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Zhu Y, Wu C, Deng Y, Yuan W, Zhang T, Lu J. Recent advances in virulence of a broad host range plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: a mini-review. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1424130. [PMID: 38962122 PMCID: PMC11220166 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1424130] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a typical necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus, which has a wide host range and can cause a variety of diseases, leading to serious loss of agricultural production around the world. It is difficult to control and completely eliminate the characteristics, chemical control methods is not ideal. Therefore, it is very important to know the pathogenic mechanism of S. sclerotiorum for improving host living environment, relieving agricultural pressure and promoting economic development. In this paper, the life cycle of S. sclerotiorum is introduced to understand the whole process of S. sclerotiorum infection. Through the analysis of the pathogenic mechanism, this paper summarized the reported content, mainly focused on the oxalic acid, cell wall degrading enzyme and effector protein in the process of infection and its mechanism. Besides, recent studies reported virulence-related genes in S. sclerotiorum have been summarized in the paper. According to analysis, those genes were related to the growth and development of the hypha and appressorium, the signaling and regulatory factors of S. sclerotiorum and so on, to further influence the ability to infect the host critically. The application of host-induced gene silencing (HIGS)is considered as a potential effective tool to control various fungi in crops, which provides an important reference for the study of pathogenesis and green control of S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Junxing Lu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Plant Environmental Adaptations, College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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Ma M, Tang L, Sun R, Lyu X, Xie J, Fu Y, Li B, Chen T, Lin Y, Yu X, Chen W, Jiang D, Cheng J. An effector SsCVNH promotes the virulence of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum through targeting class III peroxidase AtPRX71. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13464. [PMID: 38695733 PMCID: PMC11064801 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Many plant pathogens secrete effector proteins into the host plant to suppress host immunity and facilitate pathogen colonization. The necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes severe plant diseases and results in enormous economic losses, in which secreted proteins play a crucial role. SsCVNH was previously reported as a secreted protein, and its expression is significantly upregulated at 3 h after inoculation on the host plant. Here, we further demonstrated that deletion of SsCVNH leads to attenuated virulence. Heterologous expression of SsCVNH in Arabidopsis enhanced pathogen infection, inhibited the host PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) response and increased plant susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum. SsCVNH interacted with class III peroxidase AtPRX71, a positive regulator of innate immunity against plant pathogens. SsCVNH could also interact with other class III peroxidases, thus reducing peroxidase activity and suppressing plant immunity. Our results reveal a new infection strategy employed by S. sclerotiorum in which the fungus suppresses the function of class III peroxidases, the major component of PTI to promote its own infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Liguang Tang
- Wuhan Vegetable Research InstituteWuhan Academy of Agricultural ScienceWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Rui Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Xueliang Lyu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Jiatao Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Yanping Fu
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Bo Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Tao Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Yang Lin
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Xiao Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Weidong Chen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research ServiceWashington State UniversityPullmanWashingtonUSA
| | - Daohong Jiang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Jiasen Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanHubeiChina
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3
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Wang P, Wang Y, Hu Y, Chen Z, Han L, Zhu W, Tian B, Fang A, Yang Y, Bi C, Yu Y. Plant hypersensitive induced reaction protein facilitates cell death induced by secreted xylanase associated with the pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 118:90-105. [PMID: 38113332 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Necrotrophic fungal plant pathogens employ cell death-inducing proteins (CDIPs) to facilitate infection. However, the specific CDIPs and their mechanisms in pathogenic processes of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a necrotrophic pathogen that causes disease in many economically important crop species, have not yet been clearly defined. This study found that S. sclerotiorum secretes SsXyl2, a glycosyl hydrolase family 11 xylanase, at the late stage of hyphal infection. SsXyl2 targets the apoplast of host plants to induce cell death independent of xylanase activity. Targeted disruption of SsXyl2 leads to serious impairment of virulence, which can be recovered by a catalytically impaired SsXyl2 variant, thus supporting the critical role of cell death-inducing activity of SsXyl2 in establishing successful colonization of S. sclerotiorum. Remarkably, infection by S. sclerotiorum induces the accumulation of Nicotiana benthamiana hypersensitive-induced reaction protein 2 (NbHIR2). NbHIR2 interacts with SsXyl2 at the plasma membrane and promotes its localization to the cell membrane and cell death-inducing activity. Furthermore, gene-edited mutants of NbHIR2 displayed increased resistance to the wild-type strain of S. sclerotiorum, but not to the SsXyl2-deletion strain. Hence, SsXyl2 acts as a CDIP that manipulates host cell physiology by interacting with hypersensitive induced reaction protein to facilitate colonization by S. sclerotiorum. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of CDIPs in necrotrophic pathogens and lead to a more promising approach for breeding resistant crops against S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yabo Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yawen Hu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ziyang Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Lili Han
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Wenjun Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Binnian Tian
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Anfei Fang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yuheng Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaowei Bi
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
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Azizullah, Noman M, Gao Y, Wang H, Xiong X, Wang J, Li D, Song F. The SUMOylation pathway regulates the pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum in watermelon through stabilizing the pH regulator FonPalC via SUMOylation. Microbiol Res 2024; 281:127632. [PMID: 38310728 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
SUMOylation is a key post-translational modification, where small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) proteins regulate crucial biological processes, including pathogenesis, in phytopathogenic fungi. Here, we investigated the function and mechanism of the SUMOylation pathway in the pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), the fungal pathogen that causes watermelon Fusarium wilt. Disruption of key SUMOylation pathway genes, FonSMT3, FonAOS1, FonUBC9, and FonMMS21, significantly reduced pathogenicity, impaired penetration ability, and attenuated invasive growth capacity of Fon. Transcription and proteomic analyses identified a diverse set of SUMOylation-regulated differentially expressed genes and putative FonSMT3-targeted proteins, which are predicted to be involved in infection, DNA damage repair, programmed cell death, reproduction, growth, and development. Among 155 putative FonSMT3-targeted proteins, FonPalC, a Pal/Rim-pH signaling regulator, was confirmed to be SUMOylated. The FonPalC protein accumulation was significantly decreased in SUMOylation-deficient mutant ∆Fonsmt3. Deletion of FonPalC resulted in impaired mycelial growth, decreased pathogenicity, enhanced osmosensitivity, and increased intracellular vacuolation in Fon. Importantly, mutations in conserved SUMOylation sites of FonPalC failed to restore the defects in ∆Fonpalc mutant, indicating the critical function of the SUMOylation in FonPalC stability and Fon pathogenicity. Identifying key SUMOylation-regulated pathogenicity-related proteins provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Fon pathogenesis regulated by SUMOylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azizullah
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Muhammad Noman
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Treats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Yizhou Gao
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Xiong
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jiajing Wang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Dayong Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Fengming Song
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
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5
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Kumar P, Sharma R, Kumar K. A perspective on varied fungal virulence factors causing infection in host plants. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:392. [PMID: 38446264 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi and their spores are ubiquitously present and invade the tissues of higher living plants causing pathogenesis and inevitably death or retarded growth. A group of fungi kills its hosts and consume the dead tissues (necrotrophs), while others feed on living tissue (biotrophs) or combination of two (hemibiotrophs). A number of virulent factors is used by fungal pathogens to inhabit new hosts and cause illness. Fungal pathogens develop specialized structures for complete invasion into plant organs to regulate pathogenic growth. Virulence factors like effectors, mycotoxins, cell wall degrading enzymes and organic acids have varied roles depending on the infection strategy and assist the pathogens to possess control on living tissues of the plants. Infection strategies employed by fungi generally masks the plant defense mechanism, however necrotrophs are best known to harm plant tissues with their poisonous secretion. Interestingly, the effector chemicals released by Biotrophs reduce plant cell growth and regulate plant metabolism in their advantage causing no direct death. All these virulence tools cause huge loss to the agricultural product of pre- harvest crops and post-harvest yields causing low output leading to huge economic losses. This review focusses on comprehensive study of range of virulence factors of the pathogenic fungi responsible for their invasion inside the healthy tissues of plants. The compiled information would influence researchers to design antidote against all virulence factors of fungi relevant to their area of research which could pave way for protection against plant pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prince Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, 834004, India
| | - Rajani Sharma
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, 834004, India
| | - Kunal Kumar
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, 834004, India.
