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Qiu C, Liu Z. Positive selection and functional diversification of transcription factor Cmr1 homologs in Alternaria. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:133. [PMID: 38229332 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12893-7] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factor Cmr1 (Colletotrichum melanin regulation 1) and its homologs in several plant fungal pathogens are the regulators of the 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin biosynthesis pathway and have evolved functional diversification in morphology and pathogenicity. The fungal genus Alternaria comprises the group of "black fungi" that are rich in DHN-melanin in the primary cell wall and septa of the conidia. Some Alternaria species cause many economically important plant diseases worldwide. However, the evolution and function of Cmr1 homologs in Alternaria remain poorly understood. Here, we identified a total of forty-two Cmr1 homologs from forty-two Alternaria spp. and all contained one additional diverse fungal specific transcription factor motif. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the division of these homologs into five major clades and three branches. Dated phylogeny showed the A and D clades diverged latest and earliest, respectively. Molecular evolutionary analyses revealed that three amino acid sites of Cmr1 homologs in Alternaria were the targets of positive selection. Asmr1, the homolog of Cmr1 in the potato early blight pathogen, Alternaria solani was amplified and displayed the sequence conservation at the amino acid level in different A. solani isolates. Asmr1 was further confirmed to have the transcriptional activation activity and was upregulated during the early stage of potato infection. Deletion of asmr1 led to the decreased melanin content and pathogenicity, deformed conidial morphology, and responses to cell wall and fungicide stresses in A. solani. These results suggest positive selection and functional divergence have played a role in the evolution of Cmr1 homologs in Alternaria. KEY POINTS: • Cmr1 homologs were under positive selection in Alternaria species • Asmr1 is a functional transcription factor, involved in spore development, melanin biosynthesis, pathogenicity, and responses to cell wall and fungicide stresses in A. solani • Cmr1 might be used as a potential taxonomic marker of the genus Alternaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaodong Qiu
- Department of Plant Pathology, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Zhenyu Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management On Crops, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
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2
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Li R, Li Y, Xu W, Liu W, Xu X, Bi Y, Prusky D. Aabrm1-mediated melanin synthesis is essential to growth and development, stress adaption, and pathogenicity in Alternaria alternata. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1327765. [PMID: 38274752 PMCID: PMC10808324 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1327765] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Scytalone dehydratase (brm1) is one of the key enzymes in 1, 8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin synthesis, which mediates melanin biosythesis and regulates cell biological process of plant fungi, but its function in Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of pear black spot, is unclear. Brm1 in A. alternata was cloned, identified, and named as Aabrm1. An Aabrm1-deletion mutant was generated and revealed that the deletion of Aabrm1 leads to a significant decrease in melanin production and forms orange colony smooth spores. In addition, the deletion of Aabrm1 gene impaired infection structure information and penetration. The external stress resistance of ΔAabrm1 was significantly weakened, and, in particular, it is very sensitive to oxidative stress, and the contents of H2O2 and O2.- in ΔAabrm1 were significantly increased. Virulence of ΔAabrm1 was reduced in non-wound-inoculated pear leaves but not changed in wound-inoculated pear fruit. These results indicated that Aabrm1-mediated melanin synthesis plays an important role in the pathogenicity of A. alternata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongcai Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenyi Xu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Bi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dov Prusky
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel
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3
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Fernandes C, Casadevall A, Gonçalves T. Mechanisms of Alternaria pathogenesis in animals and plants. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad061. [PMID: 37884396 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad061] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria species are cosmopolitan fungi darkly pigmented by melanin that infect numerous plant species causing economically important agricultural spoilage of various food crops. Alternaria spp. also infect animals, being described as entomopathogenic fungi but also infecting warm-blooded animals, including humans. Their clinical importance in human health, as infection agents, lay in the growing number of immunocompromised patients. Moreover, Alternaria spp. are considered some of the most abundant and potent sources of airborne sensitizer allergens causing allergic respiratory diseases, as severe asthma. Among the numerous strategies deployed by Alternaria spp. to attack their hosts, the production of toxins, carrying critical concerns to public health as food contaminant, and the production of hydrolytic enzymes such as proteases, can be highlighted. Alternaria proteases also trigger allergic symptoms in individuals with fungal sensitization, acting as allergens and facilitating antigen access to the host subepithelium. Here, we review the current knowledge about the mechanisms of Alternaria pathogenesis in plants and animals, the strategies used by Alternaria to cope with the host defenses, and the involvement Alternaria allergens and mechanisms of sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Fernandes
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Wolfe Street, Room E5132, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- CNC-UC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC - Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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Li H, Sheng RC, Zhang CN, Wang LC, Li M, Wang YH, Qiao YH, Klosterman SJ, Chen JY, Kong ZQ, Subbarao KV, Chen FM, Zhang DD. Two zinc finger proteins, VdZFP1 and VdZFP2, interact with VdCmr1 to promote melanized microsclerotia development and stress tolerance in Verticillium dahliae. BMC Biol 2023; 21:237. [PMID: 37904147 PMCID: PMC10617112 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01697-w] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanin plays important roles in morphological development, survival, host-pathogen interactions and in the virulence of phytopathogenic fungi. In Verticillum dahliae, increases in melanin are recognized as markers of maturation of microsclerotia which ensures the long-term survival and stress tolerance, while decreases in melanin are correlated with increased hyphal growth in the host. The conserved upstream components of the VdCmr1-regulated pathway controlling melanin production in V. dahliae have been extensively identified, but the direct activators of this pathway are still unclear. RESULTS We identified two genes encoding conserved C2H2-type zinc finger proteins VdZFP1 and VdZFP2 adjacent to VdPKS9, a gene encoding a negative regulator of both melanin biosynthesis and microsclerotia formation in V. dahliae. Both VdZFP1 and VdZFP2 were induced during microsclerotia development and were involved in melanin deposition. Their localization changed from cytoplasmic to nuclear in response to osmotic pressure. VdZFP1 and VdZFP2 act as modulators of microsclerotia melanization in V. dahliae, as confirmed by melanin biosynthesis inhibition and supplementation with the melanin pathway intermediate scytalone in albino strains. The results indicate that VdZFP1 and VdZFP2 participate in melanin biosynthesis by positively regulating VdCmr1. Based on the results obtained with yeast one- and two-hybrid (Y1H and Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) systems, we determined the melanin biosynthesis relies on the direct interactions among VdZFP1, VdZFP2 and VdCmr1, and these interactions occur on the cell walls of microsclerotia. Additionally, VdZFP1 and/or VdZFP2 mutants displayed increased sensitivity to stress factors rather than alterations in pathogenicity, reflecting the importance of melanin in stress tolerance of V. dahliae. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that VdZFP1 and VdZFP2 positively regulate VdCmr1 to promote melanin deposition during microsclerotia development, providing novel insight into the regulation of melanin biosynthesis in V. dahliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ruo-Cheng Sheng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chen-Ning Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li-Chao Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ya-Hong Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Hang Qiao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Steven J Klosterman
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Salinas, CA, USA
| | - Jie-Yin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, 831100, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Kong
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, 831100, China
| | - Krishna V Subbarao
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, c/o United States Agricultural Research Station,, Salinas, CA, USA.
| | - Feng-Mao Chen
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Dan-Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, 831100, China.
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Prasad P, Jain N, Chaudhary J, Thakur RK, Savadi S, Bhardwaj SC, Gangwar OP, Lata C, Adhikari S, Kumar S, Balyan HS, Gupta PK. Candidate effectors for leaf rust resistance gene Lr28 identified through transcriptome and in-silico analysis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1143703. [PMID: 37789861 PMCID: PMC10543267 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1143703] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Puccinia spp. causing rust diseases in wheat and other cereals secrete several specialized effector proteins into host cells. Characterization of these proteins and their interaction with host's R proteins could greatly help to limit crop losses due to diseases. Prediction of effector proteins by combining the transcriptome analysis and multiple in-silico approaches is gaining importance in revealing the pathogenic mechanism. The present study involved identification of 13 Puccinia triticina (Pt) coding sequences (CDSs), through transcriptome analysis, that were differentially expressed during wheat-leaf rust interaction; and prediction of their effector like features using different in-silico tools. NCBI-BLAST and pathogen-host interaction BLAST (PHI-BLAST) tools were used to annotate and classify these sequences based on their most closely matched counterpart in both the databases. Homology between CDSs and the annotated sequences in the NCBI database ranged from 79 to 94% and with putative effectors of other plant pathogens in PHI-BLAST from 24.46 to 54.35%. Nine of the 13 CDSs had effector-like features according to EffectorP 3.0 (≥0.546 probability of these sequences to be effector). The qRT-PCR expression analysis revealed that the relative expression of all CDSs in compatible interaction (HD2329) was maximum at 11 days post inoculation (dpi) and that in incompatible interactions (HD2329 + Lr28) was maximum at 3 dpi in seven and 9 dpi in five CDSs. These results suggest that six CDSs (>0.8 effector probability as per EffectorP 3.0) could be considered as putative Pt effectors. The molecular docking and MD simulation analysis of these six CDSs suggested that candidate Lr28 protein binds more strongly to candidate effector c14094_g1_i1 to form more stable complex than the remaining five. Further functional characterization of these six candidate effectors should prove useful for a better understanding of wheat-leaf rust interaction. In turn, this should facilitate effector-based leaf rust resistance breeding in wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Prasad
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, India
| | - Neelu Jain
- Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India
| | - Jyoti Chaudhary
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India
| | - Rajni Kant Thakur
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, India
| | | | | | - Om Prakash Gangwar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, India
| | - Charu Lata
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, India
| | - Sneha Adhikari
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, India
- Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India
| | - Subodh Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, India
| | - Harindra Singh Balyan
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India
| | - Pushpendra Kumar Gupta
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, India
