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James N, Umesh M. Multifarious Potential of Biopolymer-Producing Bacillus subtilis NJ14 for Plant Growth Promotion and Stress Tolerance in Solanum lycopercicum L. and Cicer arietinum L: A Way Toward Sustainable Agriculture. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:1031-1050. [PMID: 38097901 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-01001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Diverse practices implementing biopolymer-producing bacteria have been examined in various domains lately. PHAs are among the major biopolymers whose relevance of PHA-producing bacteria in the field of crop improvement is one of the radical unexplored aspects in the field of agriculture. Prolonging shelf life is one serious issue hindering the establishment of biofertilizers. Studies support that PHA can help bacteria survive stressed conditions by providing energy. Therefore, PHA-producing bacteria with Plant Growth-Promoting ability can alter the existing problem of short shelf life in biofertilizers. In the present study, Bacillus subtilis NJ14 was isolated from the soil. It was explored to understand the ability of the strain to produce PHA and augment growth in Solanum lycopersicum and Cicer arietinum. NJ14 strain improved the root and shoot length of both plants significantly. The root and shoot length of S. lycopersicum was increased by 3.49 and 0.41 cm, respectively. Similarly, C. arietinum showed a 9.55 and 8.24 cm increase in root and shoot length, respectively. The strain also exhibited halotolerant activity (up to 10%), metal tolerance to lead (up to 1000 μg/mL) and mercury (up to 100 μg/mL), indicating that the NJ14 strain can be an ideal candidate for a potent biofertilizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilina James
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
| | - Mridul Umesh
- Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India.
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2
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Qin R, Cao M, Dong J, Chen L, Guo H, Guo Q, Cai Y, Han L, Huang Z, Xu N, Yang A, Xu H, Wu Y, Sun H, Liu X, Ling H, Zhao C, Li J, Cui F. Fine mapping of a major QTL, qKl-1BL controlling kernel length in common wheat. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2024; 137:67. [PMID: 38441674 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-024-04574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE A major stable QTL, qKl-1BL, for kernel length of wheat was narrowed down to a 2.04-Mb interval on chromosome 1BL; the candidate genes were predicated and the genetic effects on yield-related traits were characterized. As a key factor influencing kernel weight, wheat kernel shape is closely related to yield formation, and in turn affects both wheat processing quality and market value. Fine mapping of the major quantitative trait loci (QTL) for kernel shape could provide genetic resources and a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of wheat yield-related traits. In this study, a major QTL for kernel length (KL) on 1BL, named qKl-1BL, was identified from the recombinant inbred lines (RIL) in multiple environments based on the genetic map and physical map, with 4.76-21.15% of the phenotypic variation explained. To fine map qKl-1BL, the map-based cloning strategy was used. By using developed InDel markers, the near-isogenic line (NIL) pairs and eight key recombinants were identified from a segregating population containing 3621 individuals derived from residual heterozygous lines (RHLs) self-crossing. In combination with phenotype identification, qKl-1BL was finely positioned into a 2.04-Mb interval, KN1B:698.15-700.19 Mb, with eight differentially expressed genes enriched at the key period of kernel elongation. Based on transcriptome analysis and functional annotation information, two candidate genes for qKl-1BL controlling kernel elongation were identified. Additionally, genetic effect analysis showed that the superior allele of qKl-1BL from Jing411 could increase KL, thousand kernel weight (TKW), and yield per plant (YPP) significantly, as well as kernel bulk density and stability time. Taken together, this study identified a QTL interval for controlling kernel length with two possible candidate genes, which provides an important basis for qKl-1BL cloning, functional analysis, and application in molecular breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Qin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Mingsu Cao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Jizi Dong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Linqu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Haoru Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Qingjie Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Yibiao Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Lei Han
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Zhenjie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Ninghao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Aoyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Huiyuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Yongzhen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Han Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Xigang Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Hongqing Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Chunhua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China.
| | - Junming Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Cell Signaling and Environmental Adaptation, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Fa Cui
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Module-Based Breeding of High Yield and Abiotic Resistant Plants in Universities of Shandong, College of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China.
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Koenig M, Moser D, Leusner J, Depotter JRL, Doehlemann G, Misas Villamil J. Maize Phytocytokines Modulate Pro-Survival Host Responses and Pathogen Resistance. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2023; 36:592-604. [PMID: 37102770 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-01-23-0005-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Phytocytokines are signaling peptides that alert plant cells of danger. However, the downstream responses triggered by phytocytokines and their effect on plant survival are still largely unknown. Here, we have identified three biologically active maize orthologues of phytocytokines previously described in other plants. The maize phytocytokines show common features with microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), including the induction of immune-related genes and activation of papain-like cysteine proteases. In contrast to MAMPs, phytocytokines do not promote cell death in the presence of wounding. In infection assays with two fungal pathogens, we found that phytocytokines affect the development of disease symptoms, likely due to the activation of phytohormonal pathways. Collectively, our results show that phytocytokines and MAMPs trigger unique and antagonistic features of immunity. We propose a model in which phytocytokines activate immune responses partially similar to MAMPs but, in contrast to microbial signals, they act as danger and survival molecules to the surrounding cells. Future studies will focus on the components determining the divergence of signaling outputs upon phytocytokine activation. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Koenig
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Moser
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julian Leusner
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Gunther Doehlemann
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johana Misas Villamil
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Baisakh N, Da Silva EA, Pradhan AK, Rajasekaran K. Comprehensive meta-analysis of QTL and gene expression studies identify candidate genes associated with Aspergillus flavus resistance in maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1214907. [PMID: 37534296 PMCID: PMC10392829 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1214907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin (AF) contamination, caused by Aspergillus flavus, compromises the food safety and marketability of commodities, such as maize, cotton, peanuts, and tree nuts. Multigenic inheritance of AF resistance impedes conventional introgression of resistance traits into high-yielding commercial maize varieties. Several AF resistance-associated quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and markers have been reported from multiple biparental mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in maize. However, QTLs with large confidence intervals (CI) explaining inconsistent phenotypic variance limit their use in marker-assisted selection. Meta-analysis of published QTLs can identify significant meta-QTLs (MQTLs) with a narrower CI for reliable identification of genes and linked markers for AF resistance. Using 276 out of 356 reported QTLs controlling resistance to A. flavus infection and AF contamination in maize, we identified 58 MQTLs on all 10 chromosomes with a 66.5% reduction in the average CI. Similarly, a meta-analysis of maize genes differentially expressed in response to (a)biotic stresses from the to-date published literature identified 591 genes putatively responding to only A. flavus infection, of which 14 were significantly differentially expressed (-1.0 ≤ Log2Fc ≥ 1.0; p ≤ 0.05). Eight MQTLs were validated by their colocalization with 14 A. flavus resistance-associated SNPs identified from GWAS in maize. A total of 15 genes were physically close between the MQTL intervals and SNPs. Assessment of 12 MQTL-linked SSR markers identified three markers that could discriminate 14 and eight cultivars with resistance and susceptible responses, respectively. A comprehensive meta-analysis of QTLs and differentially expressed genes led to the identification of genes and makers for their potential application in marker-assisted breeding of A. flavus-resistant maize varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niranjan Baisakh
- School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Eduardo A. Da Silva
- School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
- Department of Agriculture, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Anjan K. Pradhan
- School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Kanniah Rajasekaran
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), New Orleans, LA, United States
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Lavkor I, Ay T, Sobucovali S, Var I, Saghrouchni H, Salamatullah AM, Mekonnen AB. Non-Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus: A Promising Biological Control Agent against Aflatoxin Contamination of Corn. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:16779-16788. [PMID: 37214674 PMCID: PMC10193414 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are a family of mycotoxins produced by molds in agricultural products. To deal with this problem, one of the control methods is the biological solution using a non-pathogenic strain Aspergillus flavus NRRL 21882 (Afla-Guard). This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of A. flavus NRRL 21882 to control the AF contamination of corn in the field and during storage in 2018 and 2019. The experimental design consists of treatment at different vegetative stages of infested corn in the field trial. After the field has been harvested, half the corn kernels from both treated and control plots were treated with biopesticide; the other half of the kernels from each group were not treated and used as the control of the storage. Consequently, storage applications consisted of kernels: (1) not treated at all; (2) treated prior to storage; (3) field-treated; and (4) treated both in the field and prior to storage. After field trials, the AF content was very low in the treated plots, ranging from 0.50 to 1.04 μg/kg and from 0.50 to 0.73 μg/kg in 2018 and 2019, respectively, while the AF content in the control was 98.3 and 73.9 μg/kg in 2018 and 2019, respectively. After storage, corn kernels from field plots that were treated with the biopesticide (treated/control) showed low levels of AFs, even after they have been stored under conditions conducive to AF contamination. The biopesticide effect ranged from 98 to 99% and from 69 to 99% in the field and during storage, respectively. This paper has provided the first indications on AF biocontrol based on a competitive exclusion in the corn-growing region of Turkey. The data showed that spraying during the storage period did not provide any further prevention of AF contamination, and only treatment in the field had a significant effect on AFs that occurred in storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isilay Lavkor
- Biological
Control Research Institute, Kisla Cad., 01321 Yüregir, Adana, Türkiye
| | - Tahsin Ay
- Biological
Control Research Institute, Kisla Cad., 01321 Yüregir, Adana, Türkiye
| | - Suat Sobucovali
- Sunar
Mısır Entegre Tesisleri San. ve Tic. A.Ş, Turhan
Cemal Beriker Blv. Yolgeçen mh., Seyhan, 565 01355 Adana, Türkiye
| | - Isil Var
- Molecular
Biology Department, Sussex University, BN1 9RH Brighton, U.K.