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6
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Christian N, Perlin MH. Plant-endophyte communication: Scaling from molecular mechanisms to ecological outcomes. Mycologia 2024; 116:227-250. [PMID: 38380970 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2023.2299658] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Diverse communities of fungal endophytes reside in plant tissues, where they affect and are affected by plant physiology and ecology. For these intimate interactions to form and persist, endophytes and their host plants engage in intricate systems of communication. The conversation between fungal endophytes and plant hosts ultimately dictates endophyte community composition and function and has cascading effects on plant health and plant interactions. In this review, we synthesize our current knowledge on the mechanisms and strategies of communication used by endophytic fungi and their plant hosts. We discuss the molecular mechanisms of communication that lead to organ specificity of endophytic communities and distinguish endophytes, pathogens, and saprotrophs. We conclude by offering emerging perspectives on the relevance of plant-endophyte communication to microbial community ecology and plant health and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Christian
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292
| | - Michael H Perlin
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292
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Liu X, Zhao H, Xie J, Fu Y, Li B, Yu X, Chen T, Lin Y, Jiang D, Cheng J. A Glycosyl Hydrolase 5 Family Protein Is Essential for Virulence of Necrotrophic Fungi and Can Suppress Plant Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2693. [PMID: 38473940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Phytopathogenic fungi normally secrete large amounts of CWDEs to enhance infection of plants. In this study, we identified and characterized a secreted glycosyl hydrolase 5 family member in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (SsGH5, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Glycosyl Hydrolase 5). SsGH5 was significantly upregulated during the early stages of infection. Knocking out SsGH5 did not affect the growth and acid production of S. sclerotiorum but resulted in decreased glucan utilization and significantly reduced virulence. In addition, Arabidopsis thaliana expressing SsGH5 became more susceptible to necrotrophic pathogens and basal immune responses were inhibited in these plants. Remarkably, the lost virulence of the ΔSsGH5 mutants was restored after inoculating onto SsGH5 transgenic Arabidopsis. In summary, these results highlight that S. sclerotiorum suppresses the immune responses of Arabidopsis through secreting SsGH5, and thus exerts full virulence for successful infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Huihui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiatao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yanping Fu
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Daohong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiasen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Shang Q, Jiang D, Xie J, Cheng J, Xiao X. The schizotrophic lifestyle of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13423. [PMID: 38407560 PMCID: PMC10895550 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a cosmopolitan and typical necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus that infects hundreds of plant species. Because no cultivars highly resistant to S. sclerotiorum are available, managing Sclerotinia disease caused by S. sclerotiorum is still challenging. However, recent studies have demonstrated that S. sclerotiorum has a beneficial effect and can live mutualistically as an endophyte in graminaceous plants, protecting the plants against major fungal diseases. An in-depth understanding of the schizotrophic lifestyle of S. sclerotiorum during interactions with plants under different environmental conditions will provide new strategies for controlling fungal disease. In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis mechanisms of S. sclerotiorum during its attack of host plants as a destructive pathogen and discuss its lifestyle as a beneficial endophytic fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingna Shang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Daohong Jiang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jiatao Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jiasen Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Hongshan LaboratoryWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xueqiong Xiao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural MicrobiologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
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9
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Li W, Li P, Deng Y, Situ J, He Z, Zhou W, Li M, Xi P, Liang X, Kong G, Jiang Z. A plant cell death-inducing protein from litchi interacts with Peronophythora litchii pectate lyase and enhances plant resistance. Nat Commun 2024; 15:22. [PMID: 38167822 PMCID: PMC10761943 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44356-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell wall degrading enzymes, including pectate lyases (PeLs), released by plant pathogens, break down protective barriers and/or activate host immunity. The direct interactions between PeLs and plant immune-related proteins remain unclear. We identify two PeLs, PlPeL1 and PlPeL1-like, critical for full virulence of Peronophythora litchii on litchi (Litchi chinensis). These proteins enhance plant susceptibility to oomycete pathogens in a PeL enzymatic activity-dependent manner. However, LcPIP1, a plant immune regulator secreted by litchi, binds to PlPeL1/PlPeL1-like, and attenuates PlPeL1/PlPeL1-like induced plant susceptibility to Phytophthora capsici. LcPIP1 also induces cell death and various immune responses in Nicotiana benthamiana. Conserved in plants, LcPIP1 homologs bear a conserved "VDMASG" motif and exhibit immunity-inducing activity. Furthermore, SERK3 interacts with LcPIP1 and is required for LcPIP1-induced cell death. NbPIP1 participates in immune responses triggered by the PAMP protein INF1. In summary, our study reveals the dual roles of PlPeL1/PlPeL1-like in plant-pathogen interactions: enhancing pathogen virulence through PeL enzymatic activity while also being targeted by LcPIP1, thus enhancing plant immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Li
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhen Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/Integrative Microbiology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjian Situ
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuoyuan He
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenzhe Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minhui Li
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pinggen Xi
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangxiu Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources/College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanghui Kong
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zide Jiang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide/Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
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10
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Tian B, Chen Z, Yu Y, Yang Y, Fang A, Bi C, Qu Z, Fu Y, Mehmood MA, Zhou C, Jiang D. Transcriptional plasticity of schizotrophic Sclerotinia sclerotiorum responds to symptomatic rapeseed and endophytic wheat hosts. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0261223. [PMID: 37905914 PMCID: PMC10714719 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02612-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The broad host range of fungi with differential fungal responses leads to either a pathogenic or an endophytic lifestyle in various host plants. Yet, the molecular basis of schizotrophic fungal responses to different plant hosts remains unexplored. Here, we observed a general increase in the gene expression of S. sclerotiorum associated with pathogenicity in symptomatic rapeseed, including small protein secretion, appressorial formation, and oxalic acid toxin production. Conversely, in wheat, many carbohydrate metabolism and transport-associated genes were induced, indicating a general increase in processes associated with carbohydrate acquisition. Appressorium is required for S. sclerotiorum during colonization in symptomatic hosts but not in endophytic wheat. These findings provide new clues for understanding schizotrophic fungi, fungal evolution, and the emergence pathways of new plant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binnian Tian
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziyang Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuheng Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Anfei Fang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaowei Bi
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanping Fu
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mirza Abid Mehmood
- Plant Pathology, Institute of Plant Protection, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Changyong Zhou
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Daohong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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11
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Liu Z, Zhu Z, Huang Y, Nong S, Jiang M, Yi S, Xie D, Hu H. Identification of gene modules and hub genes associated with Colletotrichum siamense infection in mango using weighted gene co-expression network analysis. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:710. [PMID: 37996781 PMCID: PMC10668491 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09811-6] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Colletotrichum siamense is a hemibiotrophic ascomycetous fungus responsible for mango anthracnose. The key genes involved in C. siamense infection remained largely unknown. In this study, we conducted weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of RNA-seq data to mine key genes involved in Colletotrichum siamense-mango interactions. Gene modules of Turquoise and Salmon, containing 1039 and 139 respectively, were associated with C. siamense infection, which were conducted for further analysis. GO enrichment analysis revealed that protein synthesis, organonitrogen compound biosynthetic and metabolic process, and endoplasmic reticulum-related genes were associated with C. siamense infection. A total of 568 proteins had homologs in the PHI database, 370 of which were related to virulence. The hub genes in each module were identified, which were annotated as O-methyltransferase (Salmon) and Clock-controlled protein 6 (Turquoise). A total of 24 proteins exhibited characteristics of SCRPs. By using transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana, the SCRPs of XM_036637681.1 could inhibit programmed cell death (PCD) that induced by BAX (BCL-2-associated X protein), suggesting that it may play important roles in C. siamense infection. A mango-C. siamense co-expression network was constructed, and the mango gene of XM_044632979.1 (auxin-induced protein 15A-like) was positively associated with 5 SCRPs. These findings help to deepen the current understanding of necrotrophic stage in C. siamense infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongling Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Mango, Baise, 533000, China.
| | - Zhengjie Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Mango, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Yuanhe Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Song Nong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Minli Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Sangui Yi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Delong Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
| | - Hongliu Hu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, China
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12
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Bar M, Romanazzi G. Editorial: Highlights from the Botrytis and Sclerotinia 2022 Joint Conference. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1326020. [PMID: 38023886 PMCID: PMC10664566 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1326020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Bar
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Gianfranco Romanazzi
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
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13
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Sabnam N, Hussain A, Saha P. The secret password: Cell death-inducing proteins in filamentous phytopathogens - As versatile tools to develop disease-resistant crops. Microb Pathog 2023; 183:106276. [PMID: 37541554 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell death-inducing proteins (CDIPs) are some of the secreted effector proteins manifested by filamentous oomycetes and fungal pathogens to invade the plant tissue and facilitate infection. Along with their involvement in different developmental processes and virulence, CDIPs play a crucial role in plant-pathogen interactions. As the name implies, CDIPs cause necrosis and trigger localised cell death in the infected host tissues by the accumulation of higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), oxidative burst, accumulation of nitric oxide (NO), and electrolyte leakage. They also stimulate the biosynthesis of defense-related phytohormones such as salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), abscisic acid (ABA), and ethylene (ET), as well as the expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes that are important in disease resistance. Altogether, the interactions result in the hypersensitive response (HR) in the host plant, which might confer systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in some cases against a vast array of related and unrelated pathogens. The CDIPs, due to their capability of inducing host resistance, are thus unique among the array of proteins secreted by filamentous plant pathogens. More interestingly, a few transgenic plant lines have also been developed expressing the CDIPs with added resistance. Thus, CDIPs have opened an interesting hot area of research. The present study critically reviews the current knowledge of major types of CDIPs identified across filamentous phytopathogens and their modes of action in the last couple of years. This review also highlights the recent breakthrough technologies in studying plant-pathogen interactions as well as crop improvement by enhancing disease resistance through CDIPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazmiara Sabnam
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, India.