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Guegan H, Poirier W, Ravenel K, Dion S, Delabarre A, Desvillechabrol D, Pinson X, Sergent O, Gallais I, Gangneux JP, Giraud S, Gastebois A. Deciphering the Role of PIG1 and DHN-Melanin in Scedosporium apiospermum Conidia. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020134. [PMID: 36836250 PMCID: PMC9965090 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020134] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Scedosporium apiospermum is a saprophytic filamentous fungus involved in human infections, of which the virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis are still poorly characterized. In particular, little is known about the specific role of dihydroxynaphtalene (DHN)-melanin, located on the external layer of the conidia cell wall. We previously identified a transcription factor, PIG1, which may be involved in DHN-melanin biosynthesis. To elucidate the role of PIG1 and DHN-melanin in S. apiospermum, a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated PIG1 deletion was carried out from two parental strains to evaluate its impact on melanin biosynthesis, conidia cell-wall assembly, and resistance to stress, including the ability to survive macrophage engulfment. ΔPIG1 mutants did not produce melanin and showed a disorganized and thinner cell wall, resulting in a lower survival rate when exposed to oxidizing conditions, or high temperature. The absence of melanin increased the exposure of antigenic patterns on the conidia surface. PIG1 regulates the melanization of S. apiospermum conidia, and is involved in the survival to environmental injuries and to the host immune response, that might participate in virulence. Moreover, a transcriptomic analysis was performed to explain the observed aberrant septate conidia morphology and found differentially expressed genes, underlining the pleiotropic function of PIG1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Guegan
- CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-223233496
| | - Wilfried Poirier
- University of Angers, University of Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Kevin Ravenel
- University of Angers, University of Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Sarah Dion
- INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Aymeric Delabarre
- INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Dimitri Desvillechabrol
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Plate-Forme Technologique Biomics, 75015 Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Xavier Pinson
- CNRS, INSERM, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, MRic Core Facility, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Odile Sergent
- INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Isabelle Gallais
- INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- CHU Rennes, INSERM, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail)—UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Sandrine Giraud
- University of Angers, University of Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Amandine Gastebois
- University of Angers, University of Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
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Wang C, Wang J, Zhang D, Cheng J, Zhu J, Yang Z. Identification and functional analysis of protein secreted by Alternaria solani. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281530. [PMID: 36877688 PMCID: PMC9987770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early blight, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria solani, is an important foliar disease that causes major yield losses of potato. Effector proteins secreted by pathogens to host cells can inhibit host immune response to pathogens. Currently, the function of effector proteins secreted by A. solani during infection is poorly understood. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel candidate effector protein, AsCEP50. AsCEP50 is a secreted protein that is highly expressed throughout the infection stages of A. solani. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato demonstrated that AsCEP50 is located on the plasma membrane of N. benthamiana and regulates senescence-related genes, resulting in the chlorosis of N. benthamiana and tomato leaves. Δ50 mutants were unaffected in vegetative growth, spore formation and mycelium morphology. However, the deletion of AsCEP50 significantly reduced virulence, melanin production and penetration of A. solani. These results strongly supported that AsCEP50 is an important pathogenic factor at the infection stage and contributes to the virulence of Alternaria solani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, P. R. China
| | - Jinhui Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, P. R. China
| | - Dai Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, P. R. China
| | - Jianing Cheng
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, P. R. China
| | - Jiehua Zhu
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, P. R. China
- Technological Innovation Center for Biological Control of Crop Diseases and Insect Pests of Hebei Province, Baoding, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (JZ); (ZY)
| | - Zhihui Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, P. R. China
- Technological Innovation Center for Biological Control of Crop Diseases and Insect Pests of Hebei Province, Baoding, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (JZ); (ZY)
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Liu Z, Wang H, Wang J, Lv J, Xie B, Luo S, Wang S, Zhang B, Li Z, Yue Z, Yu J. Physical, chemical, and biological control of black rot of brassicaceae vegetables: A review. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1023826. [PMID: 36504826 PMCID: PMC9726911 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1023826] [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: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the important sources of human nutrition, Brassicaceae vegetables are widely grown worldwide. Black rot caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) seriously affects the quality and yield of Brassicaceae vegetables. Therefore, it is important to study control methods of Xcc for Brassicaceae vegetable production. This paper reviews the physical, chemical, and biological control methods of Xcc in Brassicaceae vegetables developed in recent years, and the underlying mechanisms of control methods are also discussed. Based on our current knowledge, future research directions for Xcc control are also proposed. This review also provides a reference basis for the control of Xcc in the field cultivation of Brassicaceae vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeci Liu
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huiping Wang
- Institute of Biology, Gansu Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jian Lv
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bojie Xie
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shilei Luo
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuya Wang
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhaozhuang Li
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhibin Yue
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jihua Yu
- College of Horticulture, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jihua Yu,
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9
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Liao CJ, Hailemariam S, Sharon A, Mengiste T. Pathogenic strategies and immune mechanisms to necrotrophs: Differences and similarities to biotrophs and hemibiotrophs. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 69:102291. [PMID: 36063637 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2022.102291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenesis in plant diseases is complex comprising diverse pathogen virulence and plant immune mechanisms. These pathogens cause damaging plant diseases by deploying specialized and generic virulence strategies that are countered by intricate resistance mechanisms. The significant challenges that necrotrophs pose to crop production are predicted to increase with climate change. Immunity to biotrophs and hemibiotrophs is dominated by intracellular receptors that recognize specific effectors and activate resistance. These mechanisms play only minor roles in resistance to necrotrophs. Pathogen- or host-derived conserved pattern molecules trigger immune responses that broadly contribute to plant immunity. However, certain pathogen or host-derived immune elicitors are enriched by the virulence activities of necrotrophs. Different plant hormones modulate systemic resistance and cell death that have differential impacts on resistance to pathogens of different lifestyles. Knowledge of mechanisms that contribute to resistance to necrotrophs has expanded. Besides toxins and cell wall degrading enzymes that dominate the pathogenesis of necrotrophs, other effectors with subtle contributions are being identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Jan Liao
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Sara Hailemariam
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Amir Sharon
- Department of Molecular Biology and Ecology of Plants, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tesfaye Mengiste
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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Liang X, Li B, Zhao X, Yao L, Kong Y, Liu W, Zhang R, Sun G. 1,8-Dihydroxynaphthalene Melanin Biosynthesis in Colletotrichum fructicola Is Developmentally Regulated and Requires the Cooperative Function of Two Putative Zinc Finger Transcription Factors. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2022; 112:2174-2186. [PMID: 36154270 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-01-22-0037-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In ascomycetes, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin plays important protective functions and its production is usually coupled with development and environmental stress responses. The regulation of melanin biosynthesis, however, remains obscure. Colletotrichum fructicola is a phytopathogen with a broad host range that produces melanized appressoria and perithecia. In this study, we annotated melanin genes in a high-quality C. fructicola genome and characterized two zinc finger transcription factors (TFs) (cmr1 and cmr2) that form a loosely organized gene cluster with several melanin biosynthesis genes. Deleting either TF abolished melanization in both mycelia and perithecia but did not affect appressoria. The deletion mutants also showed perithecial development defects. Overexpressing cmr1 in Δcmr2 strongly activated the expression of melanin biosynthesis genes including pks1, scd1, t4hr1, and thr1 and caused hyper-accumulation of charcoal to black pigment(s). On the other hand, overexpressing cmr2 in Δcmr1 activated pks1, t4hr1, and thr1, but not scd1. We conclude that proper DHN melanin accumulation in C. fructicola requires the cooperative function of two in-cluster TFs that also regulate perithecial development. The study clarifies DHN melanin regulations in C. fructicola and expands the function of melanin in-cluster TFs to sex regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Bingxuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xuemei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Liqiang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wenkui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Guangyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
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11
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Wang C, Zhang D, Cheng J, Zhao D, Pan Y, Li Q, Zhu J, Yang Z, Wang J. Identification of effector CEP112 that promotes the infection of necrotrophic Alternaria solani. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:466. [PMID: 36171557 PMCID: PMC9520946 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03845-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternaria solani is a typical necrotrophic pathogen that can cause severe early blight on Solanaceae crops and cause ring disease on plant leaves. Phytopathogens produce secretory effectors that regulate the host immune response and promote pathogenic infection. Effector proteins, as specialized secretions of host-infecting pathogens, play important roles in disrupting host defense systems. At present, the role of the effector secreted by A. solani during infection remains unclear. We report the identification and characterization of AsCEP112, an effector required for A. solani virulence. RESULT The AsCEP112 gene was screened from the transcriptome and genome of A. solani on the basis of typical effector signatures. Fluorescence quantification and transient expression analysis showed that the expression level of AsCEP112 continued to increase during infection. The protein localized to the cell membrane of Nicotiana benthamiana and regulated senescence-related genes, resulting in the chlorosis of N. benthamiana and tomato leaves. Moreover, comparative analysis of AsCEP112 mutant obtained by homologous recombination with wild-type and revertant strains indicated that AsCEP112 gene played an active role in regulating melanin formation and penetration in the pathogen. Deletion of AsCEP112 also reduced the pathogenicity of HWC-168. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that AsCEP112 was an important effector protein that targeted host cell membranes. AsCEP112 regulateed host senescence-related genes to control host leaf senescence and chlorosis, and contribute to pathogen virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dai Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianing Cheng
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Pan
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Li
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiehua Zhu
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China.
- Technological Innovation Center for Biological Control of Crop Diseases and Insect Pests of Hebei Province, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhihui Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China.
- Technological Innovation Center for Biological Control of Crop Diseases and Insect Pests of Hebei Province, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinhui Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China.
