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Huang Y, Zhaxi Z, Fu Y, Xie J, Chen T, Li B, Yu X, Lin Y, Jiang D, Cheng J. The Transcription Factor SsZNC1 Mediates Virulence, Sclerotial Development, and Osmotic Stress Response in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:135. [PMID: 38392807 PMCID: PMC10890190 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a fungal pathogen with a broad range of hosts, which can cause diseases and pose a great threat to many crops. Fungal-specific Zn2Cys6 transcription factors (TFs) constitute a large family prevalent among plant pathogens. However, the function of Zn2Cys6 TFs remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified and characterized SsZNC1, a Zn2Cys6 TF in S. sclerotiorum, which is involved in virulence, sclerotial development, and osmotic stress response. The expression of SsZNC1 was significantly up-regulated in the early stages of S. sclerotiorum infection on Arabidopsis leaves. The target deletion of SsZNC1 resulted in reduced virulence on Arabidopsis and oilseed rape. In addition, sclerotial development ability and growth ability under hyperosmotic conditions of SsZNC1 knockout transformants were reduced. A transcriptomic analysis unveiled its regulatory role in key cellular functions, including cellulose catabolic process, methyltransferase activity, and virulence, etc. Together, our results indicated that SsZNC1, a core regulatory gene involved in virulence, sclerotial development and stress response, provides new insight into the transcription regulation and pathogenesis of S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkun Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhima Zhaxi
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yanping Fu
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiatao Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tao Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Bo Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yang Lin
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Daohong Jiang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiasen Cheng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Kurbessoian T, Murante D, Crocker A, Hogan DA, Stajich JE. In host evolution of Exophiala dermatitidis in cystic fibrosis lung micro-environment. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad126. [PMID: 37293838 PMCID: PMC10484061 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to chronic lung infections that lead to inflammation and irreversible lung damage. While most respiratory infections that occur in CF are caused by bacteria, some are dominated by fungi such as the slow-growing black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis. Here, we analyze isolates of E. dermatitidis cultured from two samples, collected from a single subject 2 years apart. One isolate genome was sequenced using long-read Nanopore technology as an in-population reference to use in comparative single nucleotide polymorphism and insertion-deletion variant analyses of 23 isolates. We then used population genomics and phylo-genomics to compare the isolates to each other as well as the reference genome strain E. dermatitidis NIH/UT8656. Within the CF lung population, three E. dermatitidis clades were detected, each with varying mutation rates. Overall, the isolates were highly similar suggesting that they were recently diverged. All isolates were MAT 1-1, which was consistent with their high relatedness and the absence of evidence for mating or recombination between isolates. Phylogenetic analysis grouped sets of isolates into clades that contained isolates from both early and late time points indicating there are multiple persistent lineages. Functional assessment of variants unique to each clade identified alleles in genes that encode transporters, cytochrome P450 oxidoreductases, iron acquisition, and DNA repair processes. Consistent with the genomic heterogeneity, isolates showed some stable phenotype heterogeneity in melanin production, subtle differences in antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations, and growth on different substrates. The persistent population heterogeneity identified in lung-derived isolates is an important factor to consider in the study of chronic fungal infections, and the analysis of changes in fungal pathogens over time may provide important insights into the physiology of black yeasts and other slow-growing fungi in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Kurbessoian
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Daniel Murante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Alex Crocker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Deborah A Hogan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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Hossain MM, Sultana F, Li W, Tran LSP, Mostofa MG. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary: Insights into the Pathogenomic Features of a Global Pathogen. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071063. [PMID: 37048136 PMCID: PMC10093061 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a broad host-range fungus that infects an inclusive array of plant species and afflicts significant yield losses globally. Despite being a notorious pathogen, it has an uncomplicated life cycle consisting of either basal infection from myceliogenically germinated sclerotia or aerial infection from ascospores of carpogenically germinated sclerotia. This fungus is unique among necrotrophic pathogens in that it inevitably colonizes aging tissues to initiate an infection, where a saprophytic stage follows the pathogenic phase. The release of cell wall-degrading enzymes, oxalic acid, and effector proteins are considered critical virulence factors necessary for the effective pathogenesis of S. sclerotiorum. Nevertheless, the molecular basis of S. sclerotiorum pathogenesis is still imprecise and remains a topic of continuing research. Previous comprehensive sequencing of the S. sclerotiorum genome has revealed new insights into its genome organization and provided a deeper comprehension of the sophisticated processes involved in its growth, development, and virulence. This review focuses on the genetic and genomic aspects of fungal biology and molecular pathogenicity to summarize current knowledge of the processes utilized by S. sclerotiorum to parasitize its hosts. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating the infection process of S. sclerotiorum will contribute to devising strategies for preventing infections caused by this destructive pathogen.