| | - Afzal Hussain
- Department of Bioinformatics, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, India
| | - Pallabi Saha
- Biotechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55108, United States; Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, India
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14
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Poudel RS, Belay K, Nelson B, Brueggeman R, Underwood W. Population and genome-wide association studies of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum isolates collected from diverse host plants throughout the United States. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1251003. [PMID: 37829452 PMCID: PMC10566370 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1251003] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen causing disease and economic loss on numerous crop plants. This fungus has a broad host range and can infect over 400 plant species, including important oilseed crops such as soybean, canola, and sunflower. S. sclerotiorum isolates vary in aggressiveness of lesion formation on plant tissues. However, the genetic basis for this variation remains to be determined. The aims of this study were to evaluate a diverse collection of S. sclerotiorum isolates collected from numerous hosts and U.S. states for aggressiveness of stem lesion formation on sunflower, to evaluate the population characteristics, and to identify loci associated with isolate aggressiveness using genome-wide association mapping. Methods A total of 219 S. sclerotiorum isolates were evaluated for stem lesion formation on two sunflower inbred lines and genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing. DNA markers were used to assess population differentiation across hosts, regions, and climatic conditions and to perform a genome-wide association study of isolate aggressiveness. Results and discussion We observed a broad range of aggressiveness for lesion formation on sunflower stems, and only a moderate correlation between aggressiveness on the two lines. Population genetic evaluations revealed differentiation between populations from warmer climate regions compared to cooler regions. Finally, a genome-wide association study of isolate aggressiveness identified three loci significantly associated with aggressiveness on sunflower. Functional characterization of candidate genes at these loci will likely improve our understanding of the virulence strategies used by this pathogen to cause disease on a wide array of agriculturally important host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Sharma Poudel
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Kassaye Belay
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Berlin Nelson
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Robert Brueggeman
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - William Underwood
- Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center, Sunflower and Plant Biology Research Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Fargo, ND, United States
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15
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Newman TE, Kim H, Khentry Y, Sohn KH, Derbyshire MC, Kamphuis LG. The broad host range pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum produces multiple effector proteins that induce host cell death intracellularly. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2023; 24:866-881. [PMID: 37038612 PMCID: PMC10346375 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a broad host range necrotrophic fungal pathogen, which causes disease on many economically important crop species. S. sclerotiorum has been shown to secrete small effector proteins to kill host cells and acquire nutrients. We set out to discover novel necrosis-inducing effectors and characterize their activity using transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Five intracellular necrosis-inducing effectors were identified with differing host subcellular localization patterns, which were named intracellular necrosis-inducing effector 1-5 (SsINE1-5). We show for the first time a broad host range pathogen effector, SsINE1, that uses an RxLR-like motif to enter host cells. Furthermore, we provide preliminary evidence that SsINE5 induces necrosis via an NLR protein. All five of the identified effectors are highly conserved in globally sourced S. sclerotiorum isolates. Taken together, these results advance our understanding of the virulence mechanisms employed by S. sclerotiorum and reveal potential avenues for enhancing genetic resistance to this damaging fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toby E. Newman
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Haseong Kim
- Plant Immunity Research CenterSeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
| | - Yuphin Khentry
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Kee Hoon Sohn
- Plant Immunity Research CenterSeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologySeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoul08826Republic of Korea
| | - Mark C. Derbyshire
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Lars G. Kamphuis
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
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16
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Hu Y, Gong H, Lu Z, Zhang P, Zheng S, Wang J, Tian B, Fang A, Yang Y, Bi C, Cheng J, Yu Y. Variable Tandem Glycine-Rich Repeats Contribute to Cell Death-Inducing Activity of a Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Cell Wall Protein That Is Associated with the Pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0098623. [PMID: 37140432 PMCID: PMC10269696 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00986-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchoring of proteins is a conserved posttranslational modification in eukaryotes. GPI-anchored proteins are widely distributed in fungal plant pathogens, but the specific roles of the GPI-anchored proteins in the pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a devastating necrotrophic plant pathogen with a worldwide distribution, remain largely unknown. This research addresses SsGSR1, which encodes an S. sclerotiorum glycine- and serine-rich protein named SsGsr1 with an N-terminal secretory signal and a C-terminal GPI-anchor signal. SsGsr1 is located at the cell wall of hyphae, and deletion of SsGSR1 leads to abnormal cell wall architecture and impaired cell wall integrity of hyphae. The transcription levels of SsGSR1 were maximal in the initial stage of infection, and SsGSR1-deletion strains showed impaired virulence in multiple hosts, indicating that SsGSR1 is critical for the pathogenicity. Interestingly, SsGsr1 targeted the apoplast of host plants to induce cell death that relies on the glycine-rich 11-amino-acid repeats arranged in tandem. The homologs of SsGsr1 in Sclerotinia, Botrytis, and Monilinia species contain fewer repeat units and have lost their cell death activity. Moreover, allelic variants of SsGSR1 exist in field isolates of S. sclerotiorum from rapeseed, and one of the variants lacking one repeat unit results in a protein that exhibits loss of function relative to the cell death-inducing activity and the virulence of S. sclerotiorum. Taken together, our results demonstrate that a variation in tandem repeats provides the functional diversity of GPI-anchored cell wall protein that, in S. sclerotiorum and other necrotrophic pathogens, allows successful colonization of the host plants. IMPORTANCE Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is an economically important necrotrophic plant pathogen and mainly applies cell wall-degrading enzymes and oxalic acid to kill plant cells before colonization. In this research, we characterized a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell wall protein named SsGsr1, which is critical for the cell wall architecture and the pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum. Additionally, SsGsr1 induces rapid cell death of host plants that is dependent on glycine-rich tandem repeats. Interestingly, the number of repeat units varies among homologs and alleles of SsGsr1, and such a variation creates alterations in the cell death-inducing activity and the role in pathogenicity. This work advances our understanding of the variation of tandem repeats in accelerating the evolution of a GPI-anchored cell wall protein associated with the pathogenicity of necrotrophic fungal pathogens and prepares the way toward a fuller understanding of the interaction between S. sclerotiorum and host plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Hu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Hang Gong
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Ziyang Lu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Sinian Zheng
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Binnian Tian
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Anfei Fang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Yuheng Yang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Chaowei Bi
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Jiasen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan City, China
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing City, China
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17
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Rai P, Prasad L, Rai PK. Fungal effectors versus defense-related genes of B. juncea and the status of resistant transgenics against fungal pathogens. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1139009. [PMID: 37360735 PMCID: PMC10285668 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1139009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Oilseed brassica has become instrumental in securing global food and nutritional security. B. juncea, colloquially known as Indian mustard, is cultivated across tropics and subtropics including Indian subcontinent. The production of Indian mustard is severely hampered by fungal pathogens which necessitates human interventions. Chemicals are often resorted to as they are quick and effective, but due to their economic and ecological unsustainability, there is a need to explore their alternatives. The B. juncea-fungal pathosystem is quite diverse as it covers broad-host range necrotrophs (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), narrow-host range necrotrophs (Alternaria brassicae and A. brassicicola) and biotrophic oomycetes (Albugo candida and Hyaloperonospora brassica). Plants ward off fungal pathogens through two-step resistance mechanism; PTI which involves recognition of elicitors and ETI where the resistance gene (R gene) interacts with the fungal effectors. The hormonal signalling is also found to play a vital role in defense as the JA/ET pathway is initiated at the time of necrotroph infection and SA pathway is induced when the biotrophs attack plants. The review discuss the prevalence of fungal pathogens of Indian mustard and the studies conducted on effectoromics. It covers both pathogenicity conferring genes and host-specific toxins (HSTs) that can be used for a variety of purposes such as identifying cognate R genes, understanding pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms, and establishing the phylogeny of fungal pathogens. It further encompasses the studies on identifying resistant sources and characterisation of R genes/quantitative trait loci and defense-related genes identified in Brassicaceae and unrelated species which, upon introgression or overexpression, confer resistance. Finally, the studies conducted on developing resistant transgenics in Brassicaceae have been covered in which chitinase and glucanase genes are mostly used. The knowledge gained from this review can further be used for imparting resistance against major fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajjwal Rai
- Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Laxman Prasad
- Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Rai
- Division of Plant Pathology, Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, India
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18
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Wei J, Yao C, Zhu Z, Gao Z, Yang G, Pan Y. Nitrate reductase is required for sclerotial development and virulence of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1096831. [PMID: 37342142 PMCID: PMC10277653 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1096831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal agent of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) on more than 450 plant species, is a notorious fungal pathogen. Nitrate reductase (NR) is required for nitrate assimilation that mediates the reduction of nitrate to nitrite and is the major enzymatic source for NO production in fungi. To explore the possible effects of nitrate reductase SsNR on the development, stress response, and virulence of S. sclerotiorum, RNA interference (RNAi) of SsNR was performed. The results showed that SsNR-silenced mutants showed abnormity in mycelia growth, sclerotia formation, infection cushion formation, reduced virulence on rapeseed and soybean with decreased oxalic acid production. Furthermore SsNR-silenced mutants are more sensitive to abiotic stresses such as Congo Red, SDS, H2O2, and NaCl. Importantly, the expression levels of pathogenicity-related genes SsGgt1, SsSac1, and SsSmk3 are down-regulated in SsNR-silenced mutants, while SsCyp is up-regulated. In summary, phenotypic changes in the gene silenced mutants indicate that SsNR plays important roles in the mycelia growth, sclerotia development, stress response and fungal virulence of S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Wei