- Technological Innovation Center for Biological Control of Crop Diseases and Insect Pests of Hebei Province, Baoding, 071001, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Shimizu M, Naznin HA, Hieno A. The Significance of Mycoparasitism by Streptomyces sp. MBCN152-1 for Its Biocontrol Activity against Alternaria brassicicola. Microbes Environ 2022; 37. [PMID: 36104185 PMCID: PMC9530718 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me22048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptomyces sp. strain MBCN152-1, isolated from cabbage, has potential as a biocontrol agent for Alternaria brassicicola on cabbage seedlings. The present study examined its mode of action. Light microscopy showed that appressorium formation by A. brassicicola was significantly suppressed on cabbage seedlings bacterized with MBCN152-1. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that the mycelia of MBCN152-1, which were epiphytically growing on the cotyledon leaves of cabbage seedlings, intensively coiled around the germinating conidia of A. brassicicola. In vitro co-culture experiments demonstrated that MBCN152-1 is an aggressive mycoparasite of A. brassicicola, but not of A. brassicae or Colletotrichum higginsianum. Biocontrol experiments indicated that MBCN152-1 did not control diseases caused by A. brassicae or C. higginsianum. These results suggest that mycoparasitism is the primary mode of action for MBCN152-1. This is the first study to clearly demonstrate the significance of mycoparasitism in the biocontrol efficacy of endophytic Streptomyces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Shimizu
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University
| | - Hushna Ara Naznin
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University
| | - Ayaka Hieno
- River Basin Research Center, Gifu University
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13
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Li R, Li Y, Xu W, Zhang M, Jiang Q, Liu Y, Li L, Bi Y, Prusky DB. Transcription factor AacmrA mediated melanin synthesis regulates the growth, appressorium formation, stress response and pathogenicity of pear fungal Alternaria alternata. Fungal Biol 2022; 126:687-695. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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14
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Wang F, Liu K, Wang J, Sun Y, Xiao S, Xue C. ClNOX1/ClNOXR-mediated MAPK and cAMP-PKA signalling pathways and ROS metabolism are involved in Curvularia lunata sexual reproduction and host infection. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:4340-4355. [PMID: 35676222 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
NADPH oxidases (NOXs) and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) are involved in physiological and pathological processes, and cell fate decisions in organisms. However, regulatory mechanism of NOXs and the role of H2 O2 on fungal sexual reproduction and host infection remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified ROS metabolic genes and key signalling genes of MAPK and cAMP-PKA pathways in Curvularia lunata, which were NOX ClNOX1 and ClNOXR, superoxide dismutase ClSOD1 and catalase ClCAT4, redox-regulated transcription factor ClAP1, Ras small GTPases Clg2P, pheromone-response MAPK ClK1 and cAMP-PKA ClSCHA, and characterized the functions of these genes. The results showed that ClNOX1 localized to the plasma membrane. ClNOX1 and ClNOXR were involved in sexual reproduction and host infection via ClNOX1/ClNOXR-derived H2 O2 as well as MAPK and cAMP-PKA signalling pathways. H2 O2 acted as a signalling molecule to regulate sexual reproduction and host infection in C. lunata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, 110161, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, 110161, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, 110161, China
| | - Yuxin Sun
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, 110161, China
| | - Shuqin Xiao
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, 110161, China
| | - Chunsheng Xue
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, 110161, China
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15
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Huang P, Cao H, Li Y, Zhu S, Wang J, Wang Q, Liu X, Lin FC, Lu J. Melanin Promotes Spore Production in the Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:843838. [PMID: 35295315 PMCID: PMC8920546 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.843838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The rice blast pathogen, Magnaporthe oryzae, spreads through spores and invades rice through appressoria. Melanin is necessary for an appressorium to penetrate plant cells, but there are many unknown aspects of its role in fungal conidiation. In this study, we confirmed that melanin promotes spore production in M. oryzae, and that this effect is related to the background melanin content of wild-type strains. In the wild-type 70-15 strain with low melanin content of aerial hyphae, increased melanin synthesis promoted sporulation. In contrast, increased melanin synthesis in the wild-type Guy11 strain, which has higher melanin content, did not promote sporulation. The transcription factor Cnf1 (conidial production negative regulatory factor 1), which negatively regulates melanin synthesis, has opposite effects in conidiophore differentiation of Guy11 and 70-15. Deletion of CNF1 did not abolish the defects of Δcos1 and Δhox2 (where COS1/conidiophore stalk-less 1 or HOX2/homeodomain protein 2 was deleted) in conidiation, while increased the conidiation of Δgcc1 and Δgcf3 (where GCC1/growth, conidiation and cell wall regulatory factor 1, or GCF3/growth and conidiation regulatory factor 3 was deleted). Pig1 (pigment of Magnaporthe 1) regulates the melanin synthesis of hyphae but not of conidiophores, spores, or appressoria. Deletion of the same gene in different wild-type strains can lead to different phenotypes, partly because of differences in melanin content between fungal strains. Overall, this study reveals the functional diversity and complexity of melanin in different M. oryzae strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyun Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Cao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siyi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Cheng Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Gao X, Wang Q, Feng Q, Zhang B, He C, Luo H, An B. Heat Shock Transcription Factor CgHSF1 Is Required for Melanin Biosynthesis, Appressorium Formation, and Pathogenicity in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020175. [PMID: 35205929 PMCID: PMC8876323 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) are a family of transcription regulators. Although HSFs’ functions in controlling the transcription of the molecular chaperone heat shock proteins and resistance to stresses are well established, their effects on the pathogenicity of plant pathogenic fungi remain unknown. In this study, we analyze the role of CgHSF1 in the pathogenicity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and investigate the underlying mechanism. Failure to generate the Cghsf1 knock-out mutant suggested that the gene is essential for the viability of the fungus. Then, genetic depletion of the Cghsf1 was achieved by inserting the repressive promoter of nitrite reductase gene (PniiA) before its coding sequence. The mutant showed significantly decrease in the pathogenicity repression of appressorium formation, and severe defects in melanin biosynthesis. Moreover, four melanin synthetic genes were identified as direct targets of CgHSF1. Taken together, this work highlights the role of CgHSF1 in fungal pathogenicity via the transcriptional activation of melanin biosynthesis. Our study extends the understanding of fungal HSF1 proteins, especially their involvement in pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesheng Gao
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Qiannan Wang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Qingdeng Feng
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
| | - Bei Zhang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Chaozu He
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Hongli Luo
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (B.A.)
| | - Bang An
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresource, College of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China; (X.G.); (Q.W.); (Q.F.); (B.Z.); (C.H.)
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (B.A.)
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17
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Jiao W, Yu H, Cong J, Xiao K, Zhang X, Liu J, Zhang Y, Pan H. Transcription factor SsFoxE3 activating SsAtg8 is critical for sclerotia, compound appressoria formation, and pathogenicity in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2022; 23:204-217. [PMID: 34699137 PMCID: PMC8743022 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the notorious necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus with wide distribution, is responsible for sclerotium disease in more than 600 plant species, including many economic crops such as soybean, oilseed rape, and sunflower. The compound appressorium is a crucial multicellular infection structure that is a prerequisite for infecting healthy tissues. Previously, the Forkhead-box family transcription factors (FOX TFs) SsFoxE2 and SsFKH1 were shown to play a key regulatory role in the hyphae growth, sexual reproduction, and pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum. However, little is known about the roles of SsFoxE3 regulating growth and development and pathogenicity. Here, we report SsFoxE3 contributes to sclerotium formation and deletion of SsFoxE3 leads to reduced formation of compound appressoria and developmental delays. Transcripts of SsFoxE3 were greatly increased during the initial stage of infection and SsFoxE3 deficiency reduced virulence on the host, while stabbing inoculation could partially restore pathogenicity. The SsFoxE3 mutant showed sensitivity to H2 O2 , and the expression of reactive oxygen species detoxification and autophagy-related genes were reduced. Moreover, expression of SsAtg8 was also decreased during the infection process of the SsFoxE3 mutant. Yeast 1-hybrid tests suggested that SsFoxE3 interacted with the promoter of SsAtg8. Disruption of SsAtg8 resulted in a phenotype similar to that of the SsFoxE3 mutant. Comparative analysis of the level of autophagy in the wild type and SsFoxE3 mutant showed that N starvation-induced autophagy was reduced in the SsFoxE3 mutant. Taken together, our findings indicate that SsFoxE3 plays an important role in compound appressorium formation and is involved in transcriptional activation of SsAtg8 during infection by S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Jiao
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Huilin Yu
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Jie Cong
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Kunqin Xiao
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | | | - Jinliang Liu
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Hongyu Pan
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
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18
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Transcription Factors Pmr1 and Pmr2 Cooperatively Regulate Melanin Biosynthesis, Conidia Development and Secondary Metabolism in Pestalotiopsis microspora. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 8:jof8010038. [PMID: 35049978 PMCID: PMC8781371 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanins are the common fungal pigment, which contribute to stress resistance and pathogenesis. However, few studies have explored the regulation mechanism of its synthesis in filamentous fungi. In this study, we identified two transcription factors, Pmr1 and Pmr2, in the filamentous fungus Pestalotiopsis microspora. Computational and phylogenetic analyses revealed that Pmr1 and Pmr2 were located in the gene cluster for melanin biosynthesis. The targeted deletion mutant strain Δpmr1 displayed defects in biosynthesis of conidia pigment and morphological integrity. The deletion of pmr2 resulted in reduced conidia pigment, but the mycelial morphology had little change. Moreover, Δpmr2 produced decreased conidia. RT-qPCR data revealed that expression levels of genes in the melanin biosynthesis gene cluster were downregulated from the loss of Pmr1 and Pmr2. Interestingly, the yield of secondary metabolites in the mutant strains Δpmr1 and Δpmr2 increased, comparing with the wild type, and additionally, Pmr1 played a larger regulatory role in secondary metabolism. Taken together, our results revealed the crucial roles of the transcription factors Pmr1 and Pmr2 in melanin synthesis, asexual development and secondary metabolism in the filamentous fungus P. microspora.
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Chen Y, Cao Y, Gai Y, Ma H, Zhu Z, Chung KR, Li H. Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Characterization of GATA Transcription Factor Gene Family in Alternaria alternata. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7121013. [PMID: 34946995 PMCID: PMC8706292 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we identified six GATA transcription factors (AaAreA, AaAreB, AaLreA, AaLreB, AaNsdD, and AaSreA) and characterized their functions in response to environmental stress and virulence in the tangerine pathotype of Alternaria alternata. The targeted gene knockout of each of the GATA-coding genes decreased the growth to varying degrees. The mutation of AaAreA, AaAreB, AaLreB, or AaNsdD decreased the conidiation. All the GATA transcription factors were found to be required for tolerance to cumyl hydroperoxide and tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (oxidants) and Congo red (a cell-wall-destructing agent). Pathogenicity assays assessed on detached citrus leaves revealed that mutations of AaAreA, AaLreA, AaLreB, or AaNsdD significantly decreased the fungal virulence. A comparative transcriptome analysis between the ∆AreA mutant and the wild-type strain revealed that the inactivation of AaAreA led to alterations in the expression of genes involved in a number of biological processes, including oxidoreductase activity, amino acid metabolism, and secondary metabolite biogenesis. Taken together, our findings revealed that GATA-coding genes play diverse roles in response to environmental stress and are important regulators involved in fungal development, conidiation, ROS detoxification, as well as pathogenesis. This study, for the first time, systemically underlines the critical role of GATA transcription factors in response to environmental stress and virulence in A. alternata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (Y.G.); (H.M.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Yingzi Cao
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (Y.G.); (H.M.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Yunpeng Gai
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (Y.G.); (H.M.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Haijie Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (Y.G.); (H.M.); (Z.Z.)