| | - Hamza Saghrouchni
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Çukurova University, Balcalı, 01250 Adana, Türkiye
| | - Ahmad Mohammad Salamatullah
- Department
of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, King Saud University, 11 P.O. Box 2460, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Martín I, Gálvez L, Guasch L, Palmero D. Fungal Pathogens and Seed Storage in the Dry State. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11223167. [PMID: 36432896 PMCID: PMC9697778 DOI: 10.3390/plants11223167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Seeds can harbor a wide range of microorganisms, especially fungi, which can cause different sanitary problems. Seed quality and seed longevity may be drastically reduced by fungi that invade seeds before or after harvest. Seed movement can be a pathway for the spread of diseases into new areas. Some seed-associated fungi can also produce mycotoxins that may cause serious negative effects on humans, animals and the seeds themselves. Seed storage is the most efficient and widely used method for conserving plant genetic resources. The seed storage conditions used in gene banks, low temperature and low seed moisture content, increase seed longevity and are usually favorable for the survival of seed-borne mycoflora. Early detection and identification of seed fungi are essential activities to conserve high-quality seeds and to prevent pathogen dissemination. This article provides an overview of the characteristics and detection methods of seed-borne fungi, with a special focus on their potential effects on gene bank seed conservation. The review includes the following aspects: types of seed-borne fungi, paths of infection and transmission, seed health methods, fungi longevity, risk of pathogen dissemination, the effect of fungi on seed longevity and procedures to reduce the harmful effects of fungi in gene banks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaura Martín
- Plant Genetic Resource Centre (CRF), National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Laura Gálvez
- Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural, Food and Biosystems Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro, 4, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Guasch
- Plant Genetic Resource Centre (CRF), National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Daniel Palmero
- Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural, Food and Biosystems Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Avda. Puerta de Hierro, 4, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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7
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Hugaboom M, Hatmaker EA, LaBella AL, Rokas A. Evolution and codon usage bias of mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in Aspergillus section Flavi. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 13:6777267. [PMID: 36305682 PMCID: PMC9836360 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The fungal genus Aspergillus contains a diversity of species divided into taxonomic sections of closely related species. Section Flavi contains 33 species, many of industrial, agricultural, or medical relevance. Here, we analyze the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of 20 Flavi species-including 18 newly assembled mitogenomes-and compare their evolutionary history and codon usage bias patterns to their nuclear counterparts. Codon usage bias refers to variable frequencies of synonymous codons in coding DNA and is shaped by a balance of neutral processes and natural selection. All mitogenomes were circular DNA molecules with highly conserved gene content and order. As expected, genomic content, including GC content, and genome size differed greatly between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 14 concatenated mitochondrial genes predicted evolutionary relationships largely consistent with those predicted by a phylogeny constructed from 2,422 nuclear genes. Comparing similarities in interspecies patterns of codon usage bias between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes showed that species grouped differently by patterns of codon usage bias depending on whether analyses were performed using mitochondrial or nuclear relative synonymous usage values. We found that patterns of codon usage bias at gene level are more similar between mitogenomes of different species than the mitogenome and nuclear genome of the same species. Finally, we inferred that, although most genes-both nuclear and mitochondrial-deviated from the neutral expectation for codon usage, mitogenomes were not under translational selection while nuclear genomes were under moderate translational selection. These results contribute to the study of mitochondrial genome evolution in filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miya Hugaboom
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Elizabeth Anne Hatmaker
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B 35-1364, Nashville, TN 37235, USA. (AH)
| | - Abigail L LaBella
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B 35-1364, Nashville, TN 37235, USA. (AR)
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Aspergillus Hydrophobins: Physicochemical Properties, Biochemical Properties, and Functions in Solid Polymer Degradation. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10081498. [PMID: 35893556 PMCID: PMC9394342 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrophobins are small amphipathic proteins conserved in filamentous fungi. In this review, the properties and functions of Aspergillus hydrophobins are comprehensively discussed on the basis of recent findings. Multiple Aspergillus hydrophobins have been identified and categorized in conventional class I and two non-conventional classes. Some Aspergillus hydrophobins can be purified in a water phase without organic solvents. Class I hydrophobins of Aspergilli self-assemble to form amphipathic membranes. At the air–liquid interface, RolA of Aspergillus oryzae self-assembles via four stages, and its self-assembled films consist of two layers, a rodlet membrane facing air and rod-like structures facing liquid. The self-assembly depends mainly on hydrophobin conformation and solution pH. Cys4–Cys5 and Cys7–Cys8 loops, disulfide bonds, and conserved Cys residues of RodA-like hydrophobins are necessary for self-assembly at the interface and for adsorption to solid surfaces. AfRodA helps Aspergillus fumigatus to evade recognition by the host immune system. RodA-like hydrophobins recruit cutinases to promote the hydrolysis of aliphatic polyesters. This mechanism appears to be conserved in Aspergillus and other filamentous fungi, and may be beneficial for their growth. Aspergilli produce various small secreted proteins (SSPs) including hydrophobins, hydrophobic surface–binding proteins, and effector proteins. Aspergilli may use a wide variety of SSPs to decompose solid polymers.
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Pan YH, Chen L, Guo HF, Feng R, Lou QJ, Rashid MAR, Zhu XY, Qing DJ, Liang HF, Gao LJ, Huang CC, Zhao Y, Deng GF. Systematic Analysis of NB-ARC Gene Family in Rice and Functional Characterization of GNP12. Front Genet 2022; 13:887217. [PMID: 35783267 PMCID: PMC9244165 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.887217] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The NB-ARC (nucleotide-binding adaptor shared by APAF-1, R proteins, and CED-4) gene family plays a critical role in plant development. However, our understanding of the mechanisms of how NB-ARC genes regulate plant development in the plant panicle is still limited. Here, we subjected 258 NB-ARC genes in rice to genome-wide analysis to characterize their structure, function, and expression patterns. The NB-ARC genes were classified into three major groups, and group II included nine subgroups. Evolutionary analysis of NB-ARC genes in a dicotyledon plant (Arabidopsis thaliana) and two monocotyledonous plants (Oryza sativa L. and Triticum aestivum) indicated that homologous genome segments were conserved in monocotyledons and subjected to weak positive selective pressure during evolution. Dispersed and proximal replication events were detected. Expression analysis showed expression of most NB-ARC genes in roots, panicles, and leaves, and regulation at the panicle development stage in rice Ce253. The GNP12 gene encodes RGH1A protein, which regulates rice yield according to panicle length, grain number of panicle, and grain length, with eight major haplotypes. Most members of NB-ARC protein family are predicted to contain P-loop conserved domains and localize on the membrane. The results of this study will provide insight into the characteristics and evolution of NB-ARC family and suggest that GNP12 positively regulates panicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Hua Pan
- Rice Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rice Genetics and Breeding, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Ying-Hua Pan, ; Yan Zhao, ; Guo-Fu Deng,
| | - Lei Chen
- Rice Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rice Genetics and Breeding, Nanning, China
| | - Hai-Feng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Rice Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rice Genetics and Breeding, Nanning, China
| | - Qi-Jin Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xiao-Yang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Jin Qing
- Rice Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rice Genetics and Breeding, Nanning, China
| | - Hai-Fu Liang
- Rice Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rice Genetics and Breeding, Nanning, China
| | - Li-Jun Gao
- Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangxi Crop Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology Laboratory, Nanning, China
| | - Cheng-Cui Huang
- Rice Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rice Genetics and Breeding, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Agronomy, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an, China
- *Correspondence: Ying-Hua Pan, ; Yan Zhao, ; Guo-Fu Deng,
| | - Guo-Fu Deng
- Rice Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rice Genetics and Breeding, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Ying-Hua Pan, ; Yan Zhao, ; Guo-Fu Deng,
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10
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Gasperini AM, Medina A, Magan N. Comparison of growth and aflatoxin B 1 production profiles of Aspergillus flavus strains on conventional and isogenic GM-maize-based nutritional matrices. Fungal Biol 2021; 126:82-90. [PMID: 34930561 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Maize grown in both North and South America are now predominantly genetically modified (GM) cultivars with some resistance to herbicide, pesticide, or both. There is little information on the relative colonisation and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production with maize meal-based nutritional matrices based on kernels of non-GM maize and isogenic GM-ones by strains of Aspergillus flavus. The objectives were to examine the effect of interacting conditions of temperature (25-35 °C) and water availability (0.99-0.90 water activity, aw) on (a) mycelial growth, (b) AFB1 production and (c) develop contour maps of optimum and marginal conditions of these parameters for four strains of A. flavus on three different non-GM and isogenic GM-maize based nutritional media. The growth of the four strains of A. flavus (three aflatoxigenic; one non-aflatoxigenic) was relatively similar in relation to the temperature × aw conditions examined on both non-GM and GM-based matrices. Optimum growth overall was at 30-35 °C and 0.99 aw for all four strains. Under water stress (0.90 aw) growth was optimum at 35 °C. Statistically: non-GM, GM cultivars, temperature and aw all significantly affected growth rates. For AFB1 production, all single and interacting factors were statistically significant except for non-GM × GM cultivar. In conclusion, colonisation of GM- and non-GM nutritional sources was similar for the different A. flavus strains examined. The contour maps will be very useful for understanding the ecological niches for both toxigenic and non-toxigenic strains in the context of the competitive exclusion of those producing aflatoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra M Gasperini
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Beds, MK43 AL5, UK
| | - Angel Medina
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Beds, MK43 AL5, UK
| | - Naresh Magan
- Applied Mycology Group, Environment and AgriFood Theme, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Beds, MK43 AL5, UK.