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The SsAtg1 Activating Autophagy Is Required for Sclerotia Formation and Pathogenicity in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121314. [PMID: 36547647 PMCID: PMC9787769 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus that produces sclerotia. Sclerotia are essential components of the survival and disease cycle of this devastating pathogen. In this study, we analyzed comparative transcriptomics of hyphae and sclerotia. A total of 1959 differentially expressed genes, 919 down-regulated and 1040 up-regulated, were identified. Transcriptomes data provide the possibility to precisely comprehend the sclerotia development. We further analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in sclerotia to explore the molecular mechanism of sclerotia development, which include ribosome biogenesis and translation, melanin biosynthesis, autophagy and reactivate oxygen metabolism. Among these, the autophagy-related gene SsAtg1 was up-regulated in sclerotia. Atg1 homologs play critical roles in autophagy, a ubiquitous and evolutionarily highly conserved cellular mechanism for turnover of intracellular materials in eukaryotes. Therefore, we investigated the function of SsAtg1 to explore the function of the autophagy pathway in S. sclerotiorum. Deficiency of SsAtg1 inhibited autophagosome accumulation in the vacuoles of nitrogen-starved cells. Notably, ΔSsAtg1 was unable to form sclerotia and displayed defects in vegetative growth under conditions of nutrient restriction. Furthermore, the development and penetration of the compound appressoria in ΔSsAtg1 was abnormal. Pathogenicity analysis showed that SsAtg1 was required for full virulence of S. sclerotiorum. Taken together, these results indicate that SsAtg1 is a core autophagy-related gene that has vital functions in nutrient utilization, sclerotia development and pathogenicity in S. sclerotiorum.
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Zhao L, Shu Y, Quan S, Dhanasekaran S, Zhang X, Zhang H. Screening and Regulation Mechanism of Key Transcription Factors of Penicillium expansum Infecting Postharvest Pears by ATAC-Seq Analysis. Foods 2022; 11:foods11233855. [PMID: 36496662 PMCID: PMC9738651 DOI: 10.3390/foods11233855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors play a key role in Penicillium expansum infection process. Although the crucial characteristics of some transcription factors of pathogenic fungi have been found, many transcription factors involved in P. expansum infections have not been explored and studied. This study aimed to screen the transcription factors of P. expansum involved in postharvest pear infections by ATAC-seq analysis and to analyze the differentially expressed peak-related genes by GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis. Our results found the up-regulation of differentially expressed peak-related genes involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, pentose phosphate pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism, and pentose and glucuronate interconversions. Our study especially confirmed the differential regulation of transcription factors MCM1, Ste12 and gene WSC in the MAPK signaling pathway and PG1, RPE1 in the pentose and glucuronate interconversions pathway. These transcription factors and related genes might play an essential role in pear fruit infection by P. expansum. RT-qPCR validation of twelve expressed peak-related genes in P. expansum showed that the expression levels of these twelve genes were compatible with the ATAC-Seq. Our findings might shed some light on the regulatory molecular networks consisting of transcription factors that engaged in P. expansum invasion and infection of pear fruits.