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Chuanchun Yao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zonghe Zhu
- College of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhimou Gao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Guogen Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuemin Pan
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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19
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Priyashantha AKH, Dai DQ, Bhat DJ, Stephenson SL, Promputtha I, Kaushik P, Tibpromma S, Karunarathna SC. Plant-Fungi Interactions: Where It Goes? BIOLOGY 2023; 12:809. [PMID: 37372094 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Fungi live different lifestyles-including pathogenic and symbiotic-by interacting with living plants. Recently, there has been a substantial increase in the study of phytopathogenic fungi and their interactions with plants. Symbiotic relationships with plants appear to be lagging behind, although progressive. Phytopathogenic fungi cause diseases in plants and put pressure on survival. Plants fight back against such pathogens through complicated self-defense mechanisms. However, phytopathogenic fungi develop virulent responses to overcome plant defense reactions, thus continuing their deteriorative impacts. Symbiotic relationships positively influence both plants and fungi. More interestingly, they also help plants protect themselves from pathogens. In light of the nonstop discovery of novel fungi and their strains, it is imperative to pay more attention to plant-fungi interactions. Both plants and fungi are responsive to environmental changes, therefore construction of their interaction effects has emerged as a new field of study. In this review, we first attempt to highlight the evolutionary aspect of plant-fungi interactions, then the mechanism of plants to avoid the negative impact of pathogenic fungi, and fungal strategies to overcome the plant defensive responses once they have been invaded, and finally the changes of such interactions under the different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Hasith Priyashantha
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
| | - Dong-Qin Dai
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
| | - Darbhe J Bhat
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Biology Division, Vishnugupta Vishwavidyapeetam, Gokarna 581326, India
| | - Steven L Stephenson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Itthayakorn Promputtha
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Prashant Kaushik
- Instituto de ConservaciónyMejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Saowaluck Tibpromma
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
| | - Samantha C Karunarathna
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Hantana Road, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
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20
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Wang J, Wang D, Ji X, Wang J, Klosterman SJ, Dai X, Chen J, Subbarao KV, Hao X, Zhang D. The Verticillium dahliae Small Cysteine-Rich Protein VdSCP23 Manipulates Host Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119403. [PMID: 37298354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Verticillium wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae is a notorious soil-borne fungal disease and seriously threatens the yield of economic crops worldwide. During host infection, V. dahliae secretes many effectors that manipulate host immunity, among which small cysteine-rich proteins (SCPs) play an important role. However, the exact roles of many SCPs from V. dahliae are unknown and varied. In this study, we show that the small cysteine-rich protein VdSCP23 inhibits cell necrosis in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, as well as the reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, electrolyte leakage and the expression of defense-related genes. VdSCP23 is mainly localized in the plant cell plasma membrane and nucleus, but its inhibition of immune responses was independent of its nuclear localization. Site-directed mutagenesis and peptide truncation showed that the inhibition function of VdSCP23 was independent of cysteine residues but was dependent on the N-glycosylation sites and the integrity of VdSCP23 protein structure. Deletion of VdSCP23 did not affect the growth and development of mycelia or conidial production in V. dahliae. Unexpectedly, VdSCP23 deletion strains still maintained their virulence for N. benthamiana, Gossypium hirsutum and Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. This study demonstrates an important role for VdSCP23 in the inhibition of plant immune responses; however, it is not required for normal growth or virulence in V. dahliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Dan Wang
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaobin Ji
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jun Wang
- The State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Steven J Klosterman
- Crop Improvement and Protection Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Salinas, CA 93905, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Dai
- The 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
| | - Jieyin Chen
- The 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
- Crop Improvement and Protection Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Salinas, CA 93905, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, c/o U.S. Agricultural Research Station, Salinas, CA 93905, USA
| | - Xiaojuan Hao
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- The 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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21
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Chen X, Hao X, Akhberdi O, Zhu X. Genomic and Transcriptomic Survey Provides Insights into Molecular Basis of Pathogenicity of the Sunflower Pathogen Phoma macdonaldii. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050520. [PMID: 37233231 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Phoma macdonaldii (teleomorph Leptosphaeria lindquistii) is the causal agent of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) black stem. In order to investigate the molecular basis for the pathogenicity of P. ormacdonaldii, genomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed. The genome size was 38.24 Mb and assembled into 27 contigs with 11,094 putative predicted genes. These include 1133 genes for CAZymes specific for plant polysaccharide degradation, 2356 for the interaction between the pathogen and host, 2167 for virulence factors, and 37 secondary metabolites gene clusters. RNA-seq analysis was conducted at the early and late stages of the fungal spot formation in infected sunflower tissues. A total of 2506, 3035, and 2660 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CT and each treatment group (LEAF-2d, LEAF-6d, and STEM) were retrieved, respectively. The most significant pathways of DEGs from these diseased sunflower tissues were the metabolic pathways and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Overall, 371 up-regulated DEGs were shared among LEAF-2d, LEAF-6d, and STEM, including 82 mapped to DFVF, 63 mapped to PHI-base, 69 annotated as CAZymes, 33 annotated as transporters, 91 annotated as secretory proteins, and a carbon skeleton biosynthetic gene. The most important DEGs were further confirmed by RT-qPCR. This is the first report on the genome-scale assembly and annotation for P. macdonaldii. Our data provide a framework for further revealing the underlying mechanism of the pathogenesis of P. macdonaldii, and also suggest the potential targets for the diseases caused by this fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejing Chen
- College of Biological and Geography Sciences, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China
| | - Xiaoran Hao
- National Experimental Teaching Demonstrating Center, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Oren Akhberdi
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources Protection, Development and Utilization, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China
| | - Xudong Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering Drug and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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22
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Walker PL, Ziegler DJ, Giesbrecht S, McLoughlin A, Wan J, Khan D, Hoi V, Whyard S, Belmonte MF. Control of white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) through plant-mediated RNA interference. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6477. [PMID: 37081036 PMCID: PMC10119085 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33335-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of white mold, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is capable of infecting over 600 plant species and is responsible for significant crop losses across the globe. Control is currently dependent on broad-spectrum chemical agents that can negatively impact the agroecological environment, presenting a need to develop alternative control measures. In this study, we developed transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (AT1703) expressing hairpin (hp)RNA to silence S. sclerotiorum ABHYDROLASE-3 and slow infection through host induced gene silencing (HIGS). Leaf infection assays show reduced S. sclerotiorum lesion size, fungal load, and ABHYDROLASE-3 transcript abundance in AT1703 compared to wild-type Col-0. To better understand how HIGS influences host-pathogen interactions, we performed global RNA sequencing on AT1703 and wild-type Col-0 directly at the site of S. sclerotiorum infection. RNA sequencing data reveals enrichment of the salicylic acid (SA)-mediated systemic acquired resistance (SAR) pathway, as well as transcription factors predicted to regulate plant immunity. Using RT-qPCR, we identified predicted interacting partners of ABHYDROLASE-3 in the polyamine synthesis pathway of S. sclerotiorum that demonstrate co-reduction with ABHYDROLASE-3 transcript levels during infection. Together, these results demonstrate the utility of HIGS technology in slowing S. sclerotiorum infection and provide insight into the role of ABHYDROLASE-3 in the A. thaliana-S. sclerotiorum pathosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip L Walker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Dylan J Ziegler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Shayna Giesbrecht
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Austein McLoughlin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Joey Wan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Deirdre Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Vanessa Hoi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Steve Whyard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Mark F Belmonte
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
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23
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Hossain MM, Sultana F, Li W, Tran LSP, Mostofa MG. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary: Insights into the Pathogenomic Features of a Global Pathogen. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071063. [PMID: 37048136 PMCID: PMC10093061 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a broad host-range fungus that infects an inclusive array of plant species and afflicts significant yield losses globally. Despite being a notorious pathogen, it has an uncomplicated life cycle consisting of either basal infection from myceliogenically germinated sclerotia or aerial infection from ascospores of carpogenically germinated sclerotia. This fungus is unique among necrotrophic pathogens in that it inevitably colonizes aging tissues to initiate an infection, where a saprophytic stage follows the pathogenic phase. The release of cell wall-degrading enzymes, oxalic acid, and effector proteins are considered critical virulence factors necessary for the effective pathogenesis of S. sclerotiorum. Nevertheless, the molecular basis of S. sclerotiorum pathogenesis is still imprecise and remains a topic of continuing research. Previous comprehensive sequencing of the S. sclerotiorum genome has revealed new insights into its genome organization and provided a deeper comprehension of the sophisticated processes involved in its growth, development, and virulence. This review focuses on the genetic and genomic aspects of fungal biology and molecular pathogenicity to summarize current knowledge of the processes utilized by S. sclerotiorum to parasitize its hosts. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating the infection process of S. sclerotiorum will contribute to devising strategies for preventing infections caused by this destructive pathogen.