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Approaches to Inactivating Aflatoxins-A Review and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413322. [PMID: 34948120 PMCID: PMC8704553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, the contamination of crops with aflatoxins poses a significant economic burden, estimated to affect 25% of global food crops. In the event that the contaminated food is processed, aflatoxins enter the general food supply and can cause serious diseases. Aflatoxins are distributed unevenly in food or feedstock, making eradicating them both a scientific and a technological challenge. Cooking, freezing, or pressurizing have little effect on aflatoxins. While chemical methods degrade toxins on the surface of contaminated food, the destruction inside entails a slow process. Physical techniques, such as irradiation with ultraviolet photons, pulses of extensive white radiation, and gaseous plasma, are promising; yet, the exact mechanisms concerning how these techniques degrade aflatoxins require further study. Correlations between the efficiency of such degradation and the processing parameters used by various authors are presented in this review. The lack of appropriate guidance while interpreting the observed results is a huge scientific challenge.
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Castano-Duque L, Gilbert MK, Mack BM, Lebar MD, Carter-Wientjes CH, Sickler CM, Cary JW, Rajasekaran K. Flavonoids Modulate the Accumulation of Toxins From Aspergillus flavus in Maize Kernels. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:761446. [PMID: 34899785 PMCID: PMC8662736 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.761446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen capable of producing aflatoxins, potent carcinogenic toxins that accumulate in maize kernels after infection. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of maize resistance to A. flavus growth and aflatoxin accumulation, we performed a high-throughput transcriptomic study in situ using maize kernels infected with A. flavus strain 3357. Three maize lines were evaluated: aflatoxin-contamination resistant line TZAR102, semi-resistant MI82, and susceptible line Va35. A modified genotype-environment association method (GEA) used to detect loci under selection via redundancy analysis (RDA) was used with the transcriptomic data to detect genes significantly influenced by maize line, fungal treatment, and duration of infection. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of genes highly expressed in infected kernels identified molecular pathways associated with defense responses to fungi and other microbes such as production of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins and lipid bilayer formation. To further identify novel genes of interest, we incorporated genomic and phenotypic field data from a genome wide association analysis with gene expression data, allowing us to detect significantly expressed quantitative trait loci (eQTL). These results identified significant association between flavonoid biosynthetic pathway genes and infection by A. flavus. In planta fungal infections showed that the resistant line, TZAR102, has a higher fold increase of the metabolites naringenin and luteolin than the susceptible line, Va35, when comparing untreated and fungal infected plants. These results suggest flavonoids contribute to plant resistance mechanisms against aflatoxin contamination through modulation of toxin accumulation in maize kernels.
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Maxwell LA, Callicott KA, Bandyopadhyay R, Mehl HL, Orbach MJ, Cotty PJ. Degradation of Aflatoxins B 1 by Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Biocontrol Agents. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:2343-2350. [PMID: 33754847 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-01-21-0066-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxins are potent Aspergillus mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed, thereby impacting health and trade. Biopesticides with atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates as active ingredients are used to reduce aflatoxin contamination in crops. The mechanism of aflatoxin biocontrol is primarily attributed to competitive exclusion but, sometimes, aflatoxin is reduced by greater amounts than can be explained by displacement of aflatoxin-producing fungi on the crop. Objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the ability of atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes to degrade aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and (ii) characterize impacts of temperature, time, and nutrient availability on AFB1 degradation by atoxigenic A. flavus. Aflatoxin-contaminated maize was inoculated with atoxigenic isolates in three separate experiments that included different atoxigenic genotypes, temperature, and time as variables. Atoxigenic genotypes varied in aflatoxin degradation but all degraded AFB1 >44% after 7 days at 30°C. The optimum temperature for AFB1 degradation was 25 to 30°C, which is similar to the optimum range for AFB1 production. In a time-course experiment, atoxigenics degraded 40% of AFB1 within 3 days, and 80% of aflatoxin was degraded by day 21. Atoxigenic isolates were able to degrade and utilize AFB1 as a sole carbon source in a chemically defined medium but quantities of AFB1 degraded declined as glucose concentrations increased. Degradation may be an additional mechanism through which atoxigenic A. flavus biocontrol products reduce aflatoxin contamination pre- or postharvest. Thus, selection of optimal atoxigenic active ingredients can include assessment of both competitive ability in agricultural fields and their ability to degrade aflatoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourena A Maxwell
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, U.S.A
- Eduado Mondlane University, P. O. Box 257, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Kenneth A Callicott
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, Tucson, AZ 85701, U.S.A
| | | | - Hillary L Mehl
- United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, Tucson, AZ 85701, U.S.A
| | - Marc J Orbach
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, U.S.A
| | - Peter J Cotty
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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Einloft TC, Bolzan de Oliveira P, Radünz LL, Dionello RG. Biocontrol capabilities of three Bacillus isolates towards aflatoxin B1 producer A. flavus in vitro and on maize grains. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.107978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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15
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Jayaprakash A, Roy A, Thanmalagan RR, Arunachalam A, Ptv L. Immune response gene coexpression network analysis of Arachis hypogaea infected with Aspergillus flavus. Genomics 2021; 113:2977-2988. [PMID: 34153499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) infection and aflatoxin contamination is a major bottleneck for peanut cultivation and value chain industry. In this study, a transcriptomic network study was conducted by retrieving publically available RNA-seq datasets of resistant and susceptible peanut varieties infected by A. flavus separately to understand the peanut defense mechanism against A. flavus. The gene expression analysis revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to the different levels of infection and coexpression network of DEGs deciphered hub genes involved in the immune process in resistant and susceptible varieties. The interplay of resistance conferring genes and cell wall related genes was observed through functional enrichment analysis in response to pathogen infection and identified few key genes such as Protein P21, R genes, Pattern Recognition Receptor genes, Pectinesterases, Laccase and Thaumatin-like protein 1b as candidate genes in imparting immune response against A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiswarya Jayaprakash
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, R. V. Nagar Kalapet, Pondicherry 605014, India
| | - Abhijeet Roy
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, R. V. Nagar Kalapet, Pondicherry 605014, India
| | - Raja Rajeswary Thanmalagan
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, R. V. Nagar Kalapet, Pondicherry 605014, India
| | - Annamalai Arunachalam
- Postgraduate and Research Department of Botany, Arignar Anna Government Arts College, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu 605602, India
| | - Lakshmi Ptv
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, R. V. Nagar Kalapet, Pondicherry 605014, India.
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Soni P, Pandey AK, Nayak SN, Pandey MK, Tolani P, Pandey S, Sudini HK, Bajaj P, Fountain JC, Singam P, Guo B, Varshney RK. Global Transcriptome Profiling Identified Transcription Factors, Biological Process, and Associated Pathways for Pre-Harvest Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnut. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:413. [PMID: 34073230 PMCID: PMC8227191 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination (PAC) in groundnut is a serious quality concern globally, and drought stress before harvest further exacerbate its intensity, leading to the deterioration of produce quality. Understanding the host-pathogen interaction and identifying the candidate genes responsible for resistance to PAC will provide insights into the defense mechanism of the groundnut. In this context, about 971.63 million reads have been generated from 16 RNA samples under controlled and Aspergillus flavus infected conditions, from one susceptible and seven resistant genotypes. The RNA-seq analysis identified 45,336 genome-wide transcripts under control and infected conditions. This study identified 57 transcription factor (TF) families with major contributions from 6570 genes coding for bHLH (719), MYB-related (479), NAC (437), FAR1 family protein (320), and a few other families. In the host (groundnut), defense-related genes such as senescence-associated proteins, resveratrol synthase, seed linoleate, pathogenesis-related proteins, peroxidases, glutathione-S-transferases, chalcone synthase, ABA-responsive gene, and chitinases were found to be differentially expressed among resistant genotypes as compared to susceptible genotypes. This study also indicated the vital role of ABA-responsive ABR17, which co-regulates the genes of ABA responsive elements during drought stress, while providing resistance against A. flavus infection. It belongs to the PR-10 class and is also present in several plant-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Soni
- Center of Excellence in Genomics & Systems Biology (CEGSB), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad 502324, India; (P.S.); (M.K.P.); (P.T.); (S.P.); (P.B.)
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad 500007, India;
| | - Arun K. Pandey
- College of Life Science, China Jiliang University (CJLU), Hangzhou 310018, China;
| | - Spurthi N. Nayak
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad 580005, India;
| | - Manish K. Pandey
- Center of Excellence in Genomics & Systems Biology (CEGSB), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad 502324, India; (P.S.); (M.K.P.); (P.T.); (S.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Priya Tolani
- Center of Excellence in Genomics & Systems Biology (CEGSB), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad 502324, India; (P.S.); (M.K.P.); (P.T.); (S.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Sarita Pandey
- Center of Excellence in Genomics & Systems Biology (CEGSB), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad 502324, India; (P.S.); (M.K.P.); (P.T.); (S.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Hari K. Sudini
- Theme-Integrated Crop Improvement, Research Program-Asia, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad 502324, India;
| | - Prasad Bajaj
- Center of Excellence in Genomics & Systems Biology (CEGSB), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad 502324, India; (P.S.); (M.K.P.); (P.T.); (S.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Jake C. Fountain
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA;
| | - Prashant Singam
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad 500007, India;
| | - Baozhu Guo
- Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Tifton, GA 31793, USA;
| | - Rajeev K. Varshney
- Center of Excellence in Genomics & Systems Biology (CEGSB), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad 502324, India; (P.S.); (M.K.P.); (P.T.); (S.P.); (P.B.)