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Zhejiang Agriculture & Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Zengrong Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (Y.G.); (H.M.); (Z.Z.)
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Kuang-Ren Chung
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan;
| | - Hongye Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (Y.C.); (Y.C.); (Y.G.); (H.M.); (Z.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-13634190823
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20
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Fernandes C, Mota M, Barros L, Dias MI, Ferreira ICFR, Piedade AP, Casadevall A, Gonçalves T. Pyomelanin Synthesis in Alternaria alternata Inhibits DHN-Melanin Synthesis and Decreases Cell Wall Chitin Content and Thickness. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:691433. [PMID: 34512569 PMCID: PMC8430343 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.691433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Alternaria includes several of fungi that are darkly pigmented by DHN-melanin. These are pathogenic to plants but are also associated with human respiratory allergic diseases and with serious infections in immunocompromised individuals. The present work focuses on the alterations of the composition and structure of the hyphal cell wall of Alternaria alternata occuring under the catabolism of L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine when cultured in minimal salt medium (MM). Under these growing conditions, we observed the released of a brown pigment into the culture medium. FTIR analysis demonstrates that the produced pigment is chemically identical to the pigment released when the fungus is grown in MM with homogentisate acid (HGA), the intermediate of pyomelanin, confirming that this pigment is pyomelanin. In contrast to other fungi that also synthesize pyomelanin under tyrosine metabolism, A. alternata inhibits DHN-melanin cell wall accumulation when pyomelanin is produced, and this is associated with reduced chitin cell wall content. When A. alternata is grown in MM containing L-phenylalanine, a L-tyrosine percursor, pyomelanin is synthesized but only at trace concentrations and A. alternata mycelia display an albino-like phenotype since DHN-melanin accumulation is inhibited. CmrA, the transcription regulator for the genes coding for the DHN-melanin pathway, is involved in the down-regulation of DHN-melanin synthesis when pyomelanin is being synthetized, since the CMRA gene and genes of the enzymes involved in DHN-melanin synthesis pathway showed a decreased expression. Other amino acids do not trigger pyomelanin synthesis and DHN-melanin accumulation in the cell wall is not affected. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy show that the cell wall structure and surface decorations are altered in L-tyrosine- and L-phenylalanine-grown fungi, depending on the pigment produced. In summary, growth in presence of L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine leads to pigmentation and cell wall changes, which could be relevant to infection conditions where these amino acids are expected to be available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Fernandes
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta Mota
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lillian Barros
- Mountain Research Center (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Dias
- Mountain Research Center (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira
- Mountain Research Center (CIMO), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratory of Separation and Reaction Engineering - Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials (LSRE-LCM), Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Ana P. Piedade
- Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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21
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Wang X, Lu D, Tian C. Analysis of melanin biosynthesis in the plant pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Fungal Biol 2021; 125:679-692. [PMID: 34420695 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Melanin is recognized as a dark pigment that can protect fungi from the harm of environmental stresses. To investigate what roles of melanin played in the pathogenicity and development of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a causal agent of poplar anthracnose, genes encoding a transcription factor CgCmr1 and a polyketide synthase CgPks1 were isolated as the ortholog of Magnaporthe oryzae Pig1 and Pks1 respectively. Deletion of CgCmr1 or CgPks1 resulted in melanin-deficient fungal colony. The ΔCgPks1 mutant showed no melanin accumulation in appressoria, and lack of CgCmr1 also resulted in the delayed and decreased melanization of appressoria. In addition, the turgor pressure of the appressorium was lower in ΔCgPks1 and ΔCgCmr1 than in the wild-type (WT). However, DHN melanin was not a vital factor for virulence in C. gloeosporioides. Moreover, deletion of CgCmr1 and CgPks1 resulted in the hypersensitivity to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidative stress but not to other abiotic stresses. Collectively, these results suggest that CgCmr1 and CgPks1 play an important role in DHN melanin biosynthesis, and melanin was not an essential factor in penetration and pathogenicity in C. gloeosporioides. The data presented in this study will facilitate future evaluations of the melanin biosynthetic pathway and development in filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolian Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxiao Lu
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengming Tian
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
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22
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Palmer JM, Wiemann P, Greco C, Chiang YM, Wang CCC, Lindner DL, Keller NP. The sexual spore pigment asperthecin is required for normal ascospore production and protection from UV light in Aspergillus nidulans. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 48:6355442. [PMID: 34415047 PMCID: PMC8762651 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuab055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Many fungi develop both asexual and sexual spores that serve as propagules for dissemination and/or recombination of genetic traits. Asexual spores are often heavily pigmented and this pigmentation provides protection from UV light. However, little is known about any purpose pigmentation may serve for sexual spores. The model Ascomycete Aspergillus nidulans produces both green pigmented asexual spores (conidia) and red pigmented sexual spores (ascospores). Here we find that the previously characterized red pigment, asperthecin, is the A. nidulans ascospore pigment. The asperthecin biosynthetic gene cluster is composed of three genes, aptA, aptB, and aptC where deletion of either aptA (encoding a polyketide synthase) or aptB (encoding a thioesterase) yields small, mishappen hyaline ascospores while deletion of aptC (encoding a monooxygenase) yields morphologically normal but purple ascospores. ∆aptA and ∆aptB but not ∆aptC or WT ascospores are extremely sensitive to UV light. We find that two historical ascospore color mutants, clA6 and clB1, possess mutations in aptA and aptB sequences respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Palmer
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Center for Forest Mycology Research, Northern Research Station, US Forest Service, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Philipp Wiemann
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Claudio Greco
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yi Ming Chiang
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmacology & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Clay C C Wang
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmacology & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Daniel L Lindner
- Center for Forest Mycology Research, Northern Research Station, US Forest Service, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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23
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Harting R, Starke J, Kusch H, Pöggeler S, Maurus I, Schlüter R, Landesfeind M, Bulla I, Nowrousian M, de Jonge R, Stahlhut G, Hoff KJ, Aßhauer KP, Thürmer A, Stanke M, Daniel R, Morgenstern B, Thomma BPHJ, Kronstad JW, Braus‐Stromeyer SA, Braus GH. A 20-kb lineage-specific genomic region tames virulence in pathogenic amphidiploid Verticillium longisporum. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2021; 22:939-953. [PMID: 33955130 PMCID: PMC8295516 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Amphidiploid fungal Verticillium longisporum strains Vl43 and Vl32 colonize the plant host Brassica napus but differ in their ability to cause disease symptoms. These strains represent two V. longisporum lineages derived from different hybridization events of haploid parental Verticillium strains. Vl32 and Vl43 carry same-sex mating-type genes derived from both parental lineages. Vl32 and Vl43 similarly colonize and penetrate plant roots, but asymptomatic Vl32 proliferation in planta is lower than virulent Vl43. The highly conserved Vl43 and Vl32 genomes include less than 1% unique genes, and the karyotypes of 15 or 16 chromosomes display changed genetic synteny due to substantial genomic reshuffling. A 20 kb Vl43 lineage-specific (LS) region apparently originating from the Verticillium dahliae-related ancestor is specific for symptomatic Vl43 and encodes seven genes, including two putative transcription factors. Either partial or complete deletion of this LS region in Vl43 did not reduce virulence but led to induction of even more severe disease symptoms in rapeseed. This suggests that the LS insertion in the genome of symptomatic V. longisporum Vl43 mediates virulence-reducing functions, limits damage on the host plant, and therefore tames Vl43 from being even more virulent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Harting
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and GeneticsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Jessica Starke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and GeneticsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Harald Kusch
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and GeneticsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Stefanie Pöggeler
- Department of Genetics of Eukaryotic MicroorganismsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Isabel Maurus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and GeneticsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Rabea Schlüter
- Imaging Center of the Department of BiologyUniversity of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Manuel Landesfeind
- Department of BioinformaticsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Ingo Bulla
- Institute for Mathematics and Computer ScienceUniversity of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Minou Nowrousian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BotanyRuhr‐Universität BochumBochumGermany
| | - Ronnie de Jonge
- Plant–Microbe Interactions, Department of Biology, Science4LifeUtrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
- Laboratory of PhytopathologyWageningen UniversityWageningenNetherlands
| | - Gertrud Stahlhut
- Department of Genetics of Eukaryotic MicroorganismsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Katharina J. Hoff
- Institute for Mathematics and Computer ScienceUniversity of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
- Center for Functional Genomics of MicrobesUniversity of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Kathrin P. Aßhauer
- Department of BioinformaticsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Andrea Thürmer
- Department of Genomic and Applied MicrobiologyInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Mario Stanke
- Institute for Mathematics and Computer ScienceUniversity of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
- Center for Functional Genomics of MicrobesUniversity of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- Department of Genomic and Applied MicrobiologyInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Burkhard Morgenstern
- Department of BioinformaticsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | | | - James W. Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Susanna A. Braus‐Stromeyer
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and GeneticsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Gerhard H. Braus
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and GeneticsInstitute of Microbiology and Genetics and Göttingen Center for Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of GöttingenGöttingenGermany
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24
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Zhang Z, Jia H, Liu N, Li H, Meng Q, Wu N, Cao Z, Dong J. The zinc finger protein StMR1 affects the pathogenicity and melanin synthesis of Setosphaeria turcica and directly regulates the expression of DHN melanin synthesis pathway genes. Mol Microbiol 2021; 117:261-273. [PMID: 34278632 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The infection and colonization of pathogenic fungi are often regulated by transcription factors. In our previous study, the zinc finger protein-encoding gene StMR1 was found to be highly expressed during the infection process of Setosphaeria turcica, the pathogen causing northern corn leaf blight. Evolutionary tree analysis showed that this gene was associated with regulatory factors of melanin synthesis. However, the regulatory mechanism of melanin synthesis and its effect on pathogenicity remain unclear. In this study, the function of StMR1 was analyzed by gene knockout. When the expression level of StMR1 in the mutants was significantly reduced, the colony color became lighter, the mycelia were curved and transparent, and the mutant showed a significant loss of pathogenicity. In addition, compared with wild-type, the accumulation of melanin decreased significantly in △Stmr1. RNA-seq analysis revealed 1,981 differentially expressed genes between the wild-type and knockout mutant, among which 39 genes were involved in melanin metabolism. qPCR revealed that the expression levels of 6 key genes in the melanin synthesis pathway were significantly reduced. ChIP-PCR and yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed that StMR1 directly binds to the promoters of St3HNR, St4HNR, StPKS, and StLAC2 in the DHN melanin synthesis pathway and regulates gene expression. The C2H2-type zinc fingers and Zn(Ⅱ)2Cys6 binuclear cluster in StMR1 was important for the binding to targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation/Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, P.R.China
| | - Hui Jia
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation/Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, P.R.China
| | - Ning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation/Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, P.R.China
| | - Haixiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation/Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, P.R.China
| | - Qingjiang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation/Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, P.R.China
