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Zhao L, Wei X, Chen F, Yuan L, Chen B, Li R. N6-methyladenosine RNA methyltransferase CpMTA1 mediates CpAphA mRNA stability through a YTHDF1-dependent m6A modification in the chestnut blight fungus. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012476. [PMID: 39159278 PMCID: PMC11361730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent RNA epigenetic modification that plays crucial roles in multiple biological processes. Nevertheless, the functions and regulatory mechanisms of m6A in phytopathogenic fungi are poorly understood. Here, we showed that CpMTA1, an m6A methyltransferase in Cryphonectria parasitica, plays a crucial role in fungal phenotypic traits, virulence, and stress tolerance. Furthermore, the acid phosphatase gene CpAphA was implicated to be a target of CpMTA1 by integrated analysis of m6A-seq and RNA-seq, as in vivo RIP assay data confirmed that CpMTA1 directly interacts with CpAphA mRNA. Deletion of CpMTA1 drastically lowered the m6A level of CpAphA and reduced its mRNA expression. Moreover, we found that an m6A reader protein CpYTHDF1 recognizes CpAphA mRNA and increases its stability. Typically, the levels of CpAphA mRNA and protein exhibited a positive correlation with CpMTA1 and CpYTHDF1. Importantly, site-specific mutagenesis demonstrated that the m6A sites, A1306 and A1341, of CpAphA mRNA are important for fungal phenotypic traits and virulence in C. parasitica. Together, our findings demonstrate the essential role of the m6A methyltransferase CpMTA1 in C. parasitica, thereby advancing our understanding of fungal gene regulation through m6A modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijiu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiangyu Wei
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Fengyue Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Luying Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Baoshan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ru Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Research Center for Microbial and Enzyme Engineering Technology, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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Ghosh K, Das S, Sorongpong S, Das N, Pandey P. Emergence of Lasiodiplodia theobromae induced leaf necrosis in tea (Camellia sinensis [L.] O. Kuntze) from India. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:284. [PMID: 38814366 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-04018-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The tea plant, Camellia sinensis [L.] O. Kuntze, is a vital global agricultural commodity, yet faces challenges from fungal infections, which affects its production. To reduce the loss in the tea production, the fungal infections must be removed which is managed with fungicides, which are harmful to the environment. Leaf necrosis, which decreases tea quality and quantity, was investigated across Assam, revealing Lasiodiplodia theobromae as the causative agent. Pathogenicity tests, alongside morphological and molecular analyses, confirmed its role in leaf necrosis. Genome and gene analysis of L. theobromae showed multiple genes related to its pathogenicity. The study also assessed the impact of chemical pesticides on this pathogen. Additionally, the findings in this study highlight the significance of re-assessing management approaches in considering the fungal infection in tea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kheyali Ghosh
- Assam University Silchar, Cachar, 788011, Assam, India
| | - Sandeep Das
- Assam University Silchar, Cachar, 788011, Assam, India
| | | | - Nandita Das
- Assam University Silchar, Cachar, 788011, Assam, India
| | - Piyush Pandey
- Assam University Silchar, Cachar, 788011, Assam, India.