- State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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Liu H, Wu H, Wang Y, Wang H, Chen S, Yin Z. Comparative transcriptome profiling and co-expression network analysis uncover the key genes associated withearly-stage resistance to Aspergillus flavus in maize. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:216. [PMID: 33985439 PMCID: PMC8117602 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-02983-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fungus Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) is a serious threat to maize (Zea mays) production worldwide. It causes considerable yield and economic losses, and poses a health risk to humans and livestock due to the high toxicity of aflatoxin. However, key genes and regulatory networks conferring maize resistance to A. flavus are not clear, especially at the early stage of infection. Here, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of two maize inbred lines with contrasting resistance to A. flavus infection. RESULTS The pairwise comparisons between mock and infected kernels in each line during the first 6 h post inoculation (hpi) showed that maize resistance to A. flavus infection was specific to the genotype and infection stage, and defense pathways were strengthened in the resistant line. Further comparison of the two maize lines revealed that the infection-induced up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the resistant line might underlie the enhanced resistance. Gene co-expression network analysis by WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis) identified 7 modules that were significantly associated with different infection stages, and 110 hub genes of these modules. These key regulators mainly participate in the biosynthesis of fatty acid and antibiotics. In addition, 90 candidate genes for maize resistance to A. flavus infection and/or aflatoxin contamination obtained in previous studies were confirmed to be differentially expressed between the resistant and susceptible lines within the first 6 hpi. CONCLUSION This work unveiled more A. flavus resistance genes and provided a detailed regulatory network of early-stage resistance to A. flavus in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Haofeng Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Saihua Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Zhitong Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology/Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops/Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of the Ministry of Education/Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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Seasonal Variations in the Gut Fungal Communities of Hooded Crane ( Grus monacha) at Wintering and Stopover Sites in China. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11040941. [PMID: 33810386 PMCID: PMC8067105 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The gut fungi assist the host in various physiological activities, homeostasis, immune responses, and growth. The diversity and community composition of gut fungi are driven by multiple factors, including diet, environmental exposure, habitat type, and seasonal migration. Migratory birds have a peculiar life cycle, so it is interesting to understand the ecological function of their “gut fungal microbiome.” Birds are exposed to variable diets, environments, and habitats amid seasonal migration. The hooded crane is known as a long-distance migratory bird, inhabiting both wintering and stopover grounds during seasonal migration. During migratory seasons, it inhabits various habitats and is exposed to variable environments. This study analyzed the shifts between gut fungal diversity and the community composition of the hooded crane at both wintering and stopover sites amid seasonal migration. The gut fungal alpha diversity exhibited a more significant change during winter than in fall and spring. The gut fungal community composition exhibited significant shifts across winter, fall, and spring (ANOSIM, p = 0.001). The pathogenic diversity and relative abundance showed significant differences during winter at the wintering site relative to fall and spring at the stopover site. Moreover, the pathogenic fungal community composition was significantly different during fall, winter, and spring. This work contributes to present essential knowledge about the gut fungal microbiome of hooded cranes amid seasonal migration. This study also implicated that conservation measures for hooded crane conservation should be applied, as the risk of cross-transmission of potential fungal pathogens might increase during seasonal migration. Abstract The “gut fungal microbiome” maintains the immune system, homeostasis, and various physiological functions of an organism. Different factors shape and affect gut fungal diversity and community composition, such as environment, habitat type, food resources, and seasons during migration. Wild birds amid migration are exposed to different habitats with different environments, available food resources, and seasons, which may substantially impact their gut fungal community composition and diversity. The hooded crane (Grus monacha) is a known migratory bird that migrates over long distances and is exposed to varied habitats with different environments and food types. We investigated the differences in gut fungal diversity and community composition between wintering and stopover sites amid three migratory seasons. We deduced the gut fungal pathogenic diversity and community composition during winter, fall, and spring by using high throughput sequencing (Illumina Mi-seq), and the internal transcribed region 2 (ITS2) was examined. Samples were collected from Shengjin Lake in the winter and Lindian during the fall and spring. The dominant fungal phyla found across the three seasons were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Zygomycota, and Rozellomycota. The gut fungal alpha diversity showed significant shifts during winter at the wintering site compared with the fall and spring seasons at the stopover site. The fungal community composition exhibited a significant change across the three seasons (ANOSIM p = 0.001). The results also demonstrated that the diversity and relative abundance of potential pathogens also showed divergence in winter compared to fall and spring. This study provides the basis for understanding the discrepancy in gut fungal diversity and community composition during migratory seasons at both wintering and stopover grounds. It also suggests that conservation measures should be applied to the conservation of hooded cranes and other wild birds, as the risk of cross-infection increases during seasonal migration.
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Loss of ZmLIPOXYGENASE4 Decreases Fusarium verticillioides Resistance in Maize Seedlings. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030335. [PMID: 33668883 PMCID: PMC7996282 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium verticillioides is one of the most relevant fungal species in maize responsible for ear, stalk and seedling rot, as well as the fumonisin contamination of kernels. Plant lipoxygenases (LOX) synthesize oxylipins that play a crucial role in the regulation of defense mechanisms against pathogens and influence the outcome of pathogenesis. To better uncover the role of these signaling molecules in maize resistance against F. verticillioides, the functional characterization of the 9-LOX gene, ZmLOX4, was carried out in this study by employing mutants carrying Mu insertions in this gene (named as UFMulox4). In this regard, the genotyping of five UFMulox4 identified the mutant UFMu10924 as the only one having an insertion in the coding region of the gene. The impact of ZmLOX4 mutagenesis on kernel defense against F. verticillioides and fumonisin accumulation were investigated, resulting in an increased fungal susceptibility compared to the inbred lines W22 and Tzi18. Moreover, the expression of most of the genes involved in the LOX, jasmonic acid (JA) and green leaf volatiles (GLV) pathways, as well as LOX enzymatic activity, decreased or were unaffected by fungal inoculation in the mutant UFMu10924. These results confirm the strategic role of ZmLOX4 in controlling defense against F. verticillioides and its influence on the expression of several LOX, JA and GLV genes.
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Yang M, Zhu Z, Bai Y, Zhuang Z, Ge F, Li M, Wang S. A novel phosphoinositide kinase Fab1 regulates biosynthesis of pathogenic aflatoxin in Aspergillus flavus. Virulence 2020; 12:96-113. [PMID: 33315533 PMCID: PMC7781676 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1859820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) is one of the most important model environmental fungi which can produce a potent toxin and carcinogen known as aflatoxin. Aflatoxin contamination causes massive agricultural economic loss and a critical human health issue each year. Although a functional vacuole has been highlighted for its fundamental importance in fungal virulence, the molecular mechanisms of the vacuole in regulating the virulence of A. flavus remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a novel vacuole-related protein in A. flavus, the ortholog of phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate-5-kinase (Fab1) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This kinase was located at the vacuolar membrane, and loss of fab1 function was found to affect the growth, conidia and sclerotial development, cellular acidification and metal ion homeostasis, aflatoxin production and pathogenicity of A. flavus. Further functional analysis revealed that Fab1 was required to maintain the vacuole size and cell morphology. Additional quantitative proteomic analysis suggested that Fab1 was likely to play an important role in maintaining vacuolar/cellular homeostasis, with vacuolar dysregulation upon fab1 deletion leading to impaired aflatoxin synthesis in this fungus. Together, these results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms by which this pathogen produces aflatoxin and mediates its pathogenicity, and may facilitate dissection of the vacuole-mediated regulatory network in A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkun Yang
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
| | - Youhuang Bai
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhenhong Zhuang
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
| | - Feng Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Wuhan, China
| | - Mingzhu Li
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- School of Life Sciences, and Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, China
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21
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Musungu B, Bhatnagar D, Quiniou S, Brown RL, Payne GA, O’Brian G, Fakhoury AM, Geisler M. Use of Dual RNA-seq for Systems Biology Analysis of Zea mays and Aspergillus flavus Interaction. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:853. [PMID: 32582038 PMCID: PMC7285840 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between Aspergillus flavus and Zea mays is complex, and the identification of plant genes and pathways conferring resistance to the fungus has been challenging. Therefore, the authors undertook a systems biology approach involving dual RNA-seq to determine the simultaneous response from the host and the pathogen. What was dramatically highlighted in the analysis is the uniformity in the development patterns of gene expression of the host and the pathogen during infection. This led to the development of a "stage of infection index" that was subsequently used to categorize the samples before down-stream system biology analysis. Additionally, we were able to ascertain that key maize genes in pathways such as the jasmonate, ethylene and ROS pathways, were up-regulated in the study. The stage of infection index used for the transcriptomic analysis revealed that A. flavus produces a relatively limited number of transcripts during the early stages (0 to 12 h) of infection. At later stages, in A. flavus, transcripts and pathways involved in endosomal transport, aflatoxin production, and carbohydrate metabolism were up-regulated. Multiple WRKY genes targeting the activation of the resistance pathways (i.e., jasmonate, phenylpropanoid, and ethylene) were detected using causal inference analysis. This analysis also revealed, for the first time, the activation of Z. mays resistance genes influencing the expression of specific A. flavus genes. Our results show that A. flavus seems to be reacting to a hostile environment resulting from the activation of resistance pathways in Z. mays. This study revealed the dynamic nature of the interaction between the two organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Musungu
- Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - Deepak Bhatnagar
- Southern Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Sylvie Quiniou
- Warm Water Aquaculture Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Stoneville, MS, United States
| | - Robert L. Brown
- Southern Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Gary A. Payne
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Greg O’Brian
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Ahmad M. Fakhoury
- Department of Plant Soil and Agriculture Systems, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - Matt Geisler
- Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
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22
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Los A, Ziuzina D, Boehm D, Cullen PJ, Bourke P. Inactivation Efficacies and Mechanisms of Gas Plasma and Plasma-Activated Water against Aspergillus flavus Spores and Biofilms: a Comparative Study. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:e02619-19. [PMID: 32086309 PMCID: PMC7170485 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02619-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) treatment is an emerging food technology for product safety and quality retention, shelf-life extension, and sustainable processing. The activated chemical species of ACP can act rapidly against microorganisms without leaving chemical residues on food surfaces. The main objectives of this study were to investigate the efficiency and mechanisms of inactivation of fungal spores and biofilms by ACP and to understand the effects of the gas-mediated and liquid-mediated modes of application against important fungal contaminants. Aspergillus flavus was selected as the model microorganism. A. flavus spores were exposed to either gas plasma (GP) or plasma-activated water (PAW), whereas gas plasma alone was used to treat A. flavus biofilms. This study demonstrated that both GP and PAW treatments independently resulted in significant decreases of A. flavus metabolic activity and spore counts, with maximal reductions of 2.2 and 0.6 log10 units for GP and PAW, respectively. The characterization of the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in PAW and spore suspensions indicated that the concentration of secondary reactive species was an important factor influencing the antimicrobial activity of the treatment. The biofilm study showed that GP had detrimental effects on biofilm structure; however, the initial inoculum concentration prior to biofilm formation can be a crucial factor influencing the fungicidal effects of ACP.IMPORTANCE The production of mycotoxin-free food remains a challenge in both human and animal food chains. A. flavus, a mycotoxin-producing contaminant of economically important crops, was selected as the model microorganism to investigate the efficiency and mechanisms of ACP technology against fungal contaminants of food. Our study directly compares the antifungal properties of gas plasma (GP) and plasma-activated water (PAW) against fungi as well as reporting the effects of ACP treatment on biofilms produced by A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Los
