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Cheng AP, Kwon S, Adeshara T, Göhre V, Feldbrügge M, Weiberg A. Extracellular RNAs released by plant-associated fungi: from fundamental mechanisms to biotechnological applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:5935-5945. [PMID: 37572124 PMCID: PMC10485130 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12718-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular RNAs are an emerging research topic in fungal-plant interactions. Fungal plant pathogens and symbionts release small RNAs that enter host cells to manipulate plant physiology and immunity. This communication via extracellular RNAs between fungi and plants is bidirectional. On the one hand, plants release RNAs encapsulated inside extracellular vesicles as a defense response as well as for intercellular and inter-organismal communication. On the other hand, recent reports suggest that also full-length mRNAs are transported within fungal EVs into plants, and these fungal mRNAs might get translated inside host cells. In this review article, we summarize the current views and fundamental concepts of extracellular RNAs released by plant-associated fungi, and we discuss new strategies to apply extracellular RNAs in crop protection against fungal pathogens. KEY POINTS: • Extracellular RNAs are an emerging topic in plant-fungal communication. • Fungi utilize RNAs to manipulate host plants for colonization. • Extracellular RNAs can be engineered to protect plants against fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Po Cheng
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München (LMU), 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Seomun Kwon
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Trusha Adeshara
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Göhre
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Feldbrügge
- Institute for Microbiology, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Arne Weiberg
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität München (LMU), 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
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2
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Jiang C, Li Z, Zheng L, Yu Y, Niu D. Small RNAs: Efficient and miraculous effectors that play key roles in plant-microbe interactions. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2023; 24:999-1013. [PMID: 37026481 PMCID: PMC10346379 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plants' response to pathogens is highly complex and involves changes at different levels, such as activation or repression of a vast array of genes. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that many RNAs, especially small RNAs (sRNAs), are involved in genetic expression and reprogramming affecting plant-pathogen interactions. The sRNAs, including short interfering RNAs and microRNAs, are noncoding RNA with 18-30 nucleotides, and are recognized as key genetic and epigenetic regulators. In this review, we summarize the new findings about defence-related sRNAs in the response to pathogens and our current understanding of their effects on plant-pathogen interactions. The main content of this review article includes the roles of sRNAs in plant-pathogen interactions, cross-kingdom sRNA trafficking between host and pathogen, and the application of RNA-based fungicides for plant disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun‐Hao Jiang
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Plant ImmunityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu ProvinceNanjingChina
| | - Zi‐Jie Li
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Plant ImmunityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu ProvinceNanjingChina
| | - Li‐Yu Zheng
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Plant ImmunityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu ProvinceNanjingChina
| | - Yi‐Yang Yu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Plant ImmunityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu ProvinceNanjingChina
| | - Dong‐Dong Niu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant ProtectionNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Disease and Pests, Ministry of Education/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture/Key Laboratory of Plant ImmunityNanjing Agricultural UniversityNanjingChina
- Engineering Center of Bioresource Pesticide in Jiangsu ProvinceNanjingChina
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3
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Kusch S, Singh M, Thieron H, Spanu PD, Panstruga R. Site-specific analysis reveals candidate cross-kingdom small RNAs, tRNA and rRNA fragments, and signs of fungal RNA phasing in the barley-powdery mildew interaction. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2023; 24:570-587. [PMID: 36917011 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of host-microbe interactions requires molecular communication between both partners, which may involve the mutual transfer of noncoding small RNAs. Previous evidence suggests that this is also true for powdery mildew disease in barley, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Blumeria hordei. However, previous studies lacked spatial resolution regarding the accumulation of small RNAs upon host infection by B. hordei. Here, we analysed site-specific small RNA repertoires in the context of the barley-B. hordei interaction. To this end, we dissected infected leaves into separate fractions representing different sites that are key to the pathogenic process: epiphytic fungal mycelium, infected plant epidermis, isolated haustoria, a vesicle-enriched fraction from infected epidermis, and extracellular vesicles. Unexpectedly, we discovered enrichment of specific 31-33-base 5'-terminal fragments of barley 5.8S ribosomal RNA in extracellular vesicles and infected epidermis, as well as particular B. hordei transfer RNA fragments in haustoria. We describe canonical small RNAs from both the plant host and the fungal pathogen that may confer cross-kingdom RNA interference activity. Interestingly, we found first evidence of phased small interfering RNAs in B. hordei, a feature usually attributed to plants, which may be associated with the posttranscriptional control of fungal coding genes, pseudogenes, and transposable elements. Our data suggest a key and possibly site-specific role for cross-kingdom RNA interference and noncoding RNA fragments in the host-pathogen communication between B. hordei and its host barley.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kusch
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mansi Singh
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hannah Thieron
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pietro D Spanu
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralph Panstruga
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Singewar K, Fladung M. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) technology to control forest insect pests and fungal pathogens: challenges and opportunities. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:185. [PMID: 37243792 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01107-y] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Climate change alters the seasonal synchronization between plants and respective pests plus pathogens. The geographical infiltration helps to shift their hosts, resulting in novel outbreaks that damage forests and ecology. Traditional management schemes are unable to control such outbreaks, therefore unconventional and competitive governance is needed to manage forest pests and pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi) mediated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment method can be implemented to protect forest trees. Exogenous dsRNA triggers the RNAi-mediated gene silencing of a vital gene, and suspends protein production, resulting in the death of targeted pathogens and pests. The dsRNA treatment method is successful for many crop insects and fungi, however, studies of dsRNA against forest pests and pathogens are depleting. Pesticides and fungicides based on dsRNA could be used to combat pathogens that caused outbreaks in different parts of the world. Although the dsRNA has proved its potential, the crucial dilemma and risks including species-specific gene selection, and dsRNA delivery methods cannot be overlooked. Here, we summarized the major fungi pathogens and insect pests that have caused outbreaks, their genomic information, and studies on dsRNA fungi-and pesticides. Current challenges and opportunities in dsRNA target decision, delivery using nanoparticles, direct applications, and a new method using mycorrhiza for forest tree protection are discussed. The importance of affordable next-generation sequencing to minimize the impact on non-target species is discussed. We suggest that collaborative research among forest genomics and pathology institutes could develop necessary dsRNA strategies to protect forest tree species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Singewar
- Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, 22927, Großhansdorf, Germany.
| | - Matthias Fladung
- Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, 22927, Großhansdorf, Germany.
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Regmi R, Penton CR, Anderson J, Gupta VVSR. Do small RNAs unlock the below ground microbiome-plant interaction mystery? Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1017392. [PMID: 36406267 PMCID: PMC9670543 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1017392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, regulatory RNAs, such as small RNAs (sRNAs), have received increasing attention in the context of host-microbe interactions due to their diverse roles in controlling various biological processes in eukaryotes. In addition, studies have identified an increasing number of sRNAs with novel functions across a wide range of bacteria. What is not well understood is why cells regulate gene expression through post-transcriptional mechanisms rather than at the initiation of transcription. The finding of a multitude of sRNAs and their identified associated targets has allowed further investigation into the role of sRNAs in mediating gene regulation. These foundational data allow for further development of hypotheses concerning how a precise control of gene activity is accomplished through the combination of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. Recently, sRNAs have been reported to participate in interkingdom communication and signalling where