Shuttle vectors for genetic manipulations in Ustilago maydis

Suppressors of Blm-deficiency identify three novel proteins that facilitate DNA repair in Ustilago maydis

To identify new molecular components of the Brh2-governed homologous recombination (HR)-network in the highly radiation-resistant fungus Ustilago maydis, we undertook a genetic screen for suppressors of blm-KR hydroxyurea (HU)-sensitivity. Twenty DNA-damage sensitive mutants were obtained, three of which showing slow-growth phenotypes. Focusing on the "normally" growing candidates we identified five mutations, two in previously well-defined genes (Rec2 and Rad51) and the remaining three in completely uncharacterized genes (named Rec3, Bls9 and Zdr1). A common feature among these novel factors is their prominent role in DNA repair. Rec3 contains the P-loop NTPase domain which is most similar to that found in U. maydis Rec2 protein, and like Rec2, Rec3 plays critical roles in induced allelic recombination, is crucial for completion of meiosis, and with regard to DNA repair Δrec3 and Δrec2 are epistatic to one another. Importantly, overexpression of Brh2 in Δrec3 can effectively restore DNA-damage resistance, indicating a close functional connection between Brh2 and Rec3. The Bls9 does not seem to have any convincing domains that would give a clue as to its function. Nevertheless, we present evidence that, besides being involved in DNA-repair, Bls9 is also necessary for HR between chromosome homologs. Moreover, Δbls9 showed epistasis with Δbrh2 with respect to killing by DNA-damaging agents. Both, Rec3 and Bls9, play an important role in protecting the genome from mutations. Zdr1 is Cys2-His2 zinc finger (C2H2-ZF) protein, whose loss does not cause a detectable change in HR. Also, the functions of both Bls9 and Zdr1 genes are dispensable in meiosis and sporulation. However, Zdr1 appears to have overlapping activities with Blm and Mus81 in protecting the organism from methyl methanesulfonate- and diepoxybutane-induced DNA-damage. Finally, while deletion of Rec3 and Zdr1 can suppress HU-sensitivity of blm-KR, Δgen1, and Δmus81 mutants, interestingly loss of Bls9 does not rescue HU-sensitivity of Δgen1.

Versatile CRISPR/Cas9 Systems for Genome Editing in Ustilago maydis

The phytopathogenic smut fungus Ustilago maydis is a versatile model organism to study plant pathology, fungal genetics, and molecular cell biology. Here, we report several strategies to manipulate the genome of U. maydis by the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. These include targeted gene deletion via homologous recombination of short double-stranded oligonucleotides, introduction of point mutations, heterologous complementation at the genomic locus, and endogenous N-terminal tagging with the fluorescent protein mCherry. All applications are independent of a permanent selectable marker and only require transient expression of the endonuclease Cas9hf and sgRNA. The techniques presented here are likely to accelerate research in the U. maydis community but can also act as a template for genome editing in other important fungi.

Loss of Cohesin Subunit Rec8 Switches Rad51 Mediator Dependence in Resistance to Formaldehyde Toxicity in Ustilago maydis

DNA-protein cross-links (DPCs) are frequently occurring lesions that provoke continual threats to the integrity of the genome by interference with replication and transcription. Reactive aldehydes generated from endogenous metabolic processes or produced in the environment are sources that trigger cross-linking of DNA with associated proteins. DNA repair pathways in place for removing DPCs, or for bypassing them to enable completion of replication, include homologous recombination (HR) and replication fork remodeling (FR) systems. Here, we surveyed a set of mutants defective in known HR and FR components to determine their contribution toward maintaining resistance to chronic formaldehyde (FA) exposure in Ustilago maydis, a fungus that relies on the BRCA2-family member Brh2 as the principal Rad51 mediator in repair of DNA strand breaks. We found that, in addition to Brh2, Rad52 was also vital for resistance to FA. Deleting the gene for Rec8, a kleisin subunit of cohesin, eliminated the requirement for Brh2, but not Rad52, in FA resistance. The Rad51K133R mutant variant that is able to bind DNA but unable to dissociate from it was able to support resistance to FA. These findings suggest a model for DPC repair and tolerance that features a specialized role for Rad52, enabling Rad51 to access DNA in its noncanonical capacity of replication fork protection rather than DNA strand transfer.

A silver bullet in a golden age of functional genomics: the impact of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of fungi

The implementation of Agrobacterium tumefaciens as a transformation tool revolutionized approaches to discover and understand gene functions in a large number of fungal species. A. tumefaciens mediated transformation (AtMT) is one of the most transformative technologies for research on fungi developed in the last 20 years, a development arguably only surpassed by the impact of genomics. AtMT has been widely applied in forward genetics, whereby generation of strain libraries using random T-DNA insertional mutagenesis, combined with phenotypic screening, has enabled the genetic basis of many processes to be elucidated. Alternatively, AtMT has been fundamental for reverse genetics, where mutant isolates are generated with targeted gene deletions or disruptions, enabling gene functional roles to be determined. When combined with concomitant advances in genomics, both forward and reverse approaches using AtMT have enabled complex fungal phenotypes to be dissected at the molecular and genetic level. Additionally, in several cases AtMT has paved the way for the development of new species to act as models for specific areas of fungal biology, particularly in plant pathogenic ascomycetes and in a number of basidiomycete species. Despite its impact, the implementation of AtMT has been uneven in the fungi. This review provides insight into the dynamics of expansion of new research tools into a large research community and across multiple organisms. As such, AtMT in the fungi, beyond the demonstrated and continuing power for gene discovery and as a facile transformation tool, provides a model to understand how other technologies that are just being pioneered, e.g. CRISPR/Cas, may play roles in fungi and other eukaryotic species.

