animal models in modelling disease of human fungal pathogens, focusing on zebrafish, the silkworm, Galleria mellonella and the murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jane Usher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; (D.M.); (N.A.R.G.)
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