| | - Nan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation/Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, P.R.China
| | - Zhiyan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation/Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, P.R.China
| | - Jingao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation/Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agricultural University, Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, 071001, P.R.China
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25
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John E, Singh KB, Oliver RP, Tan K. Transcription factor control of virulence in phytopathogenic fungi. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2021; 22:858-881. [PMID: 33973705 PMCID: PMC8232033 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Plant-pathogenic fungi are a significant threat to economic and food security worldwide. Novel protection strategies are required and therefore it is critical we understand the mechanisms by which these pathogens cause disease. Virulence factors and pathogenicity genes have been identified, but in many cases their roles remain elusive. It is becoming increasingly clear that gene regulation is vital to enable plant infection and transcription factors play an essential role. Efforts to determine their regulatory functions in plant-pathogenic fungi have expanded since the annotation of fungal genomes revealed the ubiquity of transcription factors from a broad range of families. This review establishes the significance of transcription factors as regulatory elements in plant-pathogenic fungi and provides a systematic overview of those that have been functionally characterized. Detailed analysis is provided on regulators from well-characterized families controlling various aspects of fungal metabolism, development, stress tolerance, and the production of virulence factors such as effectors and secondary metabolites. This covers conserved transcription factors with either specialized or nonspecialized roles, as well as recently identified regulators targeting key virulence pathways. Fundamental knowledge of transcription factor regulation in plant-pathogenic fungi provides avenues to identify novel virulence factors and improve our understanding of the regulatory networks linked to pathogen evolution, while transcription factors can themselves be specifically targeted for disease control. Areas requiring further insight regarding the molecular mechanisms and/or specific classes of transcription factors are identified, and direction for future investigation is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan John
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
- School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Karam B. Singh
- Agriculture and FoodCommonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationFloreatWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Richard P. Oliver
- School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Kar‐Chun Tan
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
- School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
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26
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Sacristán S, Goss EM, Eves-van den Akker S. How Do Pathogens Evolve Novel Virulence Activities? MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2021; 34:576-586. [PMID: 33522842 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-09-20-0258-ia] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of the Top 10 Unanswered Questions in MPMI invited review series.We consider the state of knowledge on pathogen evolution of novel virulence activities, broadly defined as anything that increases pathogen fitness with the consequence of causing disease in either the qualitative or quantitative senses, including adaptation of pathogens to host immunity and physiology, host species, genotypes, or tissues, or the environment. The evolution of novel virulence activities as an adaptive trait is based on the selection exerted by hosts on variants that have been generated de novo or arrived from elsewhere. In addition, the biotic and abiotic environment a pathogen experiences beyond the host may influence pathogen virulence activities. We consider host-pathogen evolution, host range expansion, and external factors that can mediate pathogen evolution. We then discuss the mechanisms by which pathogens generate and recombine the genetic variation that leads to novel virulence activities, including DNA point mutation, transposable element activity, gene duplication and neofunctionalization, and genetic exchange. In summary, if there is an (epi)genetic mechanism that can create variation in the genome, it will be used by pathogens to evolve virulence factors. Our knowledge of virulence evolution has been biased by pathogen evolution in response to major gene resistance, leaving other virulence activities underexplored. Understanding the key driving forces that give rise to novel virulence activities and the integration of evolutionary concepts and methods with mechanistic research on plant-microbe interactions can help inform crop protection.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Sacristán
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)-Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Campus Montegancedo-UPM, 28223-Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid), Spain
- Departamento de Biotecnología-Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040-Madrid, Spain
| | - Erica M Goss
- Department of Plant Pathology and Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A
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Jia SL, Chi Z, Chen L, Liu GL, Hu Z, Chi ZM. Molecular evolution and regulation of DHN melanin-related gene clusters are closely related to adaptation of different melanin-producing fungi. Genomics 2021; 113:1962-1975. [PMID: 33901575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Many genes responsible for melanin biosynthesis in fungi were physically linked together. The PKS gene clusters in most of the melanin-producing fungi were regulated by the Cmr1. It was found that a close rearrangement of the PKS gene clusters had evolved in most of the melanin-producing fungi and various functions of melanin in them were beneficial to their adaptation to the changing environments. The melanin-producing fungi had undergone at least five large-scale differentiations, making their PKS gene clusters be quickly evolved and the fungi be adapted to different harsh environments. The recent gene losses and expansion were remarkably frequent in the PKS gene clusters, leading to their rapid evolution and adaptation of their hosts to different environments. The PKS gene and the CMR1 gene in them were subject to a strong co-evolution, but the horizontal gene transfer events might have occurred in the genome-duplicated species, Aspergillus and Penicillium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Lei Jia
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Yushan Road, No. 5, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhe Chi
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Yushan Road, No. 5, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Yushan Road, No. 5, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Guang-Lei Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Yushan Road, No. 5, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266003 Qingdao, China
| | - Zhong Hu
- Department of Biology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Zhen-Ming Chi
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Yushan Road, No. 5, Qingdao, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, 266003 Qingdao, China.
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28
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Wang Y, Wang M, Zhou M, Zhang X, Feng J. Baseline Sensitivity and Action Mechanism of Propamidine Against Alternaria brassicicola, the Causal Agent of Dark Leaf Spot on Cabbage. PLANT DISEASE 2020; 104:204-210. [PMID: 31697222 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-04-19-0883-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the current study, a total of 53 isolates of Alternaria brassicicola collected from Shaanxi Province of China were characterized for their sensitivity to propamidine. The EC50 (50% effective concentration) values for propamidine inhibiting mycelial growth and spore germination ranged from 0.515 to 3.247 µg/ml and 0.393 to 2.982 µg/ml, with average EC50 values of 1.327 ± 0.198 µg/ml and 1.106 ± 0.113 µg/ml, respectively. In greenhouse experiments, propamidine at 100 µg/ml provided >90% efficacy against dark leaf spot on cabbage, which was higher than the efficacy obtained by azoxystrobin at the same concentration. After treatment with propamidine, fungal growth distortions were observed in the form of excess mycelial branching, thickened cell walls, decreased cell membrane permeability, and increased chitin content. Interestingly, colony color faded after treatment with propamidine compared with that of the untreated parental isolates. Importantly, the expressions of melanin biosynthesis-associated genes Amr1, Scd1, Brn1, and Brn2 were downregulated at different levels. The obtained baseline sensitivity and control efficacy data suggested that propamidine inhibited not only growth of A. brassicicola but also melanin biosynthesis, which could reduce the biocompatibility of A. brassicicola in the field. These biological characteristics encourage further investigation of the mechanism of action of propamidine against A. brassicicola.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Research and Development Center of Biorational Pesticides, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- Research and Development Center of Biorational Pesticides, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mingxia Zhou
- Research and Development Center of Biorational Pesticides, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Research and Development Center of Biorational Pesticides, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juntao Feng
- Research and Development Center of Biorational Pesticides, Northwest A & F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
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29
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Rajarammohan S, Paritosh K, Pental D, Kaur J. Comparative genomics of Alternaria species provides insights into the pathogenic lifestyle of Alternaria brassicae - a pathogen of the Brassicaceae family. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:1036. [PMID: 31888481 PMCID: PMC6937934 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6414-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternaria brassicae, a necrotrophic pathogen, causes Alternaria Leaf Spot, one of the economically important diseases of Brassica crops. Many other Alternaria spp. such as A. brassicicola and A. alternata are known to cause secondary infections in the A. brassicae-infected Brassicas. The genome architecture, pathogenicity factors, and determinants of host-specificity of A. brassicae are unknown. In this study, we annotated and characterised the recently announced genome assembly of A. brassicae and compared it with other Alternaria spp. to gain insights into its pathogenic lifestyle. RESULTS We also sequenced the genomes of two A. alternata isolates that were co-infecting B. juncea using Nanopore MinION sequencing for additional comparative analyses within the Alternaria genus. Genome alignments within the Alternaria spp. revealed high levels of synteny between most chromosomes with some intrachromosomal rearrangements. We show for the first time that the genome of A. brassicae, a large-spored Alternaria species, contains a dispensable chromosome. We identified 460 A. brassicae-specific genes, which included many secreted proteins and effectors. Furthermore, we have identified the gene clusters responsible for the production of Destruxin-B, a known pathogenicity factor of A. brassicae. CONCLUSION The study provides a perspective into the unique and shared repertoire of genes within the Alternaria genus and identifies genes that could be contributing to the pathogenic lifestyle of A. brassicae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivasubramanian Rajarammohan
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi , South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
- Present Address: National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | - Kumar Paritosh
- Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepak Pental
- Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Jagreet Kaur
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi , South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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Jiang H, Chi Z, Liu GL, Hu Z, Zhao SZ, Chi ZM. Melanin biosynthesis in the desert-derived Aureobasidium melanogenum XJ5-1 is controlled mainly by the CWI signal pathway via a transcriptional activator Cmr1. Curr Genet 2019; 66:173-185. [DOI: 10.1007/s00294-019-01010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Zhang P, Zhou S, Wang G, An Z, Liu X, Li K, Yin WB. Two transcription factors cooperatively regulate DHN melanin biosynthesis and development in Pestalotiopsis fici. Mol Microbiol 2019; 112:649-666. [PMID: 31116900 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Fungal 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin plays important roles in UV protection, oxidative stress and pathogenesis. However, knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of its biosynthesis is limited. Previous studies showed two transcription factors, PfmaF and PfmaH, located in the DHN melanin biosynthetic gene cluster (Pfma) in Pestalotiopsis fici. In this study, deletion of PfmaH resulted in loss of melanin and affected conidia cell wall integrity. Specifically, PfmaH directly regulates the expression of scytalone dehydratase, which catalyzes the transition of scytalone to T3 HN. However, PfmaF disruption using CRISPR/Cas9 system affected neither DHN melanin distribution nor conidia cell wall integrity in P. fici. Unexpectedly, overexpression of PfmaF leads to heavy pigment accumulation in P. fici hyphae. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses provide insight into the roles of PfmaF and PfmaH in DHN melanin regulation. PfmaH, as a pathway specific regulator, mainly regulates melanin biosynthesis that contributes to cell wall development. Furthermore, PfmaF functions as a broad regulator to stimulate PfmaH expression in melanin production, secondary metabolism as well as fungal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Xingzhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Fang Y, Klosterman SJ, Tian C, Wang Y. Insights into VdCmr1-mediated protection against high temperature stress and UV irradiation in Verticillium dahliae. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:2977-2996. [PMID: 31136051 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The fungus Verticillium dahliae causes vascular wilt disease on more than 200 plant species worldwide. This fungus can survive for years in soil as melanized microsclerotia. We found that VdCmr1, a transcription factor, is required for the melanin production and increased survival following UV irradiation in V. dahliae but not for microsclerotia production or virulence. Here, we provided evidence how VdCmr1 protects against high temperature (HT) and UV irradiation in V. dahliae. The results indicate that VdCmr1 mediates entry to the diapause period in V. dahliae in response to HT and contributes to the expression of proteins to minimize protein misfolding and denaturation. VdCmr1 deletion results in the misregulation of DNA repair machinery, suggestive of reduced DNA repair capacity following UV irradiation and in correlation with the low survival rate of UV-treated VdCmr1 mutants. We discovered a putative VdCmr1-dependent gene cluster associated with secondary metabolism and stress responses. We also functionally characterized two VdCmr1-responsive genes participating in HT and UV response. These results shed further light on the roles of VdCmr1 in protection from HT or UV irradiation, and the additional insights into the mechanisms of this protection may be useful to exploit for more effective disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Fang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Steven J Klosterman