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24
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Singh SK, Shree A, Verma S, Singh K, Kumar K, Srivastava V, Singh R, Saxena S, Singh AP, Pandey A, Verma PK. The nuclear effector ArPEC25 from the necrotrophic fungus Ascochyta rabiei targets the chickpea transcription factor CaβLIM1a and negatively modulates lignin biosynthesis, increasing host susceptibility. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:1134-1159. [PMID: 36585808 PMCID: PMC10015165 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koac372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens deploy a barrage of secreted effectors to subvert host immunity, often by evading, disrupting, or altering key components of transcription, defense signaling, and metabolic pathways. However, the underlying mechanisms of effectors and their host targets are largely unexplored in necrotrophic fungal pathogens. Here, we describe the effector protein Ascochyta rabiei PEXEL-like Effector Candidate 25 (ArPEC25), which is secreted by the necrotroph A. rabiei, the causal agent of Ascochyta blight disease in chickpea (Cicer arietinum), and is indispensable for virulence. After entering host cells, ArPEC25 localizes to the nucleus and targets the host LIM transcription factor CaβLIM1a. CaβLIM1a is a transcriptional regulator of CaPAL1, which encodes phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), the regulatory, gatekeeping enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway. ArPEC25 inhibits the transactivation of CaβLIM1a by interfering with its DNA-binding ability, resulting in negative regulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway and decreased levels of intermediates of lignin biosynthesis, thereby suppressing lignin production. Our findings illustrate the role of fungal effectors in enhancing virulence by targeting a key defense pathway that leads to the biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites and antifungal compounds. This study provides a template for the study of less explored necrotrophic effectors and their host target functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreenivas Kumar Singh
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ankita Shree
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sandhya Verma
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Kunal Singh
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Kamal Kumar
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Vikas Srivastava
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ritu Singh
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Samiksha Saxena
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Agam Prasad Singh
- National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ashutosh Pandey
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Verma
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
- Plant Immunity Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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25
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Bi K, Liang Y, Mengiste T, Sharon A. Killing softly: a roadmap of Botrytis cinerea pathogenicity. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:211-222. [PMID: 36184487 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea, a widespread plant pathogen with a necrotrophic lifestyle, causes gray mold disease in many crops. Massive secretion of enzymes and toxins was long considered to be the main driver of infection, but recent studies have uncovered a rich toolbox for B. cinerea pathogenicity. The emerging picture is of a multilayered infection process governed by the exchange of factors that collectively contribute to disease development. No plant shows complete resistance against B. cinerea, but pattern-triggered plant immune responses have the potential to significantly reduce disease progression, opening new possibilities for producing B. cinerea-tolerant plants. We examine current B. cinerea infection models, highlight knowledge gaps, and suggest directions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Bi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yong Liang
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tesfaye Mengiste
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, 915 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Amir Sharon
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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26
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Wang C, Zheng Y, Liu Z, Qian Y, Li Y, Yang L, Liu S, Liang W, Li J. The secreted FolAsp aspartic protease facilitates the virulence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1103418. [PMID: 36760509 PMCID: PMC9905682 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1103418] [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: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogens utilize secretory effectors to manipulate plant defense. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt disease in tomatoes. We previously identified 32 secreted effector candidates by LC-MS analysis. In this study, we functionally identified one of the secreted proteins, FolAsp, which belongs to the aspartic proteases (Asp) family. The FolAsp was upregulated with host root specifically induction. Its N-terminal 1-19 amino acids performed the secretion activity in the yeast system, which supported its secretion in Fol. Phenotypically, the growth and conidia production of the FolAsp deletion mutants were not changed; however, the mutants displayed significantly reduced virulence to the host tomato. Further study revealed the FolAsp was localized at the apoplast and inhibited INF1-induced cell death in planta. Meanwhile, FolAsp could inhibit flg22-mediated ROS burst. Furthermore, FolAsp displayed protease activity on host protein, and overexpression of FolAsp in Fol enhanced pathogen virulence. These results considerably extend our understanding of pathogens utilizing secreted protease to inhibit plant defense and promote its virulence, which provides potential applications for tomato improvement against disease as the new drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Wang
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Engineering Research Center for Precision Pest Management for Fruits and Vegetables of Qingdao, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yaning Zheng
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Engineering Research Center for Precision Pest Management for Fruits and Vegetables of Qingdao, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhishan Liu
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Engineering Research Center for Precision Pest Management for Fruits and Vegetables of Qingdao, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yongpan Qian
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Engineering Research Center for Precision Pest Management for Fruits and Vegetables of Qingdao, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Engineering Research Center for Precision Pest Management for Fruits and Vegetables of Qingdao, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Limei Yang
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Engineering Research Center for Precision Pest Management for Fruits and Vegetables of Qingdao, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Sihui Liu
- College of Science and Information, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenxing Liang
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Engineering Research Center for Precision Pest Management for Fruits and Vegetables of Qingdao, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Wenxing Liang,
| | - Jingtao Li
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Engineering Research Center for Precision Pest Management for Fruits and Vegetables of Qingdao, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Applied Mycology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China,Jingtao Li,
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27
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A small secreted protein, RsMf8HN, in Rhizoctonia solani triggers plant immune response, which interacts with rice OsHIPP28. Microbiol Res 2023; 266:127219. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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28
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Shu X, Xu D, Jiang Y, Liang J, Xiang T, Wang Y, Zhang W, Han X, Jiao C, Zheng A, Li P, Yin D, Wang A. Functional Analyses of a Small Secreted Cysteine-Rich Protein ThSCSP_14 in Tilletia horrida. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315042. [PMID: 36499367 PMCID: PMC9736875 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tilletia horrida is a biotrophic basidiomycete fungus that causes rice kernel smut, one of the most significant diseases in hybrid rice-growing areas worldwide. Little is known about the pathogenic mechanisms and functions of effectors in T. horrida. Here, we performed functional studies of the effectors in T. horrida and found that, of six putative effectors tested, only ThSCSP_14 caused the cell death phenotype in epidermal cells of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. ThSCSP_14 was upregulated early on during the infection process, and the encoded protein was secreted. The predicted signal peptide (SP) of ThSCSP_14 was required for its ability to induce the necrosis phenotype. Furthermore, the ability of ThSCSP_14 to trigger cell death in N. benthamiana depended on suppressing the G2 allele of Skp1 (SGT1), required for Mla12 resistance (RAR1), heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90), and somatic embryogenesis receptor-like kinase (SERK3). It is important to note that ThSCSP_14 induced a plant defense response in N. benthamiana leaves. Hence, these results demonstrate that ThSCSP_14 is a possible effector that plays an essential role in T. horrida-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Shu
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Deze Xu
- Food Crop Research Institute, Hubei Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Yuqi Jiang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Juan Liang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ting Xiang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Weike Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xue Han
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Chunhai Jiao
- Food Crop Research Institute, Hubei Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Aiping Zheng
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ping Li
- Rice Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Desuo Yin
- Food Crop Research Institute, Hubei Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
- Correspondence: (D.Y.); (A.W.)
| | - Aijun Wang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Correspondence: (D.Y.); (A.W.)
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29
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Qian Y, Zheng X, Wang X, Yang J, Zheng X, Zeng Q, Li J, Zhuge Q, Xiong Q. Systematic identification and functional characterization of the CFEM proteins in poplar fungus Marssonina brunnea. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1045615. [PMID: 36439212 PMCID: PMC9684206 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1045615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteins containing Common in Fungal Extracellular Membrane (CFEM) domains uniquely exist in fungi and play significant roles in their whole life history. In this study, a total of 11 MbCFEM proteins were identified from Marssonina brunnea f. sp. multigermtubi (MULT), a hemibiotrophic pathogenic fungus on poplars that causes severe leaf diseases. Phylogenic analysis showed that the 11 proteins (MbCFEM1-11) were divided into three clades based on the trans-membrane domain and the CFEM domain. Sequence alignment and WebLogo analysis of CFEM domains verified the amino acids conservatism therein. All of them possess eight cysteines except MbCFEM4 and MbCFEM11, which lack two cysteines each. Six MbCFEM proteins with a signal peptide and without trans-membrane domain were considered as candidate effectors for further functional analysis. Three-dimensional (3D) models of their CFEM domains presented a helical-basket structure homologous to the crucial virulence factor Csa2 of Candida albicans. Afterward, four (MbCFEM1, 6, 8, and 9) out of six candidate effectors were successfully cloned and a yeast signal sequence trap (YSST) assay confirmed their secretion activity. Pathogen challenge assays demonstrated that the transient expression of four candidate MbCFEM effectors in Nicotiana benthamiana promoted Fusarium proliferatum infection, respectively. In an N. benthamiana heterogeneous expression system, MbCFEM1, MbCFEM6, and MbCFEM9 appeared to suppress both BAX/INF1-triggered PCD, whereas MbCFEM8 could only defeat BAX-triggered PCD. Additionally, subcellular localization analysis indicated that the four candidate MbCFEM effectors accumulate in the cell membrane, nucleus, chloroplast, and cytosolic bodies. These results demonstrate that MbCFEM1, MbCFEM6, MbCFEM8, and MbCFEM9 are effectors of M. brunnea and provide valuable targets for further dissection of the molecular mechanisms underlying the poplar-M. brunnea interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qin Xiong
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
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30