Gene Function Analysis in the Ubiquitous Human Commensal and Pathogen Malassezia Genus

The genus Malassezia includes 14 species that are found on the skin of humans and animals and are associated with a number of diseases. Recent genome sequencing projects have defined the gene content of all 14 species; however, to date, genetic manipulation has not been possible for any species within this genus. Here, we develop and then optimize molecular tools for the transformation of Malassezia furfur and Malassezia sympodialis using Agrobacterium tumefaciens delivery of transfer DNA (T-DNA) molecules. These T-DNAs can insert randomly into the genome. In the case of M. furfur, targeted gene replacements were also achieved via homologous recombination, enabling deletion of the ADE2 gene for purine biosynthesis and of the LAC2 gene predicted to be involved in melanin biosynthesis. Hence, the introduction of exogenous DNA and direct gene manipulation are feasible in Malassezia species.

Species in the genus Malassezia are a defining component of the microbiome of the surface of mammals. They are also associated with a wide range of skin disease symptoms. Many species are difficult to culture in vitro, and although genome sequences are available for the species in this genus, it has not been possible to assess gene function to date. In this study, we pursued a series of possible transformation methods and identified one that allows the introduction of DNA into two species of Malassezia, including the ability to make targeted integrations into the genome such that genes can be deleted. This research opens a new direction in terms of now being able to analyze gene functions in this little understood genus. These tools will contribute to define the mechanisms that lead to the commensalism and pathogenicity in this group of obligate fungi that are predominant on the skin of mammals.

Ustilago maydis natural antisense transcript expression alters mRNA stability and pathogenesis

Ustilago maydis infection of Zea mays leads to the production of thick-walled diploid teliospores that are the dispersal agent for this pathogen. Transcriptome analyses of this model biotrophic basidiomycete fungus identified natural antisense transcripts (NATs) complementary to 247 open reading frames. The U. maydis NAT cDNAs were fully sequenced and annotated. Strand-specific RT-PCR screens confirmed expression and identified NATs preferentially expressed in the teliospore. Targeted screens revealed four U. maydis NATs that are conserved in a related fungus. Expression of NATs in haploid cells, where they are not naturally occurring, resulted in increased steady-state levels of some complementary mRNAs. The expression of one NAT, as-um02151, in haploid cells resulted in a twofold increase in complementary mRNA levels, the formation of sense-antisense double-stranded RNAs, and unchanged Um02151 protein levels. This led to a model for NAT function in the maintenance and expression of stored teliospore mRNAs. In testing this model by deletion of the regulatory region, it was determined that alteration in NAT expression resulted in decreased pathogenesis in both cob and seedling infections. This annotation and functional analysis supports multiple roles for U. maydis NATs in controlling gene expression and influencing pathogenesis.

Ortholog of BRCA2-interacting protein BCCIP controls morphogenetic responses during DNA replication stress in Ustilago maydis

The BRCA2 tumor suppressor functions in repair of DNA by homologous recombination through regulating the action of Rad51. In turn, BRCA2 appears to be regulated by other interacting proteins. Dss1, a small interacting protein that binds to the C-terminal domain, has a profound effect on activity as deduced from studies on the BRCA2-related protein Brh2 in Ustilago maydis. Evidence accumulating in mammalian systems suggests that BCCIP, another small interacting protein that binds to the C-terminal domain of BRCA2, also serves to regulate homologous recombination activity. Here we were interested in testing the role of the putative U. maydis BCCIP ortholog Bcp1 in DNA repair and recombination. In keeping with the mammalian paradigm, Bcp1 bound to the C-terminal region of Brh2. Mutants deleted of the gene were extremely slow growing, showed a delay passing through S phase and exhibited sensitivity to hydroxyurea, but were otherwise normal in DNA repair and homologous recombination. In the absence of Bcp1 cells were unable to maintain the wild type morphology when challenged by a DNA replication stress. These results suggest that Bcp1 could be involved in coordinating morphogenetic events with DNA processing during replication.