sRNAs originating from one kingdom are able to target or control gene expression in another kingdom. For example, small RNAs of fungal pathogens that silence plant genes and vice-versa plant sRNAs that mediate bacterial gene expression. However, there is currently a lack of evidence regarding sRNA-based inter-kingdom signalling across more than two interacting organisms. A habitat that provides an excellent opportunity to investigate interconnectivity is the plant rhizosphere, a multifaceted ecosystem where plants and associated soil microbes are known to interact. In this paper, we discuss how the interconnectivity of bacteria, fungi, and plants within the rhizosphere may be mediated by bacterial sRNAs with a particular focus on disease suppressive and non-suppressive soils. We discuss the potential roles sRNAs may play in the below-ground world and identify potential areas of future research, particularly in reference to the regulation of plant immunity genes by bacterial and fungal communities in disease-suppressive and non-disease-suppressive soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Regmi
- CSIRO Microbiomes for One Systems Health, Waite Campus, Canberra, SA, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Waite Campus, Canberra, SA, Australia
| | - C. Ryan Penton
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Waite Campus, Canberra, SA, Australia
- College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, United States
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Jonathan Anderson
- CSIRO Microbiomes for One Systems Health, Waite Campus, Canberra, SA, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Canberra, SA, Australia
| | - Vadakattu V. S. R. Gupta
- CSIRO Microbiomes for One Systems Health, Waite Campus, Canberra, SA, Australia
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Waite Campus, Canberra, SA, Australia
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Derbyshire MC, Newman TE, Khentry Y, Owolabi Taiwo A. The evolutionary and molecular features of the broad-host-range plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2022; 23:1075-1090. [PMID: 35411696 PMCID: PMC9276942 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a pathogenic fungus that infects hundreds of plant species, including many of the world's most important crops. Key features of S. sclerotiorum include its extraordinary host range, preference for dicotyledonous plants, relatively slow evolution, and production of protein effectors that are active in multiple host species. Plant resistance to this pathogen is highly complex, typically involving numerous polymorphisms with infinitesimally small effects, which makes resistance breeding a major challenge. Due to its economic significance, S. sclerotiorum has been subjected to a large amount of molecular and evolutionary research. In this updated pathogen profile, we review the evolutionary and molecular features of S. sclerotiorum and discuss avenues for future research into this important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C. Derbyshire
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Toby E. Newman
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Yuphin Khentry
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Akeem Owolabi Taiwo
- Centre for Crop and Disease ManagementSchool of Molecular and Life SciencesCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
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Exploring the Effectiveness and Durability of Trans-Kingdom Silencing of Fungal Genes in the Vascular Pathogen Verticillium dahliae. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052742. [PMID: 35269884 PMCID: PMC8910871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) based on trans-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi) has been successfully exploited to engineer host resistance to pests and pathogens, including fungi and oomycetes. However, revealing the mechanisms underlying trans-kingdom RNAi between hosts and pathogens lags behind applications. The effectiveness and durability of trans-kingdom silencing of pathogenic genes are uncharacterized. In this study, using our transgenic 35S-VdH1i cotton plants in which dsVdH1-derived small RNAs (siVdH1) accumulated, small RNA sequencing analysis revealed that siVdH1s exclusively occur within the double-stranded (ds)VdH1 region, and no transitive siRNAs were produced beyond this region in recovered hyphae of Verticillium dahliae (V. dahliae). Accordingly, we found that VdH1 silencing was reduced over time in recovered hyphae cultured in vitro, inferring that once the fungus got rid of the 35S-VdH1i cotton plants would gradually regain their pathogenicity. To explore whether continually exporting dsRNAs/siRNAs from transgenic plants into recipient fungal cells guaranteed the effectiveness and stability of HIGS, we created GFP/RFP double-labeled V. dahliae and transgenic Arabidopsis expressing dsGFP (35S-GFPi plants). Confocal images visually demonstrate the efficient silencing of GFP in V. dahliae that colonized host vascular tissues. Taken together, our results demonstrate that HIGS effectively triggers long-lasting trans-kingdom RNAi during plant vasculature V. dahliae interactions, despite no amplification or transitivity of RNAi being noted in this soil-borne fungal pathogen.