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Li Q, Feng Y, Li J, Hai Y, Si L, Tan C, Peng J, Hu Z, Li Z, Li C, Hao D, Tang W. Multi-omics approaches to understand pathogenicity during potato early blight disease caused by Alternaria solani. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1357579. [PMID: 38529180 PMCID: PMC10961351 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1357579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Potato early blight (PEB), a foliar disease of potato during the growing period, caused by Alternaria sp., is common in major potato-producing areas worldwide. Effective agents to control this disease or completely resistant potato varieties are absent. Large-scale use of fungicides is limited due to possibility of increase in pathogen resistance and the requirements of ecological agriculture. In this study, we focused on the composition and infection characteristics of early blight pathogens in Yunnan Province and screened candidate pathogenesis-related pathways and genes. We isolated 85 strains of Alternaria sp. fungi from typical early blight spots in three potato-growing regions in Yunnan Province from 2018 to 2022, and identified 35 strains of Alternaria solani and 50 strains of Alternaria alternata by morphological characterization and ITS sequence comparison, which were identified as the main and conditional pathogens causing early blight in potato, respectively. Scanning electron microscope analysis confirmed only A. solani producing appressorium at 4 h after inoculation successfully infected the leaf cells. Via genome assembly and annotation, combine transcriptome and proteomic analysis, the following pathogenicity-related unit, transcription factors and metabolic pathway were identified: (1) cell wall-degrading enzymes, such as pectinase, keratinase, and cellulase; (2) genes and pathways related to conidia germination and pathogenicity, such as ubiquitination and peroxisomes; and (3) transcription factors, such as Zn-clus, C2H2, bZIP, and bHLH. These elements were responsible for PEB epidemic in Yunnan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Potato Biology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Feng
- School of Economics and Management, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianmei Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Potato Biology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Yang Hai
- Yunnan YinMore Modern Agriculture Co., Ltd., Kunming, China
| | - Liping Si
- Yunnan YinMore Modern Agriculture Co., Ltd., Kunming, China
| | - Chen Tan
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Jing Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Zuo Hu
- Zhaotong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhaotong, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Zhaotong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhaotong, China
| | - Canhui Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Potato Biology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Dahai Hao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Potato Biology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Potato Biology, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
- School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
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4
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Bhardwaj RG, Khalaf ME, Karched M. Secretome analysis and virulence assessment in Abiotrophia defectiva. J Oral Microbiol 2024; 16:2307067. [PMID: 38352067 PMCID: PMC10863525 DOI: 10.1080/20002297.2024.2307067] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Abiotrophia defectiva, although infrequently occurring, is a notable cause of culture-negative infective endocarditis with limited research on its virulence. Associated with oral infections such as dental caries, exploring its secretome may provide insights into virulence mechanisms. Our study aimed to analyze and characterize the secretome of A. defectiva strain CCUG 27639. Methods Secretome of A. defectiva was prepared from broth cultures and subjected to mass spectrometry and proteomics for protein identification. Inflammatory potential of the secretome was assessed by ELISA. Results Eighty-four proteins were identified, with diverse subcellular localizations predicted by PSORTb. Notably, 20 were cytoplasmic, 12 cytoplasmic membrane, 5 extracellular, and 9 cell wall-anchored proteins. Bioinformatics tools revealed 54 proteins secreted via the 'Sec' pathway and 8 via a non-classical pathway. Moonlighting functions were found in 23 proteins, with over 20 exhibiting potential virulence properties, including peroxiredoxin and oligopeptide ABC transporter substrate-binding protein. Gene Ontology and KEGG analyses categorized protein sequences in various pathways. STRING analysis revealed functional protein association networks. Cytokine profiling demonstrated significant proinflammatory cytokine release (IL-8, IL-1β, and CCL5) from human PBMCs. Conclusions Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of A. defectiva's secretome, laying the foundation for insights into its pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika G Bhardwaj
- Oral Microbiology Research Laboratory, Department of Bioclinical Sciences College of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Mai E Khalaf
- Department of General Dental Practice, College of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Maribasappa Karched
- Oral Microbiology Research Laboratory, Department of Bioclinical Sciences College of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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Yang X, Hu Z, Yuan J, Zou R, Wang Y, Peng X, Xu S, Xie C. Functional Role of RING Ubiquitin E3 Ligase VdBre1 and VdHrd1 in the Pathogenicity and Penetration Structure Formation of Verticillium dahliae. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1037. [PMID: 37888293 PMCID: PMC10608160 DOI: 10.3390/jof9101037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Verticillium dahliae, a virulent soil-borne fungus, elicits Verticillium wilt in numerous dicotyledonous plants through intricate pathogenic mechanisms. Ubiquitination, an evolutionarily conserved post-translational modification, marks and labels proteins for degradation, thereby maintaining cellular homeostasis. Within the ubiquitination cascade, ubiquitin ligase E3 demonstrates a unique capability for target protein recognition, a function often implicated in phytopathogenic virulence. Our research indicates that two ubiquitin ligase E3s, VdBre1 and VdHrd1, are intrinsically associated with virulence. Our findings demonstrate that the deletion of these two genes significantly impairs the ability of V. dahliae to colonize the vascular bundles of plants and to form typical penetration pegs. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis suggests that VdBre1 governs the lipid metabolism pathway, while VdHrd1 participates in endoplasmic-reticulum-related processes. Western blot analyses reveal a significant decrease in histone ubiquitination and histone H3K4 trimethylation levels in the ΔVdBre1 mutant. This research illuminates the function of ubiquitin ligase E3 in V. dahliae and offers fresh theoretical perspectives. Our research identifies two novel virulence-related genes and partially explicates their roles in virulence-associated structures and gene regulatory pathways. These findings augment our understanding of the molecular mechanisms inherent to V. dahliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Yang
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plant Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; (X.Y.); (J.Y.); (S.X.)