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Xu X, Zhu F, Zhu Y, Li Y, Zhou H, Chen S, Ruan J. Transcriptome profiling of transcription factors in Ganoderma lucidum in response to methyl jasmonate. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1052377. [PMID: 36504766 PMCID: PMC9730249 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1052377] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ganoderma lucidum is a traditional Chinese medicine and its major active ingredients are ganoderma triterpenoids (GTs). To screen for transcription factors (TFs) that involved in the biosynthetic pathway of GTs in G. lucidum, the chemical composition in mycelia, primordium and fruiting body were analyzed, and the transcriptomes of mycelia induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were analyzed. In addition, the expression level data of MeJA-responsive TFs in mycelia, primordia and fruiting body were downloaded from the database, and the correlation analysis was carried out between their expression profiles and the content of total triterpenoids. The results showed that a total of 89 components were identified, and the content of total triterpenoids was the highest in primordium, followed by fruiting body and mycelia. There were 103 differentially expressed TFs that response to MeJA-induction including 95 upregulated and 8 downregulated genes. These TFs were classified into 22 families including C2H2 (15), TFII-related (12), HTH (9), fungal (8), bZIP (6), HMG (5), DADS (2), etc. Correlation analysis showed that the expression level of GL23559 (MADS), GL26472 (HTH), and GL31187 (HMG) showed a positive correlation with the GTs content, respectively. While the expression level of GL25628 (fungal) and GL26980 (PHD) showed a negative correlation with the GTs content, respectively. Furthermore, the over expression of the Glmhr1 gene (GL25628) in Pichia pastoris GS115 indicated that it might be a negative regulator of GT biosynthesis through decreasing the production of lanosterol. This study provided useful information for a better understanding of the regulation of TFs involved in GT biosynthesis and fungal growth in G. lucidum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Xu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fengli Zhu
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhu
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yujie Li
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shilin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,Institute of Herbgenomics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Shilin Chen,
| | - Junshan Ruan
- Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China,Junshan Ruan,
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Liu L, Lyu X, Pan Z, Wang Q, Mu W, Benny U, Rollins JA, Pan H. The C2H2 Transcription Factor SsZFH1 Regulates the Size, Number, and Development of Apothecia in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2022; 112:1476-1485. [PMID: 35021860 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-09-21-0378-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a notorious phytopathogenic Ascomycota fungus with a host range of >600 plant species worldwide. This homothallic Leotiomycetes species reproduces sexually through a multicellular apothecium that produces and releases ascospores. These ascospores serve as the primary inoculum source for disease initiation in the majority of S. sclerotiorum disease cycles. The regulation of apothecium development for this pathogen and other apothecium-producing fungi remains largely unknown. Here, we report that a C2H2 transcription factor, SsZFH1 (zinc finger homologous protein), is necessary for the proper development and maturation of sclerotia and apothecia in S. sclerotiorum and is required for the normal growth rate of hyphae. Furthermore, ΔSszfh1 strains exhibit decreased H2O2 accumulation in hyphae, increased melanin deposition, and enhanced tolerance to H2O2 in the process of vegetative growth and sclerotia formation. Infection assays on common bean leaves, with thin cuticles, and soybean and tomato leaves, with thick cuticles, suggest that the deletion of Sszfh1 slows the mycelial growth rate, which in turn affects the expansion of leaf lesions. Collectively, our results provide novel insights into a major fungal factor mediating maturation of apothecia with additional effects on hyphae and sclerotia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Liu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xingming Lyu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Zequn Pan
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Qiaochu Wang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Wenhui Mu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Ulla Benny
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, U.S.A
| | - Jeffrey A Rollins
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, U.S.A
| | - Hongyu Pan
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
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Zhang J, Xiao K, Li M, Hu H, Zhang X, Liu J, Pan H, Zhang Y. SsAGM1-Mediated Uridine Diphosphate-N-Acetylglucosamine Synthesis Is Essential for Development, Stress Response, and Pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:938784. [PMID: 35814696 PMCID: PMC9260252 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.938784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating pathogen. S. sclerotiorum can cause Sclerotinia stem rot in more than 600 species of plants, which results in serious economic losses every year. Chitin is one of the most important polysaccharides in fungal cell walls. Chitin and β-Glucan form a scaffold that wraps around the cell and determines the vegetative growth and pathogenicity of pathogens. UDP-GlcNAc is a direct precursor of chitin synthesis. During the synthesis of UDP-GlcNAc, the conversion of GlcNAc-6P to GlcNAc-1P that is catalyzed by AGM1 (N-acetylglucosamine-phosphate mutase) is a key step. However, the significance and role of AGM1 in phytopathogenic fungus are unclear. We identified a cytoplasm-localized SsAGM1 in S. sclerotiorum, which is homologous to AGM1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We utilized RNA interference (RNAi) and overexpression to characterize the function of SsAGM1 in S. sclerotiorum. After reducing the expression of SsAGM1, the contents of chitin and UDP-GlcNAc decreased significantly. Concomitantly, the gene-silenced transformants of SsAGM1 slowed vegetative growth and, importantly, lost the ability to produce sclerotia and infection cushion; it also lost virulence, even on wounded leaves. In addition, SsAGM1 was also involved in the response to osmotic stress and inhibitors of cell wall synthesis. Our results revealed the function of SsAGM1 in the growth, development, stress response, and pathogenicity in S. sclerotiorum.