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Qian H, Song L, Wang L, Wang B, Liang W. The secreted FoAPY1 peptidase promotes Fusarium oxysporum invasion. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1040302. [PMID: 36338032 PMCID: PMC9626516 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1040302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The secretion of peptidases from several pathogens has been reported, but the biological function of these proteins in plant-pathogen interactions is poorly understood. Fusarium oxysporum, a soil-borne plant pathogenic fungus that causes Fusarium wilt in its host, can secrete proteins into host plant cells during the infection process to interfere with the host plant defense response and promote disease occurrence. In this study, we identified a peptidase, FoAPY1, that could be secreted from F. oxysporum depending on the N-terminal signal peptide of the protein. FoAPY1 belongs to the peptidase M28 family and exerts peptidase activity in vitro. Furthermore, the FoAYP1 gene knockout strain (∆FoAYP1) presented reduced virulence to tomato plants, but its mycelial growth and conidiation were unchanged. Moreover, FoAYP1 overexpression tomato seedlings exhibited enhanced susceptibility to F. oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea strains. These data demonstrated that FoAYP1 contributes to the virulence of F. oxysporum may through peptidase activity against host plant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengwei Qian
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Limin Song
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Baoshan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenxing Liang
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong Province, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Wenxing Liang,
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Nie Y, Li G, Li J, Zhou X, Zhang Y, Shi Q, Zhou X, Li H, Chen XL, Li Y. A novel elicitor MoVcpo is necessary for the virulence of Magnaporthe oryzae and triggers rice defense responses. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1018616. [PMID: 36325552 PMCID: PMC9619064 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1018616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most important diseases of rice. Elicitors secreted by M. oryzae play important roles in the interaction with rice to facilitate fungal infection and disease development. In recent years, several elicitor proteins have been identified in M. oryzae, and their functions and importance are increasingly appreciated. In this study, we purified a novel elicitor-activity protein from M. oryzae, which was further identified as a vanadium chloroperoxidase (MoVcpo) by MAIDL TOF/TOF MS. The purified MoVcpo induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in host cells, up-regulated the expression of multiple defense-related genes, thus significantly enhancing rice resistance against M. oryzae. These results suggested that MoVcpo functions as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) to trigger rice immunity. Furthermore, MoVcpo was highly expressed in the early stage of M. oryzae infection. Deletion of MoVcpo affected spore formation, conidia germination, cell wall integrity, and sensitivity to osmotic stress, but not fungal growth. Interestingly, compared with the wild-type, inoculation with MoVcpo deletion mutant on rice led to markedly induced ROS accumulation, increased expression of defense-related genes, but also lower disease severity, suggesting that MoVcpo acts as both an elicitor activating plant immune responses and a virulence factor facilitating fungal infection. These findings reveal a novel role for vanadium chloroperoxidase in fungal pathogenesis and deepen our understanding of M. oryzae-rice interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Nie
- College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanjun Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieling Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoshu Zhou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanzhi Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingchuan Shi
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaping Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Microbial Signals and Disease Control, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Cheng X, Zhao C, Gao L, Zeng L, Xu Y, Liu F, Huang J, Liu L, Liu S, Zhang X. Alternative splicing reprogramming in fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum at different infection stages on Brassica napus. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1008665. [PMID: 36311105 PMCID: PMC9597501 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1008665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is an important post-transcriptional mechanism promoting the diversity of transcripts and proteins to regulate various life processes in eukaryotes. Sclerotinia stem rot is a major disease of Brassica napus caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which causes severe yield loss in B. napus production worldwide. Although many transcriptome studies have been carried out on the growth, development, and infection of S. sclerotiorum, the genome-wide AS events of S. sclerotiorum remain poorly understood, particularly at the infection stage. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was performed to systematically explore the genome-scale AS events of S. sclerotiorum at five important infection stages on a susceptible oilseed rape cultivar. A total of 130 genes were predicted to be involved in AS from the S. sclerotiorum genome, among which 98 genes were differentially expressed and may be responsible for AS reprogramming for its successful infection. In addition, 641 differential alternative splicing genes (DASGs) were identified during S. sclerotiorum infection, accounting for 5.76% of all annotated S. sclerotiorum genes, and 71 DASGs were commonly found at all the five infection stages. The most dominant AS type of S. sclerotiorum was found to be retained introns or alternative 3' splice sites. Furthermore, the resultant AS isoforms of 21 DASGs became pseudogenes, and 60 DASGs encoded different putative proteins with different domains. More importantly, 16 DASGs of S. sclerotiorum were found to have signal peptides and possibly encode putative effectors to facilitate the infection of S. sclerotiorum. Finally, about 69.27% of DASGs were found to be non-differentially expressed genes, indicating that AS serves as another important way to regulate the infection of S. sclerotiorum on plants besides the gene expression level. Taken together, this study provides a genome-wide landscape for the AS of S. sclerotiorum during infection as well as an important resource for further elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuanji Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixia Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingyi Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Hebei Provincial Academy of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Junyan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Oil Crops, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
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Wang J, Xu G, Ning Y, Wang X, Wang GL. Mitochondrial functions in plant immunity. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 27:1063-1076. [PMID: 35659746 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are energy factories of cells and are important for intracellular interactions with other organelles. Emerging evidence indicates that mitochondria play essential roles in the response to pathogen infection. During infection, pathogens deliver numerous enzymes and effectors into host cells, and some of these effectors target mitochondria, altering mitochondrial morphology, metabolism, and functions. To defend against pathogen attack, mitochondria are actively involved in changing intracellular metabolism, hormone-mediated signaling, and signal transduction, producing reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species and triggering programmed cell death. Additionally, mitochondria coordinate with other organelles to integrate and amplify diverse immune signals. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding how mitochondria function in plant immunity and how pathogens target mitochondria for host defense suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyang Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guojuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China
| | - Yuese Ning
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xuli Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Guo-Liang Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Proteomics analysis of the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: a narrative review. JOURNAL OF BIO-X RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/jbr.0000000000000130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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An Amidase Contributes to Full Virulence of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911207. [PMID: 36232508 PMCID: PMC9570306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the most notorious and ubiquitous soilborne plant pathogens, causing serious economic losses to a large number of hosts worldwide. Although virulence factors have been identified in this filamentous fungus, including various cell-wall-degrading enzymes, toxins, oxalic acids and effectors, our understanding of its virulence strategies is far from complete. To explore novel factors contributing to disease, a new pipeline combining forward genetic screening and next-generation sequencing was utilized in this study. Analysis of a hypovirulent mutant revealed that a mutation in an amidase-encoding gene, Sscle_10g079050, resulted in reduced virulence. This is a first report on the contribution of an amidase to fungal virulence, likely through affecting oxalic acid homeostasis.
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36
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Qian H, Wang L, Wang B, Liang W. The secreted ribonuclease T2 protein FoRnt2 contributes to Fusarium oxysporum virulence. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2022; 23:1346-1360. [PMID: 35696123 PMCID: PMC9366063 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Secreted RNase proteins have been reported from only a few pathogens, and relatively little is known about their biological functions. Fusarium oxysporum is a soilborne fungal pathogen that causes Fusarium wilt, one of the most important diseases on tomato. During the infection of F. oxysporum, some proteins are secreted that modulate host plant immunity and promote pathogen invasion. In this study, we identify an RNase, FoRnt2, from the F. oxysporum secretome that belongs to the ribonuclease T2 family. FoRnt2 possesses an N-terminal signal peptide and can be secreted from F. oxysporum. FoRnt2 exhibited ribonuclease activity and was able to degrade the host plant total RNA in vitro dependent on the active site residues H80 and H142. Deletion of the FoRnt2 gene reduced fungal virulence but had no obvious effect on mycelial growth and conidial production. The expression of FoRnt2 in tomato significantly enhanced plant susceptibility to pathogens. These data indicate that FoRnt2 is an important contributor to the virulence of F. oxysporum, possibly through the degradation of plant RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengwei Qian
- College of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinanChina
| | - Lulu Wang
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong ProvinceCollege of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Baoshan Wang
- College of Life SciencesShandong Normal UniversityJinanChina
| | - Wenxing Liang
- Key Lab of Integrated Crop Pest Management of Shandong ProvinceCollege of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural UniversityQingdaoChina
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Ding Y, Chen Y, Wu Z, Yang N, Rana K, Meng X, Liu B, Wan H, Qian W. SsCox17, a copper chaperone, is required for pathogenic process and oxidative stress tolerance of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 322:111345. [PMID: 35691151 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum has emerged as one of the major fungal pathogens of oilseed Brassica across the world. The pathogenic development is exquisitely dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation. Cox17 is a crucial factor that shuttles copper ions from the cytosol to the mitochondria for the cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) assembly. Currently, no data is available regarding the impact of Cox17 in fungal pathogenesis. The present research was carried out to functionally characterize the role of Cox17 in S. sclerotiorum pathogenesis. SsCox17 transcripts showed high expression levels during inoculation on rapeseed. Intramitochondrial copper content and CCO activity were decreased in SsCox17 gene-silenced strains. The SsCox17 gene expression was up-regulated in the hyphae under oxidative stress and a deficiency response to oxidative stress was detected in SsCox17 gene-silenced strains. Compared to the S. sclerotiorum wild-type strain, there was a concomitant reduction in the virulence of SsCox17 gene-silenced strains. The SsCox17 overexpression strain was further found to increase copper content, CCO activity, tolerance to oxidative stress and virulence. We also observed a certain correlation of appressoria formation and SsCox17. These results provide evidence that SsCox17 is positively associated with fungal virulence and oxidative detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijuan Ding
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yangui Chen
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhaohui Wu
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Nan Yang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Kusum Rana
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiao Meng
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bangyan Liu
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Huafang Wan
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Wei Qian
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Engineering Research Center of South Upland Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China.