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources, The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Zhijuan Hu
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plant Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; (X.Y.); (J.Y.); (S.X.)
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources, The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Jingjie Yuan
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plant Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; (X.Y.); (J.Y.); (S.X.)
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources, The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Run Zou
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plant Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; (X.Y.); (J.Y.); (S.X.)
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources, The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yilan Wang
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plant Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; (X.Y.); (J.Y.); (S.X.)
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources, The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xuan Peng
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plant Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; (X.Y.); (J.Y.); (S.X.)
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources, The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Shan Xu
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plant Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; (X.Y.); (J.Y.); (S.X.)
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources, The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Chengjian Xie
- The Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Plant Environmental Adaptations, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; (X.Y.); (J.Y.); (S.X.)
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Specialty Crop Resources, The College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
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Müller M, Kües U, Budde KB, Gailing O. Applying molecular and genetic methods to trees and their fungal communities. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:2783-2830. [PMID: 36988668 PMCID: PMC10106355 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12480-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Forests provide invaluable economic, ecological, and social services. At the same time, they are exposed to several threats, such as fragmentation, changing climatic conditions, or increasingly destructive pests and pathogens. Trees, the inherent species of forests, cannot be viewed as isolated organisms. Manifold (micro)organisms are associated with trees playing a pivotal role in forest ecosystems. Of these organisms, fungi may have the greatest impact on the life of trees. A multitude of molecular and genetic methods are now available to investigate tree species and their associated organisms. Due to their smaller genome sizes compared to tree species, whole genomes of different fungi are routinely compared. Such studies have only recently started in forest tree species. Here, we summarize the application of molecular and genetic methods in forest conservation genetics, tree breeding, and association genetics as well as for the investigation of fungal communities and their interrelated ecological functions. These techniques provide valuable insights into the molecular basis of adaptive traits, the impacts of forest management, and changing environmental conditions on tree species and fungal communities and can enhance tree-breeding cycles due to reduced time for field testing. It becomes clear that there are multifaceted interactions among microbial species as well as between these organisms and trees. We demonstrate the versatility of the different approaches based on case studies on trees and fungi. KEY POINTS: • Current knowledge of genetic methods applied to forest trees and associated fungi. • Genomic methods are essential in conservation, breeding, management, and research. • Important role of phytobiomes for trees and their ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Müller
- Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding, Faculty for Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), University of Goettingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Ursula Kües
- Molecular Wood Biotechnology and Technical Mycology, Faculty for Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB), Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center of Sustainable Land Use (CBL), Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katharina B Budde
- Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding, Faculty for Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center of Sustainable Land Use (CBL), Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Gailing
- Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding, Faculty for Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, University of Goettingen, Büsgenweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research (CiBreed), University of Goettingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
- Center of Sustainable Land Use (CBL), Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
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Cao C, Xue C. More Than Just Cleaning: Ubiquitin-Mediated Proteolysis in Fungal Pathogenesis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:774613. [PMID: 34858882 PMCID: PMC8631298 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.774613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-proteasome mediated protein turnover is an important regulatory mechanism of cellular function in eukaryotes. Extensive studies have linked the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to human diseases, and an array of proteasome inhibitors have been successfully developed for cancer therapy. Although still an emerging field, research on UPS regulation of fungal development and virulence has been rapidly advancing and has generated considerable excitement in its potential as a target for novel drugs. In this review, we summarize UPS composition and regulatory function in pathogenic fungi, especially in stress responses, host adaption, and fungal pathogenesis. Emphasis will be given to UPS regulation of pathogenic factors that are important for fungal pathogenesis. We also discuss future potential therapeutic strategies for fungal infections based on targeting UPS pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjun Cao