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Salinas, CA, 93905, USA
| | - Chengming Tian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yonglin Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
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Wang Z, Yang J, Xin C, Xing X, Yin Y, Chen L, Song Z. Regulation of conidiation, dimorphic transition, and microsclerotia formation by MrSwi6 transcription factor in dimorphic fungus Metarhizium rileyi. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 35:46. [PMID: 30825005 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-019-2619-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Microsclerotia (MS) produced in the liquid culture of the dimorphic insect pathogen Metarhizium rileyi can be used as a mycoinsecticide. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the cell cycle signaling pathway was involved in regulating MS formation. To investigate the mechanisms by which the signaling pathway is regulated, a cell cycle box binding transcription factor MrSwi6 of M. rileyi was characterized. MrSwi6 was highly expressed during periods of yeast-hypha transition and conidia and MS formation. When compared with wild-type and complemented strains, disruption of MrSwi6 significantly reduced conidia (15-36%) and MS formation (96.2%), and exhibited decreased virulence levels. Digital expression profiling revealed that genes involved in antioxidation, pigment biosynthesis, and ion transport and storage were regulated by MrSwi6 during conidia and MS development. These results confirmed the significance of MrSwi6 in dimorphic transition, conidia and MS formation, and virulence in M. rileyi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongkang Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyan Xin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaorui Xing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Youping Yin
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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Luo X, Xie C, Dong J, Yang X. Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals regulatory networks and key genes of microsclerotia formation in the cotton vascular wilt pathogen. Fungal Genet Biol 2019; 126:25-36. [PMID: 30710746 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Verticillium dahliae is a soil-borne, hemibiotrophic phytopathogenic fungus that causes Verticillium wilt in a broad range of economic crops. The microsclerotia (MS), which act as the main host inoculum, can survive long-term in soil resulting in uncontrollable disease. In order to clarify the mechanism of MS formation, we sequenced the whole genome-wide expression profile of V. dahliae strain V991. Compared with M1 (no MS formation), during the process of MS formation and maturation, 1354, 1571, and 1521 unique tags were significantly regulated in M2, M3, and M4 library, respectively. During MS formation, melanin synthesis-related genes were preferentially upregulated. The process is more likely to regulated by transcription factors (TFs) including C2H2, Zn2Cys6, bZIP, and fungal-specific TF domain-containing proteins; additionally, G-protein coupled receptors, Ca2+, small GTPases, and cAMP were involved in signalling transduction. Protein kinase-encoding (VDAG_06474) and synthase-encoding (VDAG_05314) genes were demonstrated to negatively and positively influence MS production, respectively. The gene expression dynamics revealed during MS formation provide comprehensive theoretical knowledge to further understanding of the metabolism and regulation of MS development in V. dahliae, potentially providing targets to control Verticillium wilt through interfering MS formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumei Luo
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources and The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; The School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Chengjian Xie
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources and The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Jinyan Dong
- The School of Life Science, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xingyong Yang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources and The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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Luo C, Zhao H, Yang X, Qiang C, Cheng J, Xie J, Chen T, Jiang D, Fu Y. Functional Analysis of the Melanin-Associated Gene CmMR1 in Coniothyrium minitans. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2658. [PMID: 30467498 PMCID: PMC6237101 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coniothyrium minitans is a sclerotial parasite, which has been investigated for commercial control of crop diseases caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Previously, we obtained a T-DNA insertional mutant, ZS-1TN24363, which did not produce melanin during conidiation. To understand the function of melanin in C. minitans, we cloned the gene that was disrupted by the T-DNA insertion, and found that this gene, called CmMR1, encoded a putative protein of 1,011 amino acids, which is a homolog of the transcription factor MR. Full-length CmMR1 contains 3,167 bp, with three exons and two introns. To confirm that the disrupted gene is responsible for the melanin-deficiency of the mutant, CmMR1 was disrupted and three targeted knockout mutants were obtained. Biological assays showed that the phenotype of the targeted knockout mutants was similar to that of the T-DNA insertional mutant. Furthermore, gene complementation confirmed that CmMR1 is responsible for the mutant phenotype. CmMR1 disruption did not affect hyphal growth, conidiation, and parasitization of C. minitans, however, the ROS accumulation increased and tolerance to UV light decreased significantly in the mutants. Our result may enhance the understanding of melanin in the ecology of C. minitans on molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenwei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huizhang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cuicui Qiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiasen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiatao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Chen
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Daohong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanping Fu
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Song Z, Yang J, Xin C, Xing X, Yuan Q, Yin Y, Wang Z. A transcription factor, MrMsn2, in the dimorphic fungus Metarhizium rileyi is essential for dimorphism transition, aggravated pigmentation, conidiation and microsclerotia formation. Microb Biotechnol 2018; 11:1157-1169. [PMID: 30160031 PMCID: PMC6196401 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsclerotia (MS) are pseudoparenchymatous aggregations of hyphae of fungi that can be induced in liquid culture for biocontrol applications. Previously, we determined that the high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) signalling pathway was involved in regulating MS development in the dimorphic insect pathogen Metarhizium rileyi. To further investigate the mechanisms by which the signalling pathway is regulated, we characterized the transcriptional factor MrMsn2, a homologue of the yeast C2 H2 transcriptional factor Msn2, which is predicted to function downstream of the HOG pathway in M. rileyi. Compared with wild-type and complemented strains, disruption of MrMsn2 increased the yeast-to-hypha transition rate, enhanced conidiation capacity and aggravated pigmentation in M. rileyi. The ▵MrMsn2 mutants were sensitive to stress, produced morphologically abnormal clones and had significantly reduced MS formation and decreased virulence levels. Digital expression profiling revealed that genes involved in antioxidation, pigment biosynthesis and ion transport and storage were regulated by MrMsn2 during conidia and MS development. Taken together, our findings confirm that MrMsn2 controlled the yeast-to-hypha transition, conidia and MS formation, and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Caiyan Xin
- School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Xiaorui Xing
- School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Qing Yuan
- School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Youping Yin
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal InsecticideSchool of Life ScienceChongqing UniversityChongqing400030China
| | - Zhongkang Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal InsecticideSchool of Life ScienceChongqing UniversityChongqing400030China
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37
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Song Z. Fungal microsclerotia development: essential prerequisites, influencing factors, and molecular mechanism. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:9873-9880. [PMID: 30255231 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9400-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Microsclerotia (MS) consist of an outer layer of pigment parenchyma cells and an inner layer of colorless medulla cells. In nature, MS are formed as overwintering and spreading structures in phytopathogenic fungi. For biological applications, MS can be induced in artificial liquid medium. To understand the complicated structure of MS and molecular mechanism of MS development in entomopathogenic and phytopathogenic fungi, data from different studies can be integrated. In this review, the essential prerequisites, environmental cues, and internal stimulating factors for MS development are explored. Emerging knowledges about the association between transcriptional regulatory circuits and signaling pathways involved in MS development in entomopathogenic and phytopathogenic fungi is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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Wu Y, Xu L, Yin Z, Dai Q, Gao X, Feng H, Voegele RT, Huang L. Two members of the velvet family, VmVeA and VmVelB, affect conidiation, virulence and pectinase expression in Valsa mali. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2018; 19:1639-1651. [PMID: 29127722 PMCID: PMC6638101 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Velvet protein family members are important fungal-specific regulators which are involved in conidial development, secondary metabolism and virulence. To gain a broader insight into the physiological functions of the velvet protein family of Valsa mali, which causes a highly destructive canker disease on apple, we conducted a functional analysis of two velvet protein family members (VmVeA and VmVelB) via a gene replacement strategy. Deletion mutants of VmVeA and VmVelB showed increased melanin production, conidiation and sensitivity to abiotic stresses, but exhibited reduced virulence on detached apple leaves and twigs. Further studies demonstrated that the regulation of conidiation by VmVeA and VmVelB was positively correlated with the melanin synthesis transcription factor VmCmr1. More importantly, transcript levels of pectinase genes were shown to be decreased in deletion mutants compared with those of the wild-type during infection. However, the expression of other cell wall-degrading enzyme genes, including cellulase, hemi-cellulase and ligninase genes, was not affected in the deletion mutants. Furthermore, the determination of pectinase activity and immunogold labelling of pectin demonstrated that the capacity for pectin degradation was attenuated as a result of deletions of VmVeA and VmVelB. Finally, the interaction of VmVeA with VmVelB was identified through co-immunoprecipitation assays. VmVeA and VmVelB play critical roles in conidiation and virulence, probably via the regulation of the melanin synthesis transcription factor VmCmr1 and their effect on pectinase gene expression in V. mali, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityShaanxiYangling 712100China
| | - Liangsheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityShaanxiYangling 712100China
| | - Zhiyuan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityShaanxiYangling 712100China
| | - Qingqing Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityShaanxiYangling 712100China
| | - Xiaoning Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityShaanxiYangling 712100China
| | - Hao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityShaanxiYangling 712100China
| | - Ralf T. Voegele
- Institut für Phytomedizin, Universität Hohenheim70599 StuttgartGermany
| | - Lili Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, China–Australia Joint Research Centre for Abiotic and Biotic Stress Management, College of Plant ProtectionNorthwest A&F UniversityShaanxiYangling 712100China
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Diversity and evolution of polyketide biosynthesis gene clusters in the Ceratocystidaceae. Fungal Biol 2018; 122:856-866. [PMID: 30115319 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Polyketides are secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities. Polyketide synthases (PKS) are often encoded from genes clustered in the same genomic region. Functional analyses and genomic studies show that most fungi are capable of producing a repertoire of polyketides. We considered the potential of Ceratocystidaceae for producing polyketides using a comparative genomics approach. Our aims were to identify the putative polyketide biosynthesis gene clusters, to characterize them and predict the types of polyketide compounds they might produce. We used sequences from nineteen species in the genera, Ceratocystis, Endoconidiophora, Davidsoniella, Huntiella, Thielaviopsis and Bretziella, to identify and characterize PKS gene clusters, by employing a range of bioinformatics and phylogenetic tools. We showed that the genomes contained putative clusters containing a non-reducing type I PKS and a type III PKS. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that these genes were already present in the ancestor of the Ceratocystidaceae. By contrast, the various reducing type I PKS-containing clusters identified in these genomes appeared to have distinct evolutionary origins. Although one of the identified clusters potentially allows for the production of melanin, their functional characterization will undoubtedly reveal many novel and important compounds implicated in the biology of the Ceratocystidaceae.