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Regmi R, Newman TE, Kamphuis LG, Derbyshire MC. fIdentification of B. napus small RNAs responsive to infection by a necrotrophic pathogen. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:366. [PMID: 34380425 PMCID: PMC8356391 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small RNAs are short non-coding RNAs that are key gene regulators controlling various biological processes in eukaryotes. Plants may regulate discrete sets of sRNAs in response to pathogen attack. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is an economically important pathogen affecting hundreds of plant species, including the economically important oilseed B. napus. However, there are limited studies on how regulation of sRNAs occurs in the S. sclerotiorum and B. napus pathosystem. RESULTS We identified different classes of sRNAs from B. napus using high throughput sequencing of replicated mock and infected samples at 24 h post-inoculation (HPI). Overall, 3999 sRNA loci were highly expressed, of which 730 were significantly upregulated during infection. These 730 up-regulated sRNAs targeted 64 genes, including disease resistance proteins and transcriptional regulators. A total of 73 conserved miRNA families were identified in our dataset. Degradome sequencing identified 2124 cleaved mRNA products from these miRNAs from combined mock and infected samples. Among these, 50 genes were specific to infection. Altogether, 20 conserved miRNAs were differentially expressed and 8 transcripts were cleaved by the differentially expressed miRNAs miR159, miR5139, and miR390, suggesting they may have a role in the S. sclerotiorum response. A miR1885-triggered disease resistance gene-derived secondary sRNA locus was also identified and verified with degradome sequencing. We also found further evidence for silencing of a plant immunity related ethylene response factor gene by a novel sRNA using 5'-RACE and RT-qPCR. CONCLUSIONS The findings in this study expand the framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms of the S. sclerotiorum and B. napus pathosystem at the sRNA level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Regmi
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Floreat, WA, 6014, Australia.
| | - Toby E Newman
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Lars G Kamphuis
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Floreat, WA, 6014, Australia
| | - Mark C Derbyshire
- Centre for Crop and Disease Management, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
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Giudice G, Moffa L, Varotto S, Cardone MF, Bergamini C, De Lorenzis G, Velasco R, Nerva L, Chitarra W. Novel and emerging biotechnological crop protection approaches. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:1495-1510. [PMID: 33945200 PMCID: PMC8384607 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Traditional breeding or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have for a long time been the sole approaches to effectively cope with biotic and abiotic stresses and implement the quality traits of crops. However, emerging diseases as well as unpredictable climate changes affecting agriculture over the entire globe force scientists to find alternative solutions required to quickly overcome seasonal crises. In this review, we first focus on cisgenesis and genome editing as challenging biotechnological approaches for breeding crops more tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, we take into consideration a toolbox of new techniques based on applications of RNA interference and epigenome modifications, which can be adopted for improving plant resilience. Recent advances in these biotechnological applications are mainly reported for non-model plants and woody crops in particular. Indeed, the characterization of RNAi machinery in plants is fundamental to transform available information into biologically or biotechnologically applicable knowledge. Finally, here we discuss how these innovative and environmentally friendly techniques combined with traditional breeding can sustain a modern agriculture and be of potential contribution to climate change mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Giudice
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)ConeglianoTVItaly
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ‐ Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DiSAA)University of MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Loredana Moffa
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)ConeglianoTVItaly
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (DI4A)University of UdineUdineItaly
| | - Serena Varotto
- Department of Agronomy Animals Food Natural Resources and Environment (DAFNAE)University of PadovaLegnaroPDItaly
| | - Maria Francesca Cardone
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)TuriBAItaly
| | - Carlo Bergamini
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)TuriBAItaly
| | - Gabriella De Lorenzis
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ‐ Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DiSAA)University of MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Riccardo Velasco
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)ConeglianoTVItaly
| | - Luca Nerva
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)ConeglianoTVItaly
- Institute for Sustainable Plant ProtectionNational Research Council (IPSP‐CNR)TorinoItaly
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Research Centre for Viticulture and EnologyCouncil for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA‐VE)ConeglianoTVItaly
- Institute for Sustainable Plant ProtectionNational Research Council (IPSP‐CNR)TorinoItaly