- Plasma Research Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dana Ziuzina
- Plasma Research Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniela Boehm
- Plasma Research Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick J Cullen
- Plasma Research Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paula Bourke
- Plasma Research Group, School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Plasma Research Group, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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23
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Pfliegler WP, Pócsi I, Győri Z, Pusztahelyi T. The Aspergilli and Their Mycotoxins: Metabolic Interactions With Plants and the Soil Biota. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2921. [PMID: 32117074 PMCID: PMC7029702 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Species of the highly diverse fungal genus Aspergillus are well-known agricultural pests, and, most importantly, producers of various mycotoxins threatening food safety worldwide. Mycotoxins are studied predominantly from the perspectives of human and livestock health. Meanwhile, their roles are far less known in nature. However, to understand the factors behind mycotoxin production, the roles of the toxins of Aspergilli must be understood from a complex ecological perspective, taking mold-plant, mold-microbe, and mold-animal interactions into account. The Aspergilli may switch between saprophytic and pathogenic lifestyles, and the production of secondary metabolites, such as mycotoxins, may vary according to these fungal ways of life. Recent studies highlighted the complex ecological network of soil microbiotas determining the niches that Aspergilli can fill in. Interactions with the soil microbiota and soil macro-organisms determine the role of secondary metabolite production to a great extent. While, upon infection of plants, metabolic communication including fungal secondary metabolites like aflatoxins, gliotoxin, patulin, cyclopiazonic acid, and ochratoxin, influences the fate of both the invader and the host. In this review, the role of mycotoxin producing Aspergillus species and their interactions in the ecosystem are discussed. We intend to highlight the complexity of the roles of the main toxic secondary metabolites as well as their fate in natural environments and agriculture, a field that still has important knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter P. Pfliegler
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Győri
- Institute of Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tünde Pusztahelyi
- Central Laboratory of Agricultural and Food Products, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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24
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Gasperini AM, Rodriguez-Sixtos A, Verheecke-Vaessen C, Garcia-Cela E, Medina A, Magan N. Resilience of Biocontrol for Aflatoxin Minimization Strategies: Climate Change Abiotic Factors May Affect Control in Non-GM and GM-Maize Cultivars. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2525. [PMID: 31787944 PMCID: PMC6856084 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been significant interest in the development of formulations of non-toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus for control of toxigenic strains to reduce the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of maize. In the future, climate change (CC) abiotic conditions of temperature (+2–4°C), CO2 (existing levels of 400 vs. 800–1,200 ppb), and drought stress will impact on the agronomy and control of pests and diseases. This study has examined (1) the effect of two-way interacting factors of water activity × temperature on colonization and AFB1 contamination of maize cobs of different ripening ages; (2) the effect of non-toxigenic strains of A. flavus (50:50 inoculum ratio) on relative control of toxigenic A. flavus and AFB1 contamination of ripening cobs; (3) post-harvest control of AFB1 by non-toxigenic strains of A. flavus in non-GM and isogenic GM maize cultivars using the same inoculum ratio; and (4) the impact of three-way interacting CC factors on relative control of AFB1 in maize cobs pre-harvest and in stored non-GM/GM cultivars. Pre-harvest colonization and AFB1 production by a toxigenic A. flavus strain was conserved at 37°C when compared with 30°C, at the three ripening stages of cob development examined: milk ripe (R3), dough (R4), and dent (R5). However, pre-harvest biocontrol with a non-toxigenic strain was only effective at the R3 and R4 stages and not at the R5 stage. This was supported by relative expression of the aflR regulatory biosynthetic gene in the different treatments. When exposed to three-way interacting CC factors for control of AFB1 pre-harvest, the non-toxigenic A. flavus strain was effective at R3 and £4 stages but not at the R5 stage. Post-harvest storage of non-GM and GM cultivars showed that control was achievable at 30°C, with slightly better control in GM-cultivars in terms of the overall inhibition of AFB1 production. However, in stored maize, the non-toxigenic strains of A. flavus had conserved biocontrol of AFB1 contamination, especially in the GM-maize cultivars under three-way interacting CC conditions (37°C × 1,000 ppm CO2 and drought stress). This was supported by the relative expression of the aflR gene in these treatments. This study suggests that the choice of the biocontrol strains, for pre- or post-harvest control, needs to take into account their resilience in CC-related abiotic conditions to ensure that control of AFB1 contamination can be conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Marcon Gasperini
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute, Environment and Agrifood Theme, Cranfield University, Bedford, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Rodriguez-Sixtos
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute, Environment and Agrifood Theme, Cranfield University, Bedford, United Kingdom
| | - Carol Verheecke-Vaessen
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute, Environment and Agrifood Theme, Cranfield University, Bedford, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Garcia-Cela
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute, Environment and Agrifood Theme, Cranfield University, Bedford, United Kingdom
| | - Angel Medina
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute, Environment and Agrifood Theme, Cranfield University, Bedford, United Kingdom
| | - Naresh Magan
- Applied Mycology Group, Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute, Environment and Agrifood Theme, Cranfield University, Bedford, United Kingdom
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25
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Ojiambo PS, Battilani P, Cary JW, Blum BH, Carbone I. Cultural and Genetic Approaches to Manage Aflatoxin Contamination: Recent Insights Provide Opportunities for Improved Control. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2018; 108:1024-1037. [PMID: 29869954 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-04-18-0134-rvw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a morphologically complex species that can produce the group of polyketide derived carcinogenic and mutagenic secondary metabolites, aflatoxins, as well as other secondary metabolites such as cyclopiazonic acid and aflatrem. Aflatoxin causes aflatoxicosis when aflatoxins are ingested through contaminated food and feed. In addition, aflatoxin contamination is a major problem, from both an economic and health aspect, in developing countries, especially Asia and Africa, where cereals and peanuts are important food crops. Earlier measures for control of A. flavus infection and consequent aflatoxin contamination centered on creating unfavorable environments for the pathogen and destroying contaminated products. While development of atoxigenic (nonaflatoxin producing) strains of A. flavus as viable commercial biocontrol agents has marked a unique advance for control of aflatoxin contamination, particularly in Africa, new insights into the biology and sexuality of A. flavus are now providing opportunities to design improved atoxigenic strains for sustainable biological control of aflatoxin. Further, progress in the use of molecular technologies such as incorporation of antifungal genes in the host and host-induced gene silencing, is providing knowledge that could be harnessed to develop germplasm that is resistant to infection by A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination. This review summarizes the substantial progress that has been made to understand the biology of A. flavus and mitigate aflatoxin contamination with emphasis on maize. Concepts developed to date can provide a basis for future research efforts on the sustainable management of aflatoxin contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Ojiambo
- First and fifth authors: Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695; second author: Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; third author: U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service, SRRC, New Orleans, LA 70124; and fourth author: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701
| | - Paola Battilani
- First and fifth authors: Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695; second author: Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; third author: U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service, SRRC, New Orleans, LA 70124; and fourth author: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701
| | - Jeffrey W Cary
- First and fifth authors: Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695; second author: Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; third author: U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service, SRRC, New Orleans, LA 70124; and fourth author: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701
| | - Burt H Blum
- First and fifth authors: Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695; second author: Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; third author: U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service, SRRC, New Orleans, LA 70124; and fourth author: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701
| | - Ignazio Carbone
- First and fifth authors: Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695; second author: Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy; third author: U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service, SRRC, New Orleans, LA 70124; and fourth author: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 72701
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26
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Deng Y, Chen H, Zhang C, Cai T, Zhang B, Zhou S, Fountain JC, Pan RL, Guo B, Zhuang WJ. Evolution and characterisation of the AhRAF4 NB-ARC gene family induced by Aspergillus flavus inoculation and abiotic stresses in peanut. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2018; 20:737-750. [PMID: 29603544 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination in peanut is a serious food safety issue to human health around the world. Finding disease resistance genes is a key strategy for genetic improvement in breeding to deal with this issue. We identified an Aspergillus flavus-induced NBS-LRR gene, AhRAF4, using a microarray-based approach. By comparison of 23 sequences from three species using phytogenetics, protein secondary structure and three-dimensional structural analyses, AhRAF4 was revealed to be derived from Arachis duranensis by recombination, and has newly evolved into a family of several members, characterised by duplications and point mutations. However, the members of the family descended from A. ipaensis were lost following tetraploidisation. AhRAF4 was slightly up-regulated by low temperature, drought, salicylic acid and ethylene, but down-regulated by methyl jasmonate. The distinct responses upon As. flavus inoculation and the differential reactions between resistant and susceptible varieties indicate that AhRAF4 might play a role in defence responses. Temporal and spatial expression and the phenotype of transformed protoplasts suggest that AhRAF4 may also be associated with pericarp development. Because tetraploid cultivated peanuts are vulnerable to many pathogens, an exploration of R-genes may provide an effective method for genetic improvement of peanut cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Deng
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - H Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - C Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - T Cai
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - B Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - S Zhou
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - J C Fountain
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - R-L Pan
- Department of Life Science and Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsin Chu, Taiwan, China
| | - B Guo
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA
- Crop Protection and Management Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - W-J Zhuang
- College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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27
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Metabolites Identified during Varied Doses of Aspergillus Species in Zea mays Grains, and Their Correlation with Aflatoxin Levels. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10050187. [PMID: 29735944 PMCID: PMC5983243 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10050187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination is associated with the development of aflatoxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus on food grains. This study was aimed at investigating metabolites produced during fungal development on maize and their correlation with aflatoxin levels. Maize cobs were harvested at R3 (milk), R4 (dough), and R5 (dent) stages of maturity. Individual kernels were inoculated in petri dishes with four doses of fungal spores. Fungal colonisation, metabolite profile, and aflatoxin levels were examined. Grain colonisation decreased with kernel maturity: milk-, dough-, and dent-stage kernels by approximately 100%, 60%, and 30% respectively. Aflatoxin levels increased with dose at dough and dent stages. Polar metabolites including alanine, proline, serine, valine, inositol, iso-leucine, sucrose, fructose, trehalose, turanose, mannitol, glycerol, arabitol, inositol, myo-inositol, and some intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA—also known as citric acid or Krebs cycle) were important for dose classification. Important non-polar metabolites included arachidic, palmitic, stearic, 3,4-xylylic, and margaric acids. Aflatoxin levels correlated with levels of several polar metabolites. The strongest positive and negative correlations were with arabitol (R = 0.48) and turanose and (R = −0.53), respectively. Several metabolites were interconnected with the TCA; interconnections of the metabolites with the TCA cycle varied depending upon the grain maturity.