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Chaoyang Xue
- Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
- Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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8
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Liu W, Triplett L, Chen XL. Emerging Roles of Posttranslational Modifications in Plant-Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2021; 59:99-124. [PMID: 33909479 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-021320-010948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) play crucial roles in regulating protein function and thereby control many cellular processes and biological phenotypes in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Several recent studies illustrate how plant fungal and bacterial pathogens use these PTMs to facilitate development, stress response, and host infection. In this review, we discuss PTMs that have key roles in the biological and infection processes of plant-pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The emerging roles of PTMs during pathogen-plant interactions are highlighted. We also summarize traditional tools and emerging proteomics approaches for PTM research. These discoveries open new avenues for investigating the fundamental infection mechanisms of plant pathogens and the discovery of novel strategies for plant disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wende Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Lindsay Triplett
- Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA;
| | - Xiao-Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology and Provincial Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
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Huang M, Ma Z, Zhou X. Comparative Genomic Data Provide New Insight on the Evolution of Pathogenicity in Sporothrix Species. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:565439. [PMID: 33117312 PMCID: PMC7561385 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.565439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix species are commonly isolated from environmental and clinical samples. As common causes of zoonotic mycosis, Sporothrix species may result in localized or disseminated infections, posing considerable threat to animal and human health. However, the pathogenic profiles of different Sporothrix species varied, in virulence, geographic location and host ranges, which have yet to be explored. Analysing the genomes of Sporothrix species are useful for understanding their pathogenicity. In this study, we analyzed the whole genome of 12 Sporothrix species and six S. globosa isolates from different clinical samples in China. By combining comparative analyses with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZy), antiSMASH, Pfam, and PHI annotations, Sporothrix species showed exuberant primary and secondary metabolism processes. The genome sizes of four main clinical species, i.e., S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii, S. globosa, and S. luriei were significantly smaller than other environmental and clinical Sporothrix species. The contracted genes included mostly CAZymes and peptidases genes that were usually associated with the decay of plants, as well as the genes that were associated with the loss of pathogenicity and the reduced virulence. Our results could, to some extent, explain a habitat shift of Sporothrix species from a saprobic life in plant materials to a pathogenic life in mammals and the increased pathogenicity during the evolution. Gene clusters of melanin and clavaric acid were identified in this study, which improved our understanding on their pathogenicity and possible antitumor effects. Moreover, our analyses revealed no significant genomic variations among different clinical isolates of S. globosa from different regions in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengya Huang
- Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ziying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijin, China
| | - Xun Zhou
- Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Wang Z, Zhu H, Cheng Y, Jiang Y, Li Y, Huang B. The polyubiquitin gene MrUBI4 is required for conidiation, conidial germination, and stress tolerance in the filamentous fungus Metarhizium robertsii. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10060412. [PMID: 31146457 PMCID: PMC6627135 DOI: 10.3390/genes10060412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The polyubiquitin gene is a highly conserved open reading frame that encodes different numbers of tandem ubiquitin repeats from different species, which play important roles in different biological processes. Metarhizium robertsii is a fungal entomopathogen that is widely applied in the biological control of pest insects. However, it is unclear whether the polyubiquitin gene is required for fungal development, stress tolerance, and virulence in the entomopathogenic fungus. In the present study, the polyubiquitin gene (MrUBI4, MAA_02160) was functionally characterized via gene deletion in M. robertsii. Compared to the control strains, the MrUBI4 deletion mutant showed delayed conidial germination and significantly decreased conidial yields (39% of the wild-type 14 days post-incubation). Correspondingly, the transcript levels of several genes from the central regulatory pathways associated with conidiation, including brlA, abaA, and wetA, were significantly downregulated, which indicated that MrUBI4 played an important role in asexual sporulation. Deletion of MrUBI4 especially resulted in increased sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) and heat-shock stress based on conidial germination analysis between mutant and control strains. The significant increase in sensitivity to heat-shock was accompanied with reduced transcript levels of genes related to heat-shock protein (hsp), trehalose, and mannitol accumulation (tps, tpp, nth, and mpd) in the MrUBI4 deletion mutant. Deletion of MrUBI4 has no effect on fungal virulence. Altogether, MrUBI4 is involved in the regulation of conidiation, conidial germination, UV stress, and heat-shock response in M. robertsii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangxun Wang
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Hong Zhu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Yuran Cheng
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Yuandong Li
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Bo Huang
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Pest Control, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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