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Jiao W, Yu H, Cong J, Xiao K, Zhang X, Liu J, Zhang Y, Pan H. Transcription factor SsFoxE3 activating SsAtg8 is critical for sclerotia, compound appressoria formation, and pathogenicity in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2022; 23:204-217. [PMID: 34699137 PMCID: PMC8743022 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the notorious necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus with wide distribution, is responsible for sclerotium disease in more than 600 plant species, including many economic crops such as soybean, oilseed rape, and sunflower. The compound appressorium is a crucial multicellular infection structure that is a prerequisite for infecting healthy tissues. Previously, the Forkhead-box family transcription factors (FOX TFs) SsFoxE2 and SsFKH1 were shown to play a key regulatory role in the hyphae growth, sexual reproduction, and pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum. However, little is known about the roles of SsFoxE3 regulating growth and development and pathogenicity. Here, we report SsFoxE3 contributes to sclerotium formation and deletion of SsFoxE3 leads to reduced formation of compound appressoria and developmental delays. Transcripts of SsFoxE3 were greatly increased during the initial stage of infection and SsFoxE3 deficiency reduced virulence on the host, while stabbing inoculation could partially restore pathogenicity. The SsFoxE3 mutant showed sensitivity to H2 O2 , and the expression of reactive oxygen species detoxification and autophagy-related genes were reduced. Moreover, expression of SsAtg8 was also decreased during the infection process of the SsFoxE3 mutant. Yeast 1-hybrid tests suggested that SsFoxE3 interacted with the promoter of SsAtg8. Disruption of SsAtg8 resulted in a phenotype similar to that of the SsFoxE3 mutant. Comparative analysis of the level of autophagy in the wild type and SsFoxE3 mutant showed that N starvation-induced autophagy was reduced in the SsFoxE3 mutant. Taken together, our findings indicate that SsFoxE3 plays an important role in compound appressorium formation and is involved in transcriptional activation of SsAtg8 during infection by S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Jiao
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Huilin Yu
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Jie Cong
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Kunqin Xiao
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | | | - Jinliang Liu
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Hongyu Pan
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchunChina
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Ding LN, Li T, Guo XJ, Li M, Liu XY, Cao J, Tan XL. Sclerotinia Stem Rot Resistance in Rapeseed: Recent Progress and Future Prospects. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:2965-2978. [PMID: 33667087 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c07351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) of rapeseed (Brassica napus), caused by the soil-borne fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is one of the main diseases seriously affecting the yield and oil quality of infected rapeseed crops. The complexity of the inheritance of resistance and of the interaction mechanisms between rapeseed and S. sclerotiorum limits resistance gene identification and molecular breeding. In this review, the latest progress of research into resistance to SSR in B. napus is summarized from the following three directions: the pathogenesis mechanisms of S. sclerotiorum, the resistance mechanisms of B. napus toward S. sclerotiorum, and rapeseed breeding for resistance to SSR. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and useful reference for analyzing the mechanism of the interaction between B. napus and S. sclerotiorum, searching for gene loci associated with the resistance response, and for achieving disease-resistance genetic manipulation and molecular design breeding in rapeseed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Teng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ming Li
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jun Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Li Tan
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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Chakrabarti A, Singh S. Multidrug-resistant Candida auris: an epidemiological review. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:551-562. [PMID: 32237924 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1750368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Since the emergence of Candida auris infection in 2009, the disease has been reported from multiple countries within a decade. The infection is classified under urgent threat, as it is multi-drug resistant, causes high mortality, spreads easily in hospital setting and is difficult to identify. Whole-genome sequencing has provided insights into this organisms biology and epidemiology. A comprehensive review of those issues would help the clinicians and scientists facing C. auris infection.Areas covered: We reviewed the epidemiological trends of C. auris infection, including the genomic epidemiology based on an electronic search using Pubmed and Google scholar. We also discuss the biology, virulence attributes of this pathogen, its clinical presentations and associated risk factors. The mechanisms of antifungal resistance known so far are also described in addition to factors involved in the nosocomial transmission, environmental survival and ecology of C. auris.Expert opinion: Despite the attention of multiple researchers evaluating every aspect of this organism and its epidemiology, there are several gaps in tracing its origin and understanding the dynamics of nosocomial transmission and global spread. Multidisciplinary, coordinated studies are required to understand the biology, ecology, method of survival and spread of the organism in healthcare setup.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shreya Singh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