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28
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Mehanathan M, Bedre R, Mangu V, Rajasekaran K, Bhatnagar D, Baisakh N. Identification of candidate resistance genes of cotton against Aspergillus flavus infection using a comparative transcriptomics approach. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 24:513-519. [PMID: 29692558 PMCID: PMC5911267 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-018-0522-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A comparative transcriptome analysis was performed using the genes significantly differentially expressed in cotton, corn and peanut in response to aflatoxin producing fungus Aspergillus flavus with an objective of identifying candidate resistance genes in cotton. Two-way analyses identified 732 unique genes to be differentially regulated by the fungus with only 26 genes common across all three crops that were considered candidate A. flavus resistance genes with an assumption that these genes have specific roles in conferring the resistance trait. Genes of membrane cellular component involved in DNA binding with involvement in defense responses were highly represented among the differentially expressed unique genes. Most (six) of these genes coded for 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) and Fe(II)-dependent oxygenase superfamily proteins. Genes encoding helix loop helix protein, alcohol dehydrogenase and UDP glycosylation transferase which were upregulated in response to both atoxigenic and toxigenic strains of A. flavus, could be potential resistance candidate genes for downstream functional manipulation to confer resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthamilarasan Mehanathan
- School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA USA
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Renesh Bedre
- School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA USA
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Weslaco, TX USA
| | - Venkata Mangu
- School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | | | - Deepak Bhatnagar
- Southern Regional Research Center, USDA-ARS, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Niranjan Baisakh
- School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA USA
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29
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Ziemann S, van der Linde K, Lahrmann U, Acar B, Kaschani F, Colby T, Kaiser M, Ding Y, Schmelz E, Huffaker A, Holton N, Zipfel C, Doehlemann G. An apoplastic peptide activates salicylic acid signalling in maize. NATURE PLANTS 2018; 4:172-180. [PMID: 29483684 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-018-0116-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Localized control of cell death is crucial for the resistance of plants to pathogens. Papain-like cysteine proteases (PLCPs) regulate plant defence to drive cell death and protection against biotrophic pathogens. In maize (Zea mays), PLCPs are crucial in the orchestration of salicylic acid (SA)-dependent defence signalling. Despite this central role in immunity, it remains unknown how PLCPs are activated, and which downstream signals they induce to trigger plant immunity. Here, we discover an immune signalling peptide, Z. mays immune signalling peptide 1 (Zip1), which is produced after salicylic acid (SA) treatment. In vitro studies demonstrate that PLCPs are required to release bioactive Zip1 from its propeptide precursor. Conversely, Zip1 treatment strongly elicits SA accumulation in leaves. Moreover, transcriptome analyses revealed that Zip1 and SA induce highly overlapping transcriptional changes. Consequently, Zip1 promotes the infection of the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea, while it reduces virulence of the biotrophic fungus Ustilago maydis. Thus, Zip1 represents the previously missing signal that is released by PLCPs to activate SA defence signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ziemann
- Botanical Institute and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, BioCenter, Cologne, Germany
| | - Karina van der Linde
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Urs Lahrmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM, Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Beyda Acar
- Botanical Institute and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, BioCenter, Cologne, Germany
| | - Farnusch Kaschani
- Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Chemical Biology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tom Colby
- Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Kaiser
- Centre for Medical Biotechnology, Chemical Biology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yezhang Ding
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric Schmelz
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alisa Huffaker
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Holton
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Cyril Zipfel
- The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Gunther Doehlemann
- Botanical Institute and Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), University of Cologne, BioCenter, Cologne, Germany.
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30
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Yang L, Fountain JC, Ji P, Ni X, Chen S, Lee RD, Kemerait RC, Guo B. Deciphering drought-induced metabolic responses and regulation in developing maize kernels. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2018; 16:1616-1628. [PMID: 29431900 PMCID: PMC6097124 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Drought stress conditions decrease maize growth and yield, and aggravate preharvest aflatoxin contamination. While several studies have been performed on mature kernels responding to drought stress, the metabolic profiles of developing kernels are not as well characterized, particularly in germplasm with contrasting resistance to both drought and mycotoxin contamination. Here, following screening for drought tolerance, a drought-sensitive line, B73, and a drought-tolerant line, Lo964, were selected and stressed beginning at 14 days after pollination. Developing kernels were sampled 7 and 14 days after drought induction (DAI) from both stressed and irrigated plants. Comparative biochemical and metabolomic analyses profiled 409 differentially accumulated metabolites. Multivariate statistics and pathway analyses showed that drought stress induced an accumulation of simple sugars and polyunsaturated fatty acids and a decrease in amines, polyamines and dipeptides in B73. Conversely, sphingolipid, sterol, phenylpropanoid and dipeptide metabolites accumulated in Lo964 under drought stress. Drought stress also resulted in the greater accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and aflatoxin in kernels of B73 in comparison with Lo964 implying a correlation in their production. Overall, field drought treatments disordered a cascade of normal metabolic programming during development of maize kernels and subsequently caused oxidative stress. The glutathione and urea cycles along with the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids for osmoprotection, membrane maintenance and antioxidant protection were central among the drought stress responses observed in developing kernels. These results also provide novel targets to enhance host drought tolerance and disease resistance through the use of biotechnologies such as transgenics and genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Yang
- USDA‐ARS, Crop Protection and Management Research UnitTiftonGAUSA
- Department of Plant PathologyUniversity of GeorgiaTiftonGAUSA
- College of Biology and the EnvironmentNanjing Forestry UniversityNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Jake C. Fountain
- USDA‐ARS, Crop Protection and Management Research UnitTiftonGAUSA
- Department of Plant PathologyUniversity of GeorgiaTiftonGAUSA
| | - Pingsheng Ji
- Department of Plant PathologyUniversity of GeorgiaTiftonGAUSA
| | - Xinzhi Ni
- USDA‐ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Research UnitTiftonGAUSA
| | - Sixue Chen
- Department of Biology, Genetics Institute, and Plant Molecular & Cellular Biology ProgramUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Robert D. Lee
- Department of Crop and Soil SciencesUniversity of GeorgiaTiftonGAUSA
| | | | - Baozhu Guo
- USDA‐ARS, Crop Protection and Management Research UnitTiftonGAUSA
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Xu Y, Yang T, Zhou Y, Yin S, Li P, Liu J, Xu S, Yang Z, Xu C. Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Starch Pasting Properties in Maize Using Single-Locus and Multi-Locus Models. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1311. [PMID: 30233634 PMCID: PMC6134291 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Maize starch plays a critical role in food processing and industrial application. The pasting properties, the most important starch characteristics, have enormous influence on fabrication property, flavor characteristics, storage, cooking, and baking. Understanding the genetic basis of starch pasting properties will be beneficial for manipulation of starch properties for a given purpose. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are becoming a powerful tool for dissecting the complex traits. Here, we carried out GWAS for seven pasting properties of maize starch with a panel of 230 inbred lines and 145,232 SNPs using one single-locus method, genome-wide efficient mixed model association (GEMMA), and three multi-locus methods, FASTmrEMMA, FarmCPU, and LASSO. We totally identified 60 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) for starch pasting properties with these four GWAS methods. FASTmrEMMA detected the most QTNs (29), followed by FarmCPU (19) and LASSO (12), GEMMA detected the least QTNs (7). Of these QTNs, seven QTNs were identified by more than one method simultaneously. We further investigated locations of these significantly associated QTNs for possible candidate genes. These candidate genes and significant QTNs provide the guidance for further understanding of molecular mechanisms of starch pasting properties. We also compared the statistical powers and Type I errors of the four GWAS methods using Monte Carlo simulations. The results suggest that the multi-locus method is more powerful than the single-locus method and a combination of these multi-locus methods could help improve the detection power of GWAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shuangyi Yin
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Shuhui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zefeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chenwu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology of Jiangsu Province, Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics of Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Majumdar R, Rajasekaran K, Sickler C, Lebar M, Musungu BM, Fakhoury AM, Payne GA, Geisler M, Carter-Wientjes C, Wei Q, Bhatnagar D, Cary JW. The Pathogenesis-Related Maize Seed ( PRms) Gene Plays a Role in Resistance to Aspergillus flavus Infection and Aflatoxin Contamination. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1758. [PMID: 29089952 PMCID: PMC5651032 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic plant pathogen that colonizes and produces the toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites, aflatoxins, in oil-rich crops such as maize (Zea mays ssp. mays L.). Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins serve as an important defense mechanism against invading pathogens by conferring systemic acquired resistance in plants. Among these, production of the PR maize seed protein, ZmPRms (AC205274.3_FG001), has been speculated to be involved in resistance to infection by A. flavus and other pathogens. To better understand the relative contribution of ZmPRms to A. flavus resistance and aflatoxin production, a seed-specific RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing approach was used to develop transgenic maize lines expressing hairpin RNAs to target ZmPRms. Downregulation of ZmPRms in transgenic kernels resulted in a ∼250-350% increase in A. flavus infection accompanied by a ∼4.5-7.5-fold higher accumulation of aflatoxins than control plants. Gene co-expression network analysis of RNA-seq data during the A. flavus-maize interaction identified ZmPRms as a network hub possibly responsible for regulating several downstream candidate genes associated with disease resistance and other biochemical functions. Expression analysis of these candidate genes in the ZmPRms-RNAi lines demonstrated downregulation (vs. control) of a majority of these ZmPRms-regulated genes during A. flavus infection. These results are consistent with a key role of ZmPRms in resistance to A. flavus infection and aflatoxin accumulation in maize kernels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajtilak Majumdar
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kanniah Rajasekaran
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Christine Sickler
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Matthew Lebar
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bryan M. Musungu
- Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