Dss1 interaction with Brh2 as a regulatory mechanism for recombinational repair

Brh2, the BRCA2 ortholog in Ustilago maydis, enables recombinational repair of DNA by controlling Rad51 and is in turn regulated by Dss1. Interplay with Rad51 is conducted via the BRC element located in the N-terminal region of the protein and through an unrelated domain, CRE, at the C terminus. Mutation in either BRC or CRE severely reduces functional activity, but repair deficiency of the brh2 mutant can be complemented by expressing BRC and CRE on different molecules. This intermolecular complementation is dependent upon the presence of Dss1. Brh2 molecules associate through the region overlapping with the Dss1-interacting domain to form at least dimer-sized complexes, which in turn, can be dissociated by Dss1 to monomer. We propose that cooperation between BRC and CRE domains and the Dss1-provoked dissociation of Brh2 complexes are requisite features of Brh2's molecular mechanism.

The Clp1 protein is required for clamp formation and pathogenic development of Ustilago maydis

In the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis, pathogenic development is controlled by a heterodimer of the two homeodomain proteins bE and bW, encoded by the b-mating-type locus. We have identified a b-dependently induced gene, clampless1 (clp1), that is required for the proliferation of dikaryotic filaments in planta. We show that U. maydis hyphae develop structures functionally equivalent to clamp cells that participate in the distribution of nuclei during cell division. In clp1 mutant strains, dikaryotic filaments penetrate the plant cuticle, but development is stalled before the first mitotic division, and the clamp-like structures are not formed. Although clp1 is immediately activated upon b-induction on the transcriptional level, nuclear-localized Clp1 protein is first observed at the stage of plant penetration prior to the first cell division. Induced expression of clp1 strongly interferes with b-dependent gene regulation and blocks b-dependent filament formation and b-dependent cell cycle arrest. We speculate that the Clp1 protein inhibits the activity of the bE/bW heterodimer to facilitate the cell cycle progression during hyphal growth.

Pathocycles: Ustilago maydis as a model to study the relationships between cell cycle and virulence in pathogenic fungi

Activation of virulence in pathogenic fungi often involves differentiation processes that need the reset of the cell cycle and induction of a new morphogenetic program. Therefore, the fungal capability to modify its cell cycle constitutes an important determinant in carrying out a successful infection. The dimorphic fungus Ustilago maydis is the causative agent of corn smut disease and has lately become a highly attractive model in addressing fundamental questions about development in pathogenic fungi. The different morphological and genetic changes of U. maydis cells during the pathogenic process advocate an accurate control of the cell cycle in these transitions. This is why this model pathogen deserves attention as a powerful tool in analyzing the relationships between cell cycle, morphogenesis, and pathogenicity. The aim of this review is to summarize recent advances in the unveiling of cell cycle regulation in U. maydis. We also discuss the connection between cell cycle and virulence and how cell cycle control is an important downstream target in the fungus-plant interaction.

Rec2 interplay with both Brh2 and Rad51 balances recombinational repair in Ustilago maydis

Rec2 is the single Rad51 paralog in Ustilago maydis. Here, we find that Rec2 is required for radiation-induced Rad51 nuclear focus formation but that Rec2 foci form independently of Rad51 and Brh2. Brh2 foci also form in the absence of Rad51 and Rec2. By coprecipitation from cleared extracts prepared from Escherichia coli cells expressing the proteins, we found that Rec2 interacts physically not only with Rad51 and itself but also with Brh2. Transgenic expression of Brh2 in rec2 mutants can effectively restore radiation resistance, but the frequencies of spontaneous Rad51 focus formation and allelic recombination are elevated. The Dss1-independent Brh2-RPA70 fusion protein is also active in restoring radiation sensitivity of rec2 but is hyperactive to an extreme degree in allelic recombination and in suppressing the meiotic block of rec2. However, the high frequency of chromosome missegregation in meiotic products is an indicator of a corrupted process. The results demonstrate that the importance of Rec2 function is not only in stimulating recombination activity but also in ensuring that recombination is properly controlled.

Brh2-Dss1 interplay enables properly controlled recombination in Ustilago maydis

Brh2, the BRCA2 homolog in Ustilago maydis, functions in recombinational repair of DNA damage by regulating Rad51 and is, in turn, regulated by Dss1. Dss1 is not required for Brh2 stability in vivo, nor for Brh2 to associate with Rad51, but is required for formation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-Rad51 foci following DNA damage by gamma radiation. To understand more about the interplay between Brh2 and Dss1, we isolated mutant variants of Brh2 able to bypass the requirement for Dss1. These variants were found to lack the entire C-terminal DNA-Dss1 binding domain but to maintain the N-terminal region harboring the Rad51-interacting BRC element. GFP-Rad51 focus formation was nearly normal in brh2 mutant cells expressing a representative Brh2 variant with the C-terminal domain deleted. These findings suggest that the N-terminal region of Brh2 has an innate ability to organize Rad51. Survival after DNA damage was almost fully restored by a chimeric form of Brh2 having a DNA-binding domain from RPA70 fused to the Brh2 N-terminal domain, but Rad51 focus formation and mitotic recombination were elevated above wild-type levels. The results provide evidence for a mechanism in which Dss1 activates a Brh2-Rad51 complex and balances a finely regulated recombinational repair system.