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Pedersen CJ, Marzano SYL. Characterization of Transcriptional Responses to Genomovirus Infection of the White Mold Fungus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091892. [PMID: 36146699 PMCID: PMC9506476 DOI: 10.3390/v14091892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Soybean leaf-associated gemygorvirus-1 (SlaGemV−1) is a CRESS-DNA virus classified in the family Genomoviridae, which causes hypovirulence and abolishes sclerotia formation in infected fungal pathogens under the family Sclerotiniaceae. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the induction of hypovirulence, RNA-Seq was compared between virus-free and SlaGemV−1-infected Sclerotinia sclerotiorum strain DK3. Overall, 4639 genes were differentially expressed, with 50.5% up regulated and 49.5% down regulated genes. GO enrichments suggest changes in integral membrane components and transmission electron microscopy images reveal virus-like particles localized near the inner cell membrane. Differential gene expression analysis focused on genes responsible for cell cycle and DNA replication and repair pathways, ubiquitin proteolysis, gene silencing, methylation, pathogenesis-related, sclerotial development, carbohydrate metabolism, and oxalic acid biosynthesis. Carbohydrate metabolism showed the most changes, with two glycoside hydrolase genes being the most down regulated by −2396.1- and −648.6-fold. Genes relating to pathogenesis showed consistent down regulation with the greatest being SsNep1, SsSSVP1, and Endo2 showing, −4555-, −14.7-, and −12.3-fold changes. The cell cycle and DNA replication/repair pathways were almost entirely up regulated including a putative cyclin and separase being up regulated 8.3- and 5.2-fold. The oxalate decarboxylase genes necessary for oxalic acid catabolism and oxalic acid precursor biosynthesis genes and its metabolism show down regulations of −17.2- and −12.1-fold changes. Sclerotial formation genes also appear differentially regulated including a melanin biosynthesis gene Pks1 and a sclerotia formation gene Sl2 with fold changes of 3.8 and −2.9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor J. Pedersen
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
| | - Shin-Yi Lee Marzano
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Toledo, OH 43606, USA
- Department of Horticulture, and Plant Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
- Correspondence:
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Identification of Gene Modules and Hub Genes Associated with Sporisorium scitamineum Infection Using Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080852. [PMID: 36012840 PMCID: PMC9409688 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporisorium scitamineum is a biotrophic fungus responsible for sugarcane smut disease. To investigate the key genes involved in S. scitamineum infection, we conducted RNA sequencing of sugarcane sprouts inoculated with S. scitamineum teliospores. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) showed that two co-expressed gene modules, MEdarkturquoise and MEpurple—containing 66 and 208 genes, respectively—were associated with S. scitamineum infection. The genes in these two modules were further studied using Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, pathogen-host interaction (PHI) database BLASTp, and small secreted cysteine-rich proteins (SCRPs) prediction. The top ten hub genes in each module were identified using the Cytohubba plugin. The GO enrichment analysis found that endoplasmic reticulum-related and catabolism-related genes were expressed during S. scitamineum infection. A total of 83 genes had homologs in the PHI database, 62 of which correlated with pathogen virulence. A total of 21 proteins had the characteristics of small secreted cysteine-rich proteins (SCRPs), a common source of fungal effectors. The top ten hub genes in each module were identified, and seven were annotated as Mig1-Mig1 protein, glycosyl hydrolase, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, secreted chorismate mutase, collagen, mRNA export factor, and pleckstrin homology domain protein, while the remaining three were unknown. Two SCRPs—SPSC_06609 and SPSC_04676—and three proteins—SPSC_01958, SPSC_02155, and SPSC_00940—identified in the PHI database were also among the top ten hub genes in the MEdarkturquoise and MEpurple modules, suggesting that they may play important roles in S. scitamineum infection. A S. scitamineum infection model was postulated based on current findings. These findings help to deepen the current understanding of early events in S. scitamineum infection.
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40
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Wei W, Wu X, Blahut-Beatty L, Simmonds DH, Clough SJ. Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Molecular Players in Early Soybean- Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Interaction. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2022; 112:1739-1752. [PMID: 35778800 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-08-21-0329-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes Sclerotinia stem rot on soybean. Using RNA sequencing, the transcriptomes of the soybean host and the S. sclerotiorum pathogen were simultaneously determined at 4 and 8 h postinoculation (hpi). Two soybean genotypes were involved: a resistant oxalate oxidase (OxO)-transgenic line and its susceptible parent, AC Colibri (AC). Of the 594 genes that were significantly induced by S. sclerotiorum, both hosts expressed genes related to jasmonic acid, ethylene, oxidative burst, and phenylpropanoids. In all, 36% of the differentially expressed genes encoded genes associated with transcription factors, ubiquitination, or general signaling transduction such as receptor-like kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases, and hormones. No significant differentially expressed genes were identified between genotypes, suggesting that oxalic acid (OA) did not play a differential role in early disease development or primary lesion formation under the conditions used. Looking at pathogen behavior through its gene expression during infection, thousands of genes in S. sclerotiorum were induced at 8 hpi, compared with expression in culture. Many plant cell-wall-degrading enzymes (PCWDEs), sugar transport genes, and genes involved in secondary metabolism were upregulated and could contribute to early pathogenesis. When infecting the OxO plants, there was a higher induction of genes encoding OA, botcinic acid, PCWDEs, proteases, and potential effectors, revealing the wealth of virulence factors available to this pathogen as it attempts to colonize a host. Data presented identify hundreds of genes associated with the very early stages of infection for both the host and pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, U.S.A
| | - Xing Wu
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, U.S.A
| | - Laureen Blahut-Beatty
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Daina H Simmonds
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
| | - Steven J Clough
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, U.S.A
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Urbana, IL 61801, U.S.A
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Derbyshire MC, Newman TE, Khentry Y, Owolabi Taiwo A. The evolutionary and molecular features of the broad-host-range plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2022; 23:1075-1090. [PMID: 35411696 PMCID: PMC9276942 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a pathogenic fungus that infects hundreds of plant species, including many of the world's most important crops. Key features of S. sclerotiorum include its extraordinary host range, preference for dicotyledonous plants, relatively slow evolution, and production of protein effectors that are active in multiple host species. Plant resistance to this pathogen is highly complex, typically involving numerous polymorphisms with infinitesimally small effects, which makes resistance breeding a major challenge. Due to its economic significance, S. sclerotiorum has been subjected to a large amount of molecular and evolutionary research. In this updated pathogen profile, we review the evolutionary and molecular features of S. sclerotiorum and discuss avenues for future research into this important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C. Derbyshire
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Toby E. Newman
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Yuphin Khentry
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Akeem Owolabi Taiwo
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
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Xiao F, Xu W, Hong N, Wang L, Zhang Y, Wang G. A Secreted Lignin Peroxidase Required for Fungal Growth and Virulence and Related to Plant Immune Response. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6066. [PMID: 35682745 PMCID: PMC9181491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Botryosphaeria spp. are important phytopathogenic fungi that infect a wide range of woody plants, resulting in big losses worldwide each year. However, their pathogenetic mechanisms and the related virulence factors are rarely addressed. In this study, seven lignin peroxidase (LiP) paralogs were detected in Botryosphaeria kuwatsukai, named BkLiP1 to BkLiP7, respectively, while only BkLiP1 was identified as responsible for the vegetative growth and virulence of B. kuwatsukai as assessed in combination with knock-out, complementation, and overexpression approaches. Moreover, BkLiP1, with the aid of a signal peptide (SP), is translocated onto the cell wall of B. kuwatsukai and secreted into the apoplast space of plant cells as expressed in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana, which can behave as a microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) to trigger the defense response of plants, including cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, callose deposition, and immunity-related genes up-regulated. It supports the conclusion that BkLiP1 plays an important role in the virulence and vegetative growth of B. kuwatsukai and alternatively behaves as an MAMP to induce plant cell death used for the fungal version, which contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism of Botryosphaeria fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiao
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.X.); (W.X.); (N.H.); (L.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop (Fruit Trees) Biology, and Germplasm Creation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wenxing Xu
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.X.); (W.X.); (N.H.); (L.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop (Fruit Trees) Biology, and Germplasm Creation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ni Hong
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.X.); (W.X.); (N.H.); (L.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop (Fruit Trees) Biology, and Germplasm Creation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Liping Wang
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.X.); (W.X.); (N.H.); (L.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop (Fruit Trees) Biology, and Germplasm Creation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yongle Zhang
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.X.); (W.X.); (N.H.); (L.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop (Fruit Trees) Biology, and Germplasm Creation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guoping Wang
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (F.X.); (W.X.); (N.H.); (L.W.); (Y.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Crop (Fruit Trees) Biology, and Germplasm Creation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Sclerotinia sclerotiorum SsCut1 Modulates Virulence and Cutinase Activity. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050526. [PMID: 35628781 PMCID: PMC9143608 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The plant cuticle is one of the protective layers of the external surface of plant tissues. Plants use the cuticle layer to reduce water loss and resist pathogen infection. Fungi release cell wall-degrading enzymes to destroy the epidermis of plants to achieve the purpose of infection. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum secretes a large amount of cutinase to disrupt the cuticle layer of plants during the infection process. In order to further understand the role of cutinase in the pathogenic process of S. sclerotiorum, the S. sclerotiorum cutinsae 1 (SsCut1) gene was cloned and analyzed. The protein SsCut1 contains the conserved cutinase domain and a fungal cellulose-binding domain. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of SsCut1 was significantly upregulated during infection. Split-Marker recombination was utilized for the deletion of the SsCut1 gene, ΔSsCut1 mutants showed reduced cutinase activity and virulence, but the deletion of the SsCut1 gene had no effect on the growth rate, colony morphology, oxalic acid production, infection cushion formation and sclerotial development. Complementation with the wild-type SsCut1 allele restored the cutinase activity and virulence to the wild-type level. Interestingly, expression of SsCut1 in plants can trigger defense responses, but it also enhanced plant susceptibility to SsCut1 gene knock-out mutants. Taken together, our finding demonstrated that the SsCut1 gene promotes the virulence of S. sclerotiorum by enhancing its cutinase activity.