- Warm Water Aquaculture Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Stoneville, MS, United States
| | - Ahmad M. Fakhoury
- Department of Plant, Soil and Agriculture Systems, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - Gary A. Payne
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Matt Geisler
- Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - Carol Carter-Wientjes
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Qijian Wei
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Deepak Bhatnagar
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jeffrey W. Cary
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Nayak SN, Agarwal G, Pandey MK, Sudini HK, Jayale AS, Purohit S, Desai A, Wan L, Guo B, Liao B, Varshney RK. Aspergillus flavus infection triggered immune responses and host-pathogen cross-talks in groundnut during in-vitro seed colonization. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9659. [PMID: 28851929 PMCID: PMC5574979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09260-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination, caused by fungal pathogen Aspergillus flavus, is a major quality and health problem delimiting the trade and consumption of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) worldwide. RNA-seq approach was deployed to understand the host-pathogen interaction by identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for resistance to in-vitro seed colonization (IVSC) at four critical stages after inoculation in J 11 (resistant) and JL 24 (susceptible) genotypes of groundnut. About 1,344.04 million sequencing reads have been generated from sixteen libraries representing four stages in control and infected conditions. About 64% and 67% of quality filtered reads (1,148.09 million) were mapped onto A (A. duranensis) and B (A. ipaёnsis) subgenomes of groundnut respectively. About 101 million unaligned reads each from J 11 and JL 24 were used to map onto A. flavus genome. As a result, 4,445 DEGs including defense-related genes like senescence-associated proteins, resveratrol synthase, 9s-lipoxygenase, pathogenesis-related proteins were identified. In A. flavus, about 578 DEGs coding for growth and development of fungus, aflatoxin biosynthesis, binding, transport, and signaling were identified in compatible interaction. Besides identifying candidate genes for IVSC resistance in groundnut, the study identified the genes involved in host-pathogen cross-talks and markers that can be used in breeding resistant varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spurthi N Nayak
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India
| | - Gaurav Agarwal
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India
- Crop Protection and Management Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Tifton, GA, USA
- University of Georgia, Department of Plant Pathology, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - Manish K Pandey
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Hari K Sudini
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Ashwin S Jayale
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Shilp Purohit
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Aarthi Desai
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Liyun Wan
- Oil Crops Research Institute (OCRI), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Wuhan, China
| | - Baozhu Guo
- Crop Protection and Management Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - Boshou Liao
- Oil Crops Research Institute (OCRI), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Wuhan, China
| | - Rajeev K Varshney
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India.
- The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
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Shade A, Jacques MA, Barret M. Ecological patterns of seed microbiome diversity, transmission, and assembly. Curr Opin Microbiol 2017; 37:15-22. [PMID: 28437661 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2017.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Seeds are involved in the transmission of microorganisms from one plant generation to another and consequently act as the initial inoculum for the plant microbiota. The purpose of this mini-review is to provide an overview of current knowledge on the diversity, structure and role of the seed microbiota. The relative importance of the mode of transmission (vertical vs horizontal) of the microbial entities composing the seed microbiota as well as the potential connections existing between seed and other plant habitats such as the anthosphere and the spermosphere is discussed. Finally the governing processes (niche vs neutral) involved in the assembly and the dynamics of the seed microbiota are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Shade
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior, The DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, The Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI 48824, United States
| | - Marie-Agnès Jacques
- INRA, UMR1345 Institut de Recherches en Horticulture et Semences, SFR4207 QUASAV, F-49071, Beaucouzé, France
| | - Matthieu Barret
- INRA, UMR1345 Institut de Recherches en Horticulture et Semences, SFR4207 QUASAV, F-49071, Beaucouzé, France.
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Dhakal R, Chai C, Karan R, Windham GL, Williams WP, Subudhi PK. Expression Profiling Coupled with In-silico Mapping Identifies Candidate Genes for Reducing Aflatoxin Accumulation in Maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:503. [PMID: 28428796 PMCID: PMC5382453 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin, produced by Aspergillus flavus, is hazardous to health of humans and livestock. The lack of information about large effect QTL for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation is a major obstacle to employ marker-assisted selection for maize improvement. The understanding of resistance mechanisms of the host plant and the associated genes is necessary for improving resistance to A. flavus infection. A suppression subtraction hybridization (SSH) cDNA library was made using the developing kernels of Mp715 (resistant inbred) and B73 (susceptible inbred) and 480 randomly selected cDNA clones were sequenced to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in response to A. flavus infection and map these clones onto the corn genome by in-silico mapping. A total of 267 unigenes were identified and majority of genes were related to metabolism, stress response, and disease resistance. Based on the reverse northern hybridization experiment, 26 DEGs were selected for semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis in seven inbreds with variable resistance to aflatoxin accumulation at two time points after A. flavus inoculation. Most of these genes were highly expressed in resistant inbreds. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis validated upregulation of PR-4, DEAD-box RNA helicase, and leucine rich repeat family protein in resistant inbreds. Fifty-six unigenes, which were placed on linkage map through in-silico mapping, overlapped the QTL regions for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation identified in a mapping population derived from the cross between B73 and Mp715. Since majority of these mapped genes were related to disease resistance, stress response, and metabolism, these should be ideal candidates to investigate host pathogen interaction and to reduce aflatoxin accumulation in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Dhakal
- School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural CenterBaton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Chenglin Chai
- School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural CenterBaton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Ratna Karan
- Department of Agronomy, University of FloridaGainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gary L. Windham
- USDA-ARS Corn Host Plant Resistance Research UnitMississippi State, MS, USA
| | | | - Prasanta K. Subudhi
- School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural CenterBaton Rouge, LA, USA
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36
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Physicochemical properties of nixtamalized corn flours with and without germ. Food Chem 2017; 220:490-497. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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37
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Shu X, Livingston DP, Woloshuk CP, Payne GA. Comparative Histological and Transcriptional Analysis of Maize Kernels Infected with Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:2075. [PMID: 29270183 PMCID: PMC5723656 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.02075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides infect maize kernels and contaminate them with the mycotoxins aflatoxin, and fumonisin, respectively. Genetic resistance in maize to these fungi and to mycotoxin contamination has been difficult to achieve due to lack of identified resistance genes. The objective of this study was to identify new candidate resistance genes by characterizing their temporal expression in response to infection and comparing expression of these genes with genes known to be associated with plant defense. Fungal colonization and transcriptional changes in kernels inoculated with each fungus were monitored at 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h post inoculation (hpi). Maize kernels responded by differential gene expression to each fungus within 4 hpi, before the fungi could be observed visually, but more genes were differentially expressed between 48 and 72 hpi, when fungal colonization was more extensive. Two-way hierarchal clustering analysis grouped the temporal expression profiles of the 5,863 differentially expressed maize genes over all time points into 12 clusters. Many clusters were enriched for genes previously associated with defense responses to either A. flavus or F. verticillioides. Also within these expression clusters were genes that lacked either annotation or assignment to functional categories. This study provided a comprehensive analysis of gene expression of each A. flavus and F. verticillioides during infection of maize kernels, it identified genes expressed early and late in the infection process, and it provided a grouping of genes of unknown function with similarly expressed defense related genes that could inform selection of new genes as targets in breeding strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Shu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - David P. Livingston
- Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Charles P. Woloshuk
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Gary A. Payne
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Gary A. Payne, ;
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Clevenger J, Marasigan K, Liakos V, Sobolev V, Vellidis G, Holbrook C, Ozias-Akins P. RNA Sequencing of Contaminated Seeds Reveals the State of the Seed Permissive for Pre-Harvest Aflatoxin Contamination and Points to a Potential Susceptibility Factor. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:E317. [PMID: 27827875 PMCID: PMC5127114 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8110317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination (PAC) is a major problem facing peanut production worldwide. Produced by the ubiquitous soil fungus, Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxin is the most naturally occurring known carcinogen. The interaction between fungus and host resulting in PAC is complex, and breeding for PAC resistance has been slow. It has been shown that aflatoxin production can be induced by applying drought stress as peanut seeds mature. We have implemented an automated rainout shelter that controls temperature and moisture in the root and peg zone to induce aflatoxin production. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), seeds meeting the following conditions were selected: infected with Aspergillus flavus and contaminated with aflatoxin; and not contaminated with aflatoxin. RNA sequencing analysis revealed groups of genes that describe the transcriptional state of contaminated vs. uncontaminated seed. These data suggest that fatty acid biosynthesis and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling are altered in contaminated seeds and point to a potential susceptibility factor, ABR1, as a repressor of ABA signaling that may play a role in permitting PAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Clevenger
- Department of Horticulture and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793, USA.
| | - Kathleen Marasigan
- Department of Horticulture and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793, USA.
| | - Vasileios Liakos
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793, USA.
| | - Victor Sobolev
- USDA-ARS National Peanut Research Laboratory, Dawson, GA 39842, USA.
| | - George Vellidis
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793, USA.
| | - Corley Holbrook
- USDA-ARS, Crop Genetics and Breeding Res. Unit, Tifton, GA 31793, USA.
| | - Peggy Ozias-Akins
- Department of Horticulture and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics, The University of Georgia, Tifton, GA 31793, USA.