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Wang Y, Hu X, Fang Y, Anchieta A, Goldman PH, Hernandez G, Klosterman SJ. Transcription factor VdCmr1 is required for pigment production, protection from UV irradiation, and regulates expression of melanin biosynthetic genes in Verticillium dahliae. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2018; 164:685-696. [PMID: 29485393 PMCID: PMC5982140 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Verticillium dahliae is a soilborne fungus that causes vascular wilt diseases on numerous plant species worldwide. The production of darkly melanized microsclerotia is crucial in the disease cycle of V. dahliae, as these structures allow for long-term survival in soil. Previously, transcriptomic and genomic analysis identified a cluster of genes in V. dahliae that encodes some dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin biosynthetic pathway homologues found in related fungi. In this study, we explored the roles of cluster-specific transcription factor VdCmr1, as well as two other genes within the cluster encoding a polyketide synthase (VdPKS1) and a laccase (VdLac1), enzymes at initial and endpoint steps in DHN melanin production. The results revealed that VdCmr1 and VdPKS1 are required for melanin production, but neither is required for microsclerotia production. None of the three genes were required for pathogenesis on tobacco and lettuce. Exposure of ΔVdCmr1 and wild-type strains to UV irradiation, or to high temperature (40 °C), revealed an approx. 50 % reduction of survival in the ΔVdCmr1 strain, relative to the wild-type strain, in response to either condition. Expression profiles revealed that expression of some melanin biosynthetic genes are in part dependent on VdCmr1. Combined data indicate VdCmr1 is a key regulator of melanin biosynthesis, and that via regulation of melanogenesis, VdCmr1 affects survival of V. dahliae in response to abiotic threats. We conclude with a model showing regulation of VdCmr1 by a high osmolarity glycerol response (Hog)-type MAP kinase pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglin Wang
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, PR China
| | - Yulin Fang
- College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Amy Anchieta
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1636 E. Alisal St., Salinas, CA 93905, USA
| | - Polly H. Goldman
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1636 E. Alisal St., Salinas, CA 93905, USA
| | - Gustavo Hernandez
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1636 E. Alisal St., Salinas, CA 93905, USA
| | - Steven J. Klosterman
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1636 E. Alisal St., Salinas, CA 93905, USA
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Zhang W, Gui Y, Short DPG, Li T, Zhang D, Zhou L, Liu C, Bao Y, Subbarao KV, Chen J, Dai X. Verticillium dahliae transcription factor VdFTF1 regulates the expression of multiple secreted virulence factors and is required for full virulence in cotton. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2018; 19:841-857. [PMID: 28520093 PMCID: PMC6638078 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Fungal transcription factors (TFs) implicated in the regulation of virulence gene expression have been identified in a number of plant pathogens. In Verticillium dahliae, despite its agricultural importance, few regulators of transcription have been characterized. In this study, a T-DNA insertion mutant with significantly reduced virulence towards cotton was identified. The T-DNA was traced to VdFTF1, a gene encoding a TF containing a Fungal_trans domain. Transient expression in onion epidermal cells indicated that VdFTF1 is localized to the nucleus. The VdFTF1-deletion strains displayed normal vegetative growth, mycelial pigmentation and conidial morphology, but exhibited significantly reduced virulence on cotton, suggesting that VdFTF1 is required exclusively for pathogenesis. Comparisons of global transcription patterns of wild-type and VdFTF1-deletion strains indicated that VdFTF1 affected the expression of 802 genes, 233 of which were associated with catalytic processes. These genes encoded 69 potentially secreted proteins, 43 of which contained a carbohydrate enzyme domain known to participate in pathogenesis during infection of cotton. Targeted gene deletion of one VdFTF1-regulated gene resulted in significantly impaired vascular colonization, as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, as well as aggressiveness and symptom severity in cotton. In conclusion, VdFTF1, which encodes a TF containing a Fungal_trans domain, regulates the gene expression of plant cell wall degradation enzymes in V. dahliae, which are required for full virulence on cotton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen‐Qi Zhang
- Laboratory of Cotton Disease, Institute of Food Science and TechnologyChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing 100193China
| | - Yue‐Jing Gui
- Laboratory of Cotton Disease, Institute of Food Science and TechnologyChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing 100193China
| | - Dylan P. G. Short
- Department of Plant PathologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCA 95616USA
| | - Ting‐Gang Li
- Laboratory of Cotton Disease, Institute of Food Science and TechnologyChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing 100193China
| | - Dan‐Dan Zhang
- Laboratory of Cotton Disease, Institute of Food Science and TechnologyChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing 100193China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Laboratory of Cotton Disease, Institute of Food Science and TechnologyChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing 100193China
| | - Chun Liu
- BGI‐ShenzhenShenzhenGuangdong 518083China
| | - Yu‐Ming Bao
- Laboratory of Cotton Disease, Institute of Food Science and TechnologyChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing 100193China
| | | | - Jie‐Yin Chen
- Laboratory of Cotton Disease, Institute of Food Science and TechnologyChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing 100193China
| | - Xiao‐Feng Dai
- Laboratory of Cotton Disease, Institute of Food Science and TechnologyChinese Academy of Agricultural SciencesBeijing 100193China
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Zhou Y, Yang L, Wu M, Chen W, Li G, Zhang J. A Single-Nucleotide Deletion in the Transcription Factor Gene bcsmr1 Causes Sclerotial-Melanogenesis Deficiency in Botrytis cinerea. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2492. [PMID: 29312200 PMCID: PMC5733056 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is an important plant pathogenic fungus with a wide range of host. It usually produces black-colored sclerotia (BS) due to deposition of 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene melanin in sclerotial melanogenesis. Our previous study (Zhou et al., 2018) reported six B. cinerea isolates producing orange-colored sclerotia (OS) with deficiency in sclerotial melanogenesis. Comparison of ecological fitness (conidia, mycelia, sclerotia), natural distribution, and melanogenesis of selected BS and OS isolates suggests that sclerotia play an important role in the disease cycle caused by B. cinerea. However, the molecular mechanism for formation of the OS B. cinerea remains unknown. This study was done to unravel the molecular mechanism for the sclerotial melanogenesis deficiency in the OS isolates. We found that all the five sclerotial melanogenesis genes (bcpks12, bcygh1, bcbrn1/2, bcscd1) were down-regulated in OS isolates, compared to the genes in the BS isolates. However, the sclerotial melanogenesis-regulatory gene bcsmr1 had similar expression in both types of sclerotia, suggesting the sclerotial melanogenesis deficiency is due to loss-of-function of bcsmr1, rather than lack of expression of bcsmr1. Therefore, we cloned bcsmr1 from OS (bcsmr1OS ) and BS (bcsmr1BS ) isolates, and found a single-nucleotide deletion in bcsmr1OS . The single-nucleotide deletion caused formation of a premature stop codon in the open reading frame of bcsmr1OS , resulting in production of a 465-aa truncated protein. The transcription activity of the truncated protein was greatly reduced, compared to that of the 935-aa full-length protein encoded by bcsmr1BS in the BS isolates. The function of bcsmr1OS was partially complemented by bcsmr1BS . This study not only elucidated the molecular mechanism for formation of orange-colored sclerotia by the spontaneous mutant XN-1 of B. cinerea, but also confirmed the regulatory function of bcsmr1 in sclerotial melanogenesis of B. cinerea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Laboratory of Biological Processing, Institute of Bast Fiber Crops, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Long Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingde Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weidong Chen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Guoqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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43
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Yang J, Yin ZQ, Kang ZT, Liu CJ, Yang JK, Yao JH, Luo YY. Transcriptomic profiling of Alternaria longipes invasion in tobacco reveals pathogenesis regulated by AlHK1, a group III histidine kinase. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16083. [PMID: 29167535 PMCID: PMC5700128 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16401-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco brown spot, caused by Alternaria species, is a devastating tobacco disease. To explore the role of a group III histidine kinase (AlHK1) on A. longipes pathogenesis, the invasion progress of A. longipes was monitored. We found that the wild-type strain C-00 invaded faster than the AlHK1-disrupted strain HK∆4 in the early and middle infection stages and the reverse trend occurred in the late infection stage. Then, eight invasion transcriptomes were performed using RNA-Seq and 205 shared, 505 C-00 and 222 HK∆4 specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The annotation results showed seven antioxidant activity genes were specifically identified in the HKΔ4 DEGs. A subsequent experiment confirmed that HKΔ4 was more resistant to low concentrations oxidative stress than C-00. In addition, the results from 1) statistics for the number of DEGs, GO enriched terms, DEGs in clusters with rising trends, and 2) analyses of the expression patterns of some DEGs relevant for osmoadaptation and virulence showed that changes in C-00 infection existed mainly in the early and middle stages, while HKΔ4 infection arose mainly in the late stage. Our results reveal firstly the pathogenesis of A. longipes regulated by AlHK1 and provide useful insights into the fungal-plant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Zhi-Qun Yin
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Zi-Teng Kang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Chen-Jian Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Jin-Kui Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Jian-Hua Yao
- Yunnan Academy of Tobacco Science, Kunming, 650106, China
| | - Yi-Yong Luo
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.