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Wei W, Xu L, Peng H, Zhu W, Tanaka K, Cheng J, Sanguinet KA, Vandemark G, Chen W. A fungal extracellular effector inactivates plant polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2213. [PMID: 35468894 PMCID: PMC9038911 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29788-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant pathogens degrade cell wall through secreted polygalacturonases (PGs) during infection. Plants counteract the PGs by producing PG-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) for protection, reversibly binding fungal PGs, and mitigating their hydrolytic activities. To date, how fungal pathogens specifically overcome PGIP inhibition is unknown. Here, we report an effector, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum PGIP-INactivating Effector 1 (SsPINE1), which directly interacts with and functionally inactivates PGIP. S. sclerotiorum is a necrotrophic fungus that causes stem rot diseases on more than 600 plant species with tissue maceration being the most prominent symptom. SsPINE1 enhances S. sclerotiorum necrotrophic virulence by specifically interacting with host PGIPs to negate their polygalacturonase-inhibiting function via enhanced dissociation of PGIPs from PGs. Targeted deletion of SsPINE1 reduces the fungal virulence. Ectopic expression of SsPINE1 in plant reduces its resistance against S. sclerotiorum. Functional and genomic analyses reveal a conserved virulence mechanism of cognate PINE1 proteins in broad host range necrotrophic fungal pathogens. Plants produce polygalacuturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) to counteract cell wall degradation by pathogenic microbes. Here the authors show that Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a fungal pathogen that causes stem rot disease, secretes a PGIP-inactivating effector to diminish plant resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Liangsheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwestern A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Wenjun Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Kiwamu Tanaka
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,Molecular Plant Science Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Jiasen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Karen A Sanguinet
- Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,Molecular Plant Science Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - George Vandemark
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,USDA Agricultural Research Service, Grain Legume Genetics and Physiology Research Unit, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Weidong Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA. .,Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA. .,Molecular Plant Science Program, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA. .,USDA Agricultural Research Service, Grain Legume Genetics and Physiology Research Unit, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
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Chen Y, Zhang Z, Tian S, Li B. Application of -omic technologies in postharvest pathology: Recent advances and perspectives. Curr Opin Food Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2022.100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Prediction of effector proteins and their implications in pathogenicity of phytopathogenic filamentous fungi: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 206:188-202. [PMID: 35227707 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.02.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Plant pathogenic fungi encode and secrete effector proteins to promote pathogenesis. In recent years, the important role of effector proteins in fungi and plant host interactions has become increasingly prominent. In this review, the functional characterization and molecular mechanisms by which fungal effector proteins modulate biological processes and suppress the defense of plant hosts are discussed, with an emphasis on cell localization during fungal infection. This paper also provides a comprehensive review of bioinformatic and experimental methods that are currently available for the identification of fungal effector proteins. We additionally summarize the secretion pathways and the methods for verifying the presence effector proteins in plant host cells. For future research, comparative genomic studies of different pathogens with varying life cycles will allow comprehensive and systematic identification of effector proteins. Additionally, functional analysis of effector protein interactions with a wider range of hosts (especially non-model crops) will provide more detailed repertoires of fungal effectors. Identifying effector proteins and verifying their functions will improve our understanding of their role in causing disease and in turn guide future strategies for combatting fungal infections.
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Verticillium dahliae CFEM proteins manipulate host immunity and differentially contribute to virulence. BMC Biol 2022; 20:55. [PMID: 35197059 PMCID: PMC8867779 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Verticillium dahliae is a fungal pathogen that causes a vascular wilt on many economically important crops. Common fungal extracellular membrane (CFEM) domain proteins including secreted types have been implicated in virulence, but their roles in this pathogen are still unknown. Results Nine secreted small cysteine-rich proteins (VdSCPs) with CFEM domains were identified by bioinformatic analyses and their differential suppression of host immune responses were evaluated. Two of these proteins, VdSCP76 and VdSCP77, localized to the plant plasma membrane owing to their signal peptides and mediated broad-spectrum suppression of all immune responses induced by typical effectors. Deletion of either VdSCP76 or VdSCP77 significantly reduced the virulence of V. dahliae on cotton. Furthermore, VdSCP76 and VdSCP77 suppressed host immunity through the potential iron binding site conserved in CFEM family members, characterized by an aspartic acid residue in seven VdSCPs (Asp-type) in contrast with an asparagine residue (Asn-type) in VdSCP76 and VdSCP77. V. dahliae isolates carrying the Asn-type CFEM members were more virulent on cotton than those carrying the Asp-type. Conclusions In the iron-insufficient xylem, V. dahliae is likely to employ the Asp-type CFEM members to chelate iron, and Asn-type CFEM members to suppress immunity, for successful colonization and propagation in host plants. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01254-x.
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Zhu W, Yu M, Xu R, Bi K, Yu S, Xiong C, Liu Z, Sharon A, Jiang D, Wu M, Gu Q, Gong L, Chen W, Wei W. Botrytis cinerea BcSSP2 protein is a late infection phase, cytotoxic effector. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:3420-3435. [PMID: 35170184 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is a broad-host-range necrotrophic phytopathogen responsible for serious diseases in leading crops. To facilitate infection, B. cinerea secretes a large number of effectors that induce plant cell death. In screening secretome data of B. cinerea during infection stage, we identified a phytotoxic protein (BcSSP2) that can also induce immune resistance in plants. BcSSP2 is a small, cysteine-rich protein without any known domains. Transient expression of BcSSP2 in leaves caused chlorosis that intensifies with time and eventually leads to death. Point mutations in eight of 10 cysteine residues abolished phytotoxicity, but residual toxic activity remained after heating treatment, suggesting contribution of unknown epitopes to protein phytotoxicity. The expression of bcssp2 was low during the first 36 h after inoculation and increased sharply upon transition to late infection stage. Deletion of bcssp2 did not cause statistically significant changes in lesions size on bean and tobacco leaves. Further analyses indicated that the phytotoxicity of BcSSP2 is negatively regulated by the receptor-like kinases BAK1 and SOBIR1. Collectively, our findings show that BcSSP2 is an effector protein that toxifies the host cells, but is also recognized by the plant immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Mengxue Yu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Ran Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Kai Bi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Shuang Yu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Chao Xiong
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Zhiguo Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Amir Sharon
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Daohong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Mingde Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Qiongnan Gu
- Institute of Plant Protection and Soil Fertilizer, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430064, China
| | - Ling Gong
- Pharmacy Faculty, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065, China
| | - Weidong Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology/United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Plant Pathology/United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
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Fosp9, a novel secreted protein, is essential for full virulence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense on banana ( Musa spp.). Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0060421. [PMID: 35108093 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00604-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The banana vascular wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, delivers a number of different secreted proteins into host plant tissues during infection. Until now, only a few of the secreted proteins from this fungus have been shown to be virulence effectors. Here, the product of fosp9, which is a gene from this pathogen, was found to be a novel virulence effector. The fosp9 gene encodes a hypothetical 185 amino acid protein which has a functional signal peptide, but contains no known motifs or domains. The fosp9 disruptants displayed a significant reduction in producing wilt symptoms on bananas, indicating that fosp9 is essential for the full virulence of this pathogen towards banana. These disruptants did not exhibit a change in either saprophytic growth or conidiation on potato dextrose agar medium, but their invasive growth in the rhizomes of banana was markedly compromised, suggesting a pivotal role for fosp9 in the colonization of banana rhizome tissues by this fungus. Live-cell imaging revealed that the Fosp9:GFP fusion protein accumulated in the apoplast of the plant cells. Moreover, transcriptome profiling revealed that a number of virulence-associated genes were differentially expressed in the fosp9 disruptant relative to the wild-type. Taken together, these findings suggest that Fosp9 is a genuine effector of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense. IMPORTANCE Fusarium wilt of bananas (also known as Panama disease) caused by the fungus F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense is one of the most devastating banana diseases worldwide. The understanding of molecular mechanism of its pathogenicity is very limited until now. We demonstrated that the secreted protein Fosp9 from this fungus contributed to its virulence against banana hosts, and was essential for colonization of banana rhizome tissues by this fungus. Especially, Fosp9 contains no any known domains or motifs, and has no functionally characterized homologs, implying that it is a novel secreted effector involved in F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense- banana interactions. This work provides insight into molecular mechanisms of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense pathogenicity, and the fosp9 gene characterized would facilitates us develop transgenic banana and plantain resistant to this disease by silencing of this effector gene through host-induced gene silencing or other strategies in future.
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Maximiano M, Santos L, Santos C, Aragão F, Dias S, Franco O, Mehta A. Host induced gene silencing of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum effector genes for the control of white mold. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2022.102302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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