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Giorni P, Bertuzzi T, Battilani P. Aflatoxin in maize, a multifaceted answer of Aspergillus flavus governed by weather, host-plant and competitor fungi. J Cereal Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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40
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Liu Y, Zhou M, Gao Z, Ren W, Yang F, He H, Zhao J. RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals MAPKKK Family Members Related to Drought Tolerance in Maize. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143128. [PMID: 26599013 PMCID: PMC4658043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is an evolutionarily conserved signal transduction pathway that is involved in plant development and stress responses. As the first component of this phosphorelay cascade, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAPKKKs) act as adaptors linking upstream signaling steps to the core MAPK cascade to promote the appropriate cellular responses; however, the functions of MAPKKKs in maize are unclear. Here, we identified 71 MAPKKK genes, of which 14 were novel, based on a computational analysis of the maize (Zea mays L.) genome. Using an RNA-seq analysis in the leaf, stem and root of maize under well-watered and drought-stress conditions, we identified 5,866 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 8 MAPKKK genes responsive to drought stress. Many of the DEGs were enriched in processes such as drought stress, abiotic stimulus, oxidation-reduction, and metabolic processes. The other way round, DEGs involved in processes such as oxidation, photosynthesis, and starch, proline, ethylene, and salicylic acid metabolism were clearly co-expressed with the MAPKKK genes. Furthermore, a quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to assess the relative expression levels of MAPKKKs. Correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant correlation between expression levels of two MAPKKKs and relative biomass responsive to drought in 8 inbred lines. Our results indicate that MAPKKKs may have important regulatory functions in drought tolerance in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Liu
- Maize Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Science, Beijing 100097, P.R.China
| | - Miaoyi Zhou
- Maize Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Science, Beijing 100097, P.R.China
| | - Zhaoxu Gao
- School of Life Sciences and School of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P.R.China
| | - Wen Ren
- Maize Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Science, Beijing 100097, P.R.China
| | - Fengling Yang
- Maize Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Science, Beijing 100097, P.R.China
| | - Hang He
- School of Life Sciences and School of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, P.R.China
| | - Jiuran Zhao
- Maize Research Center, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Science, Beijing 100097, P.R.China
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Genome-Wide Transcriptome Analysis of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Identifies Candidate Gene Signatures in Response to Aflatoxin Producing Fungus Aspergillus flavus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138025. [PMID: 26366857 PMCID: PMC4569580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are toxic and potent carcinogenic metabolites produced from the fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxins can contaminate cottonseed under conducive preharvest and postharvest conditions. United States federal regulations restrict the use of aflatoxin contaminated cottonseed at >20 ppb for animal feed. Several strategies have been proposed for controlling aflatoxin contamination, and much success has been achieved by the application of an atoxigenic strain of A. flavus in cotton, peanut and maize fields. Development of cultivars resistant to aflatoxin through overexpression of resistance associated genes and/or knocking down aflatoxin biosynthesis of A. flavus will be an effective strategy for controlling aflatoxin contamination in cotton. In this study, genome-wide transcriptome profiling was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in response to infection with both toxigenic and atoxigenic strains of A. flavus on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) pericarp and seed. The genes involved in antifungal response, oxidative burst, transcription factors, defense signaling pathways and stress response were highly differentially expressed in pericarp and seed tissues in response to A. flavus infection. The cell-wall modifying genes and genes involved in the production of antimicrobial substances were more active in pericarp as compared to seed. The genes involved in auxin and cytokinin signaling were also induced. Most of the genes involved in defense response in cotton were highly induced in pericarp than in seed. The global gene expression analysis in response to fungal invasion in cotton will serve as a source for identifying biomarkers for breeding, potential candidate genes for transgenic manipulation, and will help in understanding complex plant-fungal interaction for future downstream research.
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Shu X, Livingston DP, Franks RG, Boston RS, Woloshuk CP, Payne GA. Tissue-specific gene expression in maize seeds during colonization by Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2015; 16:662-74. [PMID: 25469958 PMCID: PMC6638326 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides are fungal pathogens that colonize maize kernels and produce the harmful mycotoxins aflatoxin and fumonisin, respectively. Management practice based on potential host resistance to reduce contamination by these mycotoxins has proven difficult, resulting in the need for a better understanding of the infection process by these fungi and the response of maize seeds to infection. In this study, we followed the colonization of seeds by histological methods and the transcriptional changes of two maize defence-related genes in specific seed tissues by RNA in situ hybridization. Maize kernels were inoculated with either A. flavus or F. verticillioides 21-22 days after pollination, and harvested at 4, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h post-inoculation. The fungi colonized all tissues of maize seed, but differed in their interactions with aleurone and germ tissues. RNA in situ hybridization showed the induction of the maize pathogenesis-related protein, maize seed (PRms) gene in the aleurone and scutellum on infection by either fungus. Transcripts of the maize sucrose synthase-encoding gene, shrunken-1 (Sh1), were observed in the embryo of non-infected kernels, but were induced on infection by each fungus in the aleurone and scutellum. By comparing histological and RNA in situ hybridization results from adjacent serial sections, we found that the transcripts of these two genes accumulated in tissue prior to the arrival of the advancing pathogens in the seeds. A knowledge of the patterns of colonization and tissue-specific gene expression in response to these fungi will be helpful in the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Shu
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7567, USA
| | - David P Livingston
- Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Robert G Franks
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Rebecca S Boston
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Charles P Woloshuk
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Gary A Payne
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7567, USA
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Maschietto V, Marocco A, Malachova A, Lanubile A. Resistance to Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisin accumulation in maize inbred lines involves an earlier and enhanced expression of lipoxygenase (LOX) genes. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 188:9-18. [PMID: 26398628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Fusarium verticillioides causes ear rot in maize and contaminates the kernels with the fumonisin mycotoxins. It is known that plant lipoxygenase (LOX)-derived oxylipins regulate defence against pathogens and that the host-pathogen lipid cross-talk influences the pathogenesis. The expression profiles of fifteen genes of the LOX pathway were studied in kernels of resistant and susceptible maize lines, grown in field condition, at 3, 7 and 14 days post inoculation (dpi) with F. verticillioides. Plant defence responses were correlated with the pathogen growth, the expression profiles of fungal FUM genes for fumonisin biosynthesis and fumonisin content in the kernels. The resistant genotype limited fungal growth and fumonisin accumulation between 7 and 14 dpi. Pathogen growth became exponential in the susceptible line after 7 dpi, in correspondence with massive transcription of FUM genes and fumonisins augmented exponentially at 14 dpi. LOX pathway genes resulted strongly induced after pathogen inoculation in the resistant line at 3 and 7 dpi, whilst in the susceptible line the induction was reduced or delayed at 14 dpi. In addition, all genes resulted overexpressed before infection in kernels of the resistant genotype already at 3 dpi. The results suggest that resistance in maize may depend on an earlier activation of LOX genes and genes for jasmonic acid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Maschietto
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| | - Adriano Marocco
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
| | - Alexandra Malachova
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Mycotoxin Metabolism and Center for Analytical Chemistry, Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Konrad Lorenz Str. 20, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
| | - Alessandra Lanubile
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy.
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Pusztahelyi T, Holb IJ, Pócsi I. Secondary metabolites in fungus-plant interactions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2015; 6:573. [PMID: 26300892 PMCID: PMC4527079 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2015.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Fungi and plants are rich sources of thousands of secondary metabolites. The genetically coded possibilities for secondary metabolite production, the stimuli of the production, and the special phytotoxins basically determine the microscopic fungi-host plant interactions and the pathogenic lifestyle of fungi. The review introduces plant secondary metabolites usually with antifungal effect as well as the importance of signaling molecules in induced systemic resistance and systemic acquired resistance processes. The review also concerns the mimicking of plant effector molecules like auxins, gibberellins and abscisic acid by fungal secondary metabolites that modulate plant growth or even can subvert the plant defense responses such as programmed cell death to gain nutrients for fungal growth and colonization. It also looks through the special secondary metabolite production and host selective toxins of some significant fungal pathogens and the plant response in form of phytoalexin production. New results coming from genome and transcriptional analyses in context of selected fungal pathogens and their hosts are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tünde Pusztahelyi
- Central Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of DebrecenDebrecen, Hungary
| | - Imre J. Holb
- Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, Institute of Horticulture, University of DebrecenDebrecen, Hungary
- Department of Plant Pathology, Centre for Agricultural Research, Plant Protection Institute, Hungarian Academy of SciencesDebrecen, Hungary
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of DebrecenDebrecen, Hungary
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Razzaghi-Abyaneh M, Chang PK, Shams-Ghahfarokhi M, Rai M. Global health issues of aflatoxins in food and agriculture: challenges and opportunities. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:420. [PMID: 25161651 PMCID: PMC4129441 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Razzaghi-Abyaneh
- Research Laboratory of Fungal Metabolites, Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran Tehran, Iran
| | - Perng-Kuang Chang
- Food and Feed Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Mahendra Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University Amravati, India
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