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Vicente VA, Weiss VA, Bombassaro A, Moreno LF, Costa FF, Raittz RT, Leão AC, Gomes RR, Bocca AL, Fornari G, de Castro RJA, Sun J, Faoro H, Tadra-Sfeir MZ, Baura V, Balsanelli E, Almeida SR, Dos Santos SS, Teixeira MDM, Soares Felipe MS, do Nascimento MMF, Pedrosa FO, Steffens MB, Attili-Angelis D, Najafzadeh MJ, Queiroz-Telles F, Souza EM, De Hoog S. Comparative Genomics of Sibling Species of Fonsecaea Associated with Human Chromoblastomycosis. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1924. [PMID: 29062304 PMCID: PMC5640708 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Fonsecaea and Cladophialophora are genera of black yeast-like fungi harboring agents of a mutilating implantation disease in humans, along with strictly environmental species. The current hypothesis suggests that those species reside in somewhat adverse microhabitats, and pathogenic siblings share virulence factors enabling survival in mammal tissue after coincidental inoculation driven by pathogenic adaptation. A comparative genomic analysis of environmental and pathogenic siblings of Fonsecaea and Cladophialophora was undertaken, including de novo assembly of F. erecta from plant material. The genome size of Fonsecaea species varied between 33.39 and 35.23 Mb, and the core genomes of those species comprises almost 70% of the genes. Expansions of protein domains such as glyoxalases and peptidases suggested ability for pathogenicity in clinical agents, while the use of nitrogen and degradation of phenolic compounds was enriched in environmental species. The similarity of carbohydrate-active vs. protein-degrading enzymes associated with the occurrence of virulence factors suggested a general tolerance to extreme conditions, which might explain the opportunistic tendency of Fonsecaea sibling species. Virulence was tested in the Galleria mellonella model and immunological assays were performed in order to support this hypothesis. Larvae infected by environmental F. erecta had a lower survival. Fungal macrophage murine co-culture showed that F. erecta induced high levels of TNF-α contributing to macrophage activation that could increase the ability to control intracellular fungal growth although hyphal death were not observed, suggesting a higher level of extremotolerance of environmental species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania A Vicente
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Vinícius A Weiss
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Sector of Technological and Professional Education, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Amanda Bombassaro
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Leandro F Moreno
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Flávia F Costa
- Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Roberto T Raittz
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Sector of Technological and Professional Education, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Aniele C Leão
- Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Sector of Technological and Professional Education, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Renata R Gomes
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Anamelia L Bocca
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Gheniffer Fornari
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Jiufeng Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Helisson Faoro
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Valter Baura
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Balsanelli
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Sandro R Almeida
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suelen S Dos Santos
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcus de Melo Teixeira
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil.,Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, United States
| | - Maria S Soares Felipe
- Department of Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Fabio O Pedrosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Maria B Steffens
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Sector of Technological and Professional Education, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Mohammad J Najafzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Flávio Queiroz-Telles
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Clinical Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Emanuel M Souza
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Sector of Technological and Professional Education, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Sybren De Hoog
- Microbiology, Parasitology and Pathology Post-Graduation Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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46
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van der Does HC, Rep M. Adaptation to the Host Environment by Plant-Pathogenic Fungi. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2017; 55:427-450. [PMID: 28645233 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-080516-035551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Many fungi can live both saprophytically and as endophyte or pathogen inside a living plant. In both environments, complex organic polymers are used as sources of nutrients. Propagation inside a living host also requires the ability to respond to immune responses of the host. We review current knowledge of how plant-pathogenic fungi do this. First, we look at how fungi change their global gene expression upon recognition of the host environment, leading to secretion of effectors, enzymes, and secondary metabolites; changes in metabolism; and defense against toxic compounds. Second, we look at what is known about the various cues that enable fungi to sense the presence of living plant cells. Finally, we review literature on transcription factors that participate in gene expression in planta or are suspected to be involved in that process because they are required for the ability to cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martijn Rep
- Molecular Plant Pathology, University of Amsterdam, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
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47
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Ozturk IK, Chettri P, Dupont PY, Barnes I, McDougal RL, Moore GG, Sim A, Bradshaw RE. Evolution of polyketide synthesis in a Dothideomycete forest pathogen. Fungal Genet Biol 2017; 106:42-50. [PMID: 28690095 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fungal secondary metabolites have many important biological roles and some, like the toxic polyketide aflatoxin, have been intensively studied at the genetic level. Complete sets of polyketide synthase (PKS) genes can now be identified in fungal pathogens by whole genome sequencing and studied in order to predict the biosynthetic potential of those fungi. The pine needle pathogen Dothistroma septosporum is predicted to have only three functional PKS genes, a small number for a hemibiotrophic fungus. One of these genes is required for production of dothistromin, a polyketide virulence factor related to aflatoxin, whose biosynthetic genes are dispersed across one chromosome rather than being clustered. Here we evaluated the evolution of the other two genes, and their predicted gene clusters, using phylogenetic and population analyses. DsPks1 and its gene cluster are quite conserved amongst related fungi, whilst DsPks2 appears to be novel. The DsPks1 protein was predicted to be required for dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin biosynthesis but functional analysis of DsPks1 mutants showed that D. septosporum produced mainly dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) melanin, which is produced by a PKS-independent pathway. Although the secondary metabolites made by these two PKS genes are not known, comparisons between strains of D. septosporum from different regions of the world revealed that both PKS core genes are under negative selection and we suggest they may have important cryptic roles in planta.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Kutay Ozturk
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand.
| | - Pranav Chettri
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand.
| | - Pierre-Yves Dupont
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand.
| | - Irene Barnes
- Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | | | - Geromy G Moore
- Southern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA.
| | - Andre Sim
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand.
| | - Rosie E Bradshaw
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand.
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48
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Zhang P, Wang X, Fan A, Zheng Y, Liu X, Wang S, Zou H, Oakley BR, Keller NP, Yin WB. A cryptic pigment biosynthetic pathway uncovered by heterologous expression is essential for conidial development inPestalotiopsis fici. Mol Microbiol 2017; 105:469-483. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology; Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuna Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology; Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences; Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University; Fuzhou People's Republic of China
| | - Aili Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology; Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjing Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial (Wenzhou) Key Lab for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science; Wenzhou University; Wenzhou People's Republic of China
| | - Xingzhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology; Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing People's Republic of China
| | - Shihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology of Education Ministry, and School of Life Sciences; Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University; Fuzhou People's Republic of China
| | - Huixi Zou
- Zhejiang Provincial (Wenzhou) Key Lab for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, College of Life and Environmental Science; Wenzhou University; Wenzhou People's Republic of China
| | - Berl R. Oakley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences; University of Kansas; Lawrence KS USA
| | - Nancy P. Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology; University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison Wisconsin, WI USA
| | - Wen-Bing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology; Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing People's Republic of China
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49
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Shelest E. Transcription Factors in Fungi: TFome Dynamics, Three Major Families, and Dual-Specificity TFs. Front Genet 2017; 8:53. [PMID: 28523015 PMCID: PMC5415576 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential regulators of gene expression in a cell; the entire repertoire of TFs (TFome) of a species reflects its regulatory potential and the evolutionary history of the regulatory mechanisms. In this work, I give an overview of fungal TFs, analyze TFome dynamics, and discuss TF families and types of particular interest. Whole-genome annotation of TFs in more than 200 fungal species revealed ~80 families of TFs that are typically found in fungi. Almost half of the considered genomes belonged to basidiomycetes and zygomycetes, which have been underrepresented in earlier annotations due to dearth of sequenced genomes. The TFomes were analyzed in terms of expansion strategies genome- and lineage-wise. Generally, TFomes are known to correlate with genome size; but what happens to particular families when a TFome is expanding? By dissecting TFomes into single families and estimating the impact of each of them, I show that in fungi the TFome increment is largely limited to three families (C6 Zn clusters, C2H2-like Zn fingers, and homeodomain-like). To see whether this is a fungal peculiarity or a ubiquitous eukaryotic feature, I also analyzed metazoan TFomes, where I observed a similar trend (limited number of TFome-shaping families) but also some important differences connected mostly with the increased complexity in animals. The expansion strategies of TF families are lineage-specific; I demonstrate how the patterns of the TF families' distributions, designated as "TF signatures," can be used as a taxonomic feature, e.g., for allocation of uncertain phyla. In addition, both fungal and metazoan genomes contain an intriguing type of TFs. While usually TFs have a single DNA-binding domain, these TFs possess two (or more) different DNA-binding specificities. I demonstrate that dual-specific TFs comprising various combinations of all major TF families are a typical feature of fungal and animal genomes and have an interesting evolutionary history involving gene duplications and domain losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Shelest
- Systems biology/Bioinformatics group, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell InstituteJena, Germany
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50
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Abstract
Effectors are molecules used by microbial pathogens to facilitate infection via effector-triggered susceptibility or tissue necrosis in their host. Much research has been focussed on the identification and elucidating the function of fungal effectors during plant pathogenesis. By comparison, knowledge of how phytopathogenic fungi regulate the expression of effector genes has been lagging. Several recent studies have illustrated the role of various transcription factors, chromosome-based control, effector epistasis, and mobilisation of endosomes within the fungal hyphae in regulating effector expression and virulence on the host plant. Improved knowledge of effector regulation is likely to assist in improving novel crop protection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kar-Chun Tan
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Richard P. Oliver
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
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