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Prathi NB, Durga Rani CV, Balachandran SM, Prakasam V, Chandra Mohan Y, Nagalakshmi S, Srivastava SK, Sundaram RM, Mangrauthia SK. Genome-Wide Expression Profiling of Small RNAs in Indian Strain of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-1A Reveals Differential Regulation of milRNAs during Pathogenesis and Crosstalk of Gene Regulation. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070561. [PMID: 34356939 PMCID: PMC8304579 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070561] [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: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhizoctonia solani AG1-1A is a necrotrophic fungus that causes sheath blight disease in rice. The reliable resistant source against this phytopathogenic fungus is not available in the gene pool of rice. Better understanding of pathogen genomics and gene regulatory networks are critical to devise alternate strategies for developing resistance against this noxious pathogen. In this study, miRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) of an Indian strain of R. solani were identified by deep sequencing of small RNAs. We identified 128 known and 22 novel milRNAs from 20,963,123 sequence reads. These milRNAs showed 1725 target genes in the fungal genome which include genes associated with growth, development, pathogenesis and virulence of R. solani. Notably, these fungal milRNAs showed their target genes in host (rice) genome also which were later verified by qRT-PCR. The host target genes are associated with auxin metabolism, hypersensitive response, defense genes, and genes related to growth and development of rice. Osa-vacuolar-sorting receptor precursor: Rhi-milR-13, Osa-KANADI1:Rhi-milR-124, Osa-isoflavone reductase: Rhi-milR-135, Osa-nuclear transcription factor Y:Rhi-milR-131, Osa-NB-ARC domain containing protein: Rhi-milR-18, and Osa-OsFBX438: Rhi-milR-142 are notable potential regulons of host target genes: fungal milRNAs that need to be investigated for better understanding of the crosstalk of RNAi pathways between R. solani and rice. The detailed expression analysis of 17 milRNAs by qRT-PCR was analysed during infection at different time points of inoculation, at different growth stages of the host, in four different genotypes of the host, and also in four different strains of fungi which revealed differential regulation of milRNAs associated with pathogenesis and virulence. This study highlights several important findings on fungal milRNAs which need to be further studied and characterized to decipher the gene expression and regulation of this economically important phytopathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh Babu Prathi
- Institute of Biotechnology, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030, India; (N.B.P.); (C.V.D.R.); (Y.C.M.)
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad 500030, India; (S.M.B.); (V.P.); (S.N.); (R.M.S.)
| | - Chagamreddy Venkata Durga Rani
- Institute of Biotechnology, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030, India; (N.B.P.); (C.V.D.R.); (Y.C.M.)
| | - Sena Munuswamy Balachandran
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad 500030, India; (S.M.B.); (V.P.); (S.N.); (R.M.S.)
| | - Vellaisamy Prakasam
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad 500030, India; (S.M.B.); (V.P.); (S.N.); (R.M.S.)
| | - Yeshala Chandra Mohan
- Institute of Biotechnology, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030, India; (N.B.P.); (C.V.D.R.); (Y.C.M.)
| | - Sanivarapu Nagalakshmi
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad 500030, India; (S.M.B.); (V.P.); (S.N.); (R.M.S.)
| | - Sunil K. Srivastava
- Department of Microbiology, Swami Shraddhanand College, University of Delhi, Alipur, Delhi 110036, India;
| | - Raman Meenakshi Sundaram
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad 500030, India; (S.M.B.); (V.P.); (S.N.); (R.M.S.)
| | - Satendra K. Mangrauthia
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad 500030, India; (S.M.B.); (V.P.); (S.N.); (R.M.S.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +91-40-24591342
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Habig M, Schotanus K, Hufnagel K, Happel P, Stukenbrock EH. Ago1 Affects the Virulence of the Fungal Plant Pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1011. [PMID: 34208898 PMCID: PMC8303167 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In host-pathogen interactions RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a pivotal mechanism to modify both, the immune responses of the host as well as the pathogenicity and virulence of the pathogen. In addition, in some fungi RNAi is also known to affect chromosome biology via its effect on chromatin conformation. Previous studies reported no effect of the RNAi machinery on the virulence of the fungal plant pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici however the role of RNAi is still poorly understood in this species. Herein, we elucidate whether the RNAi machinery is conserved within the genus Zymoseptoria. Moreover, we conduct functional analyses of Argonaute and Dicer-like proteins and test if the RNAi machinery affects chromosome stability. We show that the RNAi machinery is conserved among closely related Zymoseptoria species while an exceptional pattern of allelic diversity was possibly caused by introgression. The deletion of Ago1 reduced the ability of the fungus to produce asexual propagules in planta in a quantitative matter. Chromosome stability of the accessory chromosome of Z. tritici was not prominently affected by the RNAi machinery. These results indicate, in contrast to previous finding, a role of the RNAi pathway during host infection, but not in the stability of accessory chromosomes in Z. tritici.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Habig
- Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Environmental Genomics, Am Botanischen Garten 1-11, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (M.H.); (K.S.); (K.H.)
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Str. 2, 24306 Plön, Germany
| | - Klaas Schotanus
- Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Environmental Genomics, Am Botanischen Garten 1-11, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (M.H.); (K.S.); (K.H.)
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Str. 2, 24306 Plön, Germany
| | - Kim Hufnagel
- Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Environmental Genomics, Am Botanischen Garten 1-11, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (M.H.); (K.S.); (K.H.)
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Str. 2, 24306 Plön, Germany
| | - Petra Happel
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch Strasse 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Eva H. Stukenbrock
- Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Environmental Genomics, Am Botanischen Garten 1-11, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (M.H.); (K.S.); (K.H.)
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Str. 2, 24306 Plön, Germany
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Esposito S, Aversano R, Tripodi P, Carputo D. Whole-Genome Doubling Affects Pre-miRNA Expression in Plants. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10051004. [PMID: 34069771 PMCID: PMC8157229 DOI: 10.3390/plants10051004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Whole-genome doubling (polyploidy) is common in angiosperms. Several studies have indicated that it is often associated with molecular, physiological, and phenotypic changes. Mounting evidence has pointed out that micro-RNAs (miRNAs) may have an important role in whole-genome doubling. However, an integrative approach that compares miRNA expression in polyploids is still lacking. Here, a re-analysis of already published RNAseq datasets was performed to identify microRNAs’ precursors (pre-miRNAs) in diploids (2x) and tetraploids (4x) of five species (Arabidopsis thaliana L., Morus alba L., Brassica rapa L., Isatis indigotica Fort., and Solanum commersonii Dun). We found 3568 pre-miRNAs, three of which (pre-miR414, pre-miR5538, and pre-miR5141) were abundant in all 2x, and were absent/low in their 4x counterparts. They are predicted to target more than one mRNA transcript, many belonging to transcription factors (TFs), DNA repair mechanisms, and related to stress. Sixteen pre-miRNAs were found in common in all 2x and 4x. Among them, pre-miRNA482, pre-miRNA2916, and pre-miRNA167 changed their expression after polyploidization, being induced or repressed in 4x plants. Based on our results, a common ploidy-dependent response was triggered in all species under investigation, which involves DNA repair, ATP-synthesis, terpenoid biosynthesis, and several stress-responsive transcripts. In addition, an ad hoc pre-miRNA expression analysis carried out solely on 2x vs. 4x samples of S. commersonii indicated that ploidy-dependent pre-miRNAs seem to actively regulate the nucleotide metabolism, probably to cope with the increased requirement for DNA building blocks caused by the augmented DNA content. Overall, the results outline the critical role of microRNA-mediated responses following autopolyploidization in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Esposito
- CREA Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Aversano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Tripodi
- CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, 84098 Pontecagnano, Italy;
| | - Domenico Carputo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-08-1252-9225
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13
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Šečić E, Kogel KH. Requirements for fungal uptake of dsRNA and gene silencing in RNAi-based crop protection strategies. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 70:136-142. [PMID: 34000482 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that RNAi is an effective control strategy for agronomically important fungi. To implement RNAi-based crop protection strategies, dsRNA molecules are either sprayed on foliage or generated by genetically engineered plants. Here, we summarize current knowledge of the mechanisms governing dsRNA uptake and RNAi-mediated gene silencing in fungi, as well as the factors that influence these phenomena. Of primary importance is dsRNA design, as identifying an appropriate gene for silencing and determining which region of the gene to target are critical for maximizing efficiency. Strategies for enhancing dsRNA uptake, potentially by using formulations and/or carriers that prevent dsRNA degradation by (a)biotic factors and possibly facilitate translocation, also are a key consideration. Finally, determining whether the fungal pathogen of interest contains a functional RNAi machinery is a major consideration. Integrated experimental confirmation of these important factors is necessary for the successful development of crop protection strategies against fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ena Šečić
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Kogel
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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Nili O, Azizi A, Abdollahzadeh J. Development of an efficient Tef-1α RNA hairpin structure to efficient management of Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9612. [PMID: 33953257 PMCID: PMC8099910 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88422-1] [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: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum parvum are serious worldwide-distributed plant pathogenic fungi with a wide host range in tropical and temperate climates. They cause fruit rot, canker, and dieback of twigs in various woody plants. Protection of pruning wounds using fungicides is the prevalent strategy for the management of the diseases caused by these fungi. Chemical control of plant diseases is not environmentally safe and the residues of fungicides are a threat to nature. Furthermore, genetic resources of resistance to plant diseases in woody plants are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of RNA silencing using an efficient hairpin structure based on Tef-1α gene for the management of L. theobromae and N. parvum. Hairpin structure of Tef-1α was cloned in pFGC5941 binary vector and the recombinant construct was named pFGC-TEF-d. Transient expression of pFGC-TEF-d using Agrobacterium LBA4404 in grapevine (Bidaneh Sefid cv.) and strawberry cultivars (Camarosa and Ventana) led to a reduction in disease progress of L. theobromae. The disease reduction in grapevine was estimated by 55% and in strawberries cultivars Camarosa and Ventana by 58% and 93%, respectively. Further analysis of transient expression of pFGC-TEF-d in strawberry (Camarosa) shown disease reduction using Neofusicoccum parvum. Here we introduce RNAi silencing using pFGC-TEF-d construct as an efficient strategy to the management of L. theobromae and N. parvum for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Nili
- Department of Plant Protection, University of Kurdistan, 66177-15175, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Abdolbaset Azizi
- Department of Plant Protection, University of Kurdistan, 66177-15175, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Jafar Abdollahzadeh
- Department of Plant Protection, University of Kurdistan, 66177-15175, Sanandaj, Iran.
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15
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Dunker F, Trutzenberg A, Rothenpieler JS, Kuhn S, Pröls R, Schreiber T, Tissier A, Kemen A, Kemen E, Hückelhoven R, Weiberg A. Oomycete small RNAs bind to the plant RNA-induced silencing complex for virulence. eLife 2020; 9:56096. [PMID: 32441255 PMCID: PMC7297541 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The exchange of small RNAs (sRNAs) between hosts and pathogens can lead to gene silencing in the recipient organism, a mechanism termed cross-kingdom RNAi (ck-RNAi). While fungal sRNAs promoting virulence are established, the significance of ck-RNAi in distinct plant pathogens is not clear. Here, we describe that sRNAs of the pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, which represents the kingdom of oomycetes and is phylogenetically distant from fungi, employ the host plant’s Argonaute (AGO)/RNA-induced silencing complex for virulence. To demonstrate H. arabidopsidis sRNA (HpasRNA) functionality in ck-RNAi, we designed a novel CRISPR endoribonuclease Csy4/GUS reporter that enabled in situ visualization of HpasRNA-induced target suppression in Arabidopsis. The significant role of HpasRNAs together with AtAGO1 in virulence was revealed in plant atago1 mutants and by transgenic Arabidopsis expressing a short-tandem-target-mimic to block HpasRNAs, that both exhibited enhanced resistance. HpasRNA-targeted plant genes contributed to host immunity, as Arabidopsis gene knockout mutants displayed quantitatively enhanced susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Dunker
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Adriana Trutzenberg
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jan S Rothenpieler
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sarah Kuhn
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Reinhard Pröls
- Phytopathology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Tom Schreiber
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Halle, Germany
| | - Alain Tissier
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Halle, Germany
| | - Ariane Kemen
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eric Kemen
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ralph Hückelhoven
- Phytopathology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Arne Weiberg
- Faculty of Biology, Genetics, Biocenter Martinsried, LMU Munich, Martinsried, Germany
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