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Xia S, Xu Y, Hoy R, Zhang J, Qin L, Li X. The Notorious Soilborne Pathogenic Fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: An Update on Genes Studied with Mutant Analysis. Pathogens 2019; 9:pathogens9010027. [PMID: 31892134 PMCID: PMC7168625 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascomycete Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is one of the most damaging soilborne fungal pathogens affecting hundreds of plant hosts, including many economically important crops. Its genomic sequence has been available for less than a decade, and it was recently updated with higher completion and better gene annotation. Here, we review key molecular findings on the unique biology and pathogenesis process of S. sclerotiorum, focusing on genes that have been studied in depth using mutant analysis. Analyses of these genes have revealed critical players in the basic biological processes of this unique pathogen, including mycelial growth, appressorium establishment, sclerotial formation, apothecial and ascospore development, and virulence. Additionally, the synthesis has uncovered gaps in the current knowledge regarding this fungus. We hope that this review will serve to build a better current understanding of the biology of this under-studied notorious soilborne pathogenic fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shitou Xia
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Phytohormones and Growth Development, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China;
- Correspondence: (S.X.); (X.L.)
| | - Yan Xu
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (Y.X.); (R.H.)
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Ryan Hoy
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (Y.X.); (R.H.)
| | - Julia Zhang
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada;
| | - Lei Qin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Phytohormones and Growth Development, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China;
| | - Xin Li
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (Y.X.); (R.H.)
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Correspondence: (S.X.); (X.L.)
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13
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Zhao X, Yang X, Lu Z, Wang H, He Z, Zhou G, Luo Z, Zhang Y. MADS-box transcription factor Mcm1 controls cell cycle, fungal development, cell integrity and virulence in the filamentous insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:3392-3416. [PMID: 30972885 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
MADS-box transcription factor Mcm1 plays crucial roles in regulating mating processes and pathogenesis in some fungi. However, its roles are varied in fungal species, and its function remains unclear in entomopathogenic fungi. Here, Mcm1 orthologue, Bbmcm1, was characterized in a filamentous entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana. Disruption of Bbmcm1 resulted in a distinct reduction in growth with abnormal conidiogenesis, and a significant decrease in conidial viability with abnormal germination. ΔBbmcm1 displayed impaired cell integrity, with distorted cell wall structure and altered cell wall component. Abnormal cell cycle was detected in ΔBbmcm1 with longer G2 /M phase but shorter G1 /G0 and S phases in unicellular blastospores, and sparser septa in multicellular hyphae, which might be responsible for defects in development and differentiation due to the regulation of cell cycle-involved genes, as well as the corresponding cellular events-associated genes. Dramatically decreased virulence was examined in ΔBbmcm1, with impaired ability to escape haemocyte encapsulation, which was consistent with markedly reduced cuticle-degrading enzyme production by repressing their coding genes, and downregulated fungal effector protein-coding genes, suggesting a novel role of Mcm1 in interaction with host insect. These data indicate that Mcm1 is a crucial regulator of development, cell integrity, cell cycle and virulence in insect fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Biotechnology Research Center, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingju Yang
- Biotechnology Research Center, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuoyue Lu
- Biotechnology Research Center, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifang Wang
- Biotechnology Research Center, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangjiang He
- Biotechnology Research Center, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyan Zhou
- Biotechnology Research Center, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhibing Luo
- Biotechnology Research Center, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Center, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land of Southwest University, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, People's Republic of China
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14
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Liu L, Wang Q, Zhang X, Liu J, Zhang Y, Pan H. Ssams2, a Gene Encoding GATA Transcription Factor, Is Required for Appressoria Formation and Chromosome Segregation in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:3031. [PMID: 30574138 PMCID: PMC6291475 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.03031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AMS2, amulticopy suppressor for the cpn1 (SpCENP-A) mutant, functions to specifically regulate histone genes transcription and chromosome segregation. As a cell-cycle-regulated GATA transcription factor in eukaryotic organisms, little research has been done on the role of AMS2 protein in pathogenic fungi. In Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Ssams2 (SS1G_03252) encodes a protein which has been predicted to contain GATA-box domain. Here, Ssams2-silenced strains with significantly reduced Ssams2 gene expression levels exhibited defect in hyphal growth, hyphal branching patterns, compound appressoria differentiation and the oxalic acid production compared to the wild-type (WT) strain. By common bean leaves infection assays, we identified the role of Ssams2 in full virulence. Furthermore, the numbers of cell nucleus in the same length of mycelium in Ssams2-silenced transformants were significantly less than that in the WT strain. The expression levels of histone genes and cell cycle genes in transformants were down-regulated significantly in the RNAi strains. Taken together, our work suggests that the TF SsAMS2 is required for growth, appressoria formation, virulence, and chromosome segregation in S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Liu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiaochu Wang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinliang Liu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Pan
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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15
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Xu T, Li J, Yu B, Liu L, Zhang X, Liu J, Pan H, Zhang Y. Transcription Factor SsSte12 Was Involved in Mycelium Growth and Development in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2476. [PMID: 30386319 PMCID: PMC6200020 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a challenging agricultural pathogen for management, causing large global economic losses annually. The sclerotia and infection cushions are critical for its long-term survival and successful penetration on a wide spectrum of hosts. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades serve as central signaling complexes that are involved in various aspects of sclerotia development and infection. In this study, the putative downstream transcription factor of MAPK pathway, SsSte12, was analyzed in S. sclerotiorum. Silencing SsSte12 in S. sclerotiorum resulted in phenotypes of delayed vegetative growth, reduced size of sclerotia, and fewer appressoria formation. Consequently, the SsSte12 RNAi mutants showed attenuated pathogenicity on the host plants due to the defect compound appressorium. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays demonstrated that the SsSte12 interacts with SsMcm1. However, the SsMcm1 expression is independent of the regulation of SsSte12 as revealed by qRT-PCR analysis in SsSte12 RNAi mutants. Together with high accumulation of SsSte12 transcripts in the early development of S. sclerotiorum, our results demonstrated that SsSte12 function was essential in the vegetative mycelial growth, sclerotia development, appressoria formation and penetration-dependent pathogenicity. Moreover, the SsSte12-SsMcm1 interaction might play a critical role in the regulation of the genes encoding these traits in S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingtao Xu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtao Li
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Baodong Yu
- Department of Emergency of Xinmin, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ling Liu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinliang Liu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Pan
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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16
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Liang X, Rollins JA. Mechanisms of Broad Host Range Necrotrophic Pathogenesis in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2018; 108:1128-1140. [PMID: 30048598 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-06-18-0197-rvw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Among necrotrophic fungi, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is remarkable for its extremely broad host range and for its aggressive host tissue colonization. With full genome sequencing, transcriptomic analyses and the increasing pace of functional gene characterization, the factors underlying the basis of this broad host range necrotrophic pathogenesis are now being elucidated at a greater pace. Among these, genes have been characterized that are required for infection via compound appressoria in addition to genes associated with colonization that regulate oxalic acid (OA) production and OA catabolism. Moreover, virulence-related secretory proteins have been identified, among which are candidates for manipulating host activities apoplastically and cytoplasmically. Coupled with these mechanistic studies, cytological observations of the colonization process have blurred the heretofore clear-cut biotroph versus necrotroph boundary. In this review, we reexamine the cytology of S. sclerotiorum infection and put more recent molecular and genomic data into the context of this cytology. We propose a two-phase infection model in which the pathogen first evades, counteracts and subverts host basal defense reactions prior to killing and degrading host cells. Spatially, the pathogen may achieve this via the production of compatibility factors/effectors in compound appressoria, bulbous subcuticular hyphae, and primary invasive hyphae. By examining the nuances of this interaction, we hope to illuminate new classes of factors as targets to improve our understanding of broad host range necrotrophic pathogens and provide the basis for understanding corresponding host resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Liang
- First author: State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University; and second author: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110680, Gainesville 32611-0680
| | - Jeffrey A Rollins
- First author: State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University; and second author: Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110680, Gainesville 32611-0680
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17
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Xu L, Li G, Jiang D, Chen W. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: An Evaluation of Virulence Theories. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2018; 56:311-338. [PMID: 29958073 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-080417-050052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Oxalic acid production in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum has long been associated with virulence. Research involving UV-induced, genetically undefined mutants that concomitantly lost oxalate accumulation, sclerotial formation, and pathogenicity supported the conclusion that oxalate is an essential pathogenicity determinant of S. sclerotiorum. However, recent investigations showed that genetically defined mutants that lost oxalic acid production but accumulated fumaric acid could cause disease on many plants and substantiated the conclusion that acidic pH, not oxalic acid per se, is the necessary condition for disease development. Critical evaluation of available evidence showed that the UV-induced mutants harbored previously unrecognized confounding genetic defects in saprophytic growth and pH responsiveness, warranting reevaluation of the conclusions about virulence based on the UV-induced mutants. Furthermore, analyses of the evidence suggested a hypothesis for the existence of an unrecognized regulator responsive to acidic pH. Identifying the unknown pH regulator would offer a new avenue for investigating pH sensing/regulation in S. sclerotiorum and novel targets for intervention in disease control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangsheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Daohong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
- The Provincial Key Lab of Plant Pathology of Hubei Province, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weidong Chen
- Grain Legume Genetics and Physiology Research Unit, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA
- Departments of Plant Pathology and Molecular Plant Sciences Program, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164, USA;
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18
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Liu L, Wang Q, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Liu J, Yu G, Pan H. Sssfh1, a Gene Encoding a Putative Component of the RSC Chromatin Remodeling Complex, Is Involved in Hyphal Growth, Reactive Oxygen Species Accumulation, and Pathogenicity in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1828. [PMID: 30131794 PMCID: PMC6090059 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SFH1 (for Snf5 homolog) protein, comprised in the RSC (Remodels Structure of Chromatin) chromatin remodeling complex, functions as a transcription factor (TF) to specifically regulate gene transcription and chromatin remodeling. As one of the well-conserved TFs in eukaryotic organisms, little is known about the roles of SFH1 protein in the filamentous fungi. In Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, one of the notorious plant fungal pathogens, there are nine proteins predicted to contain GATA-box domain according to GATA family TF classification, among which Sssfh1 (SS1G_01151) encodes a protein including a GATA-box domain and a SNF5 domain. Here, we characterized the roles of Sssfh1 in the developmental process and fungal pathogenicity by using RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing in S. sclerotiorum. RNA-silenced strains with significantly reduced Sssfh1 RNA levels exhibited slower hyphal growth and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in hyphae compared to the wild-type (WT) strain. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays demonstrated that SsSFH1 interacts with SsMSG5, a MAPK phosphatase in S. sclerotiorum. Furthermore, Sssfh1-silenced strains exhibited enhanced tolerance to NaCl and H2O2. Results of infection assays on soybean and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) leaves indicated that Sssfh1 is required for full virulence of S. sclerotiorum during infection in the susceptible host plants. Collectively, our results suggest that the TF SsSFH1 is involved in growth, ROS accumulation and virulence in S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Liu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiaochu Wang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Sun
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinliang Liu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Gang Yu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Pan
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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19
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Lei X, Shi H, Kou Y, Rajashekar N, Wu F, Sen C, Xu J, Chen L. Crystal Structure of Apo MEF2B Reveals New Insights in DNA Binding and Cofactor Interaction. Biochemistry 2018; 57:4047-4051. [PMID: 29944822 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) family of transcription factors plays important roles in developmental processes and adaptive responses. Although MEF2 proteins are known to bind DNA in the nucleus to regulate specific gene expression, there are reports that show that MEF2 also functions in the cytoplasm. Previous structural studies of MEF2 focused exclusively on DNA-bound MEF2 with and without various corepressors or coactivators. While these studies have established a comprehensive structural model of DNA recognition and cofactor recruitment by MEF2, the structure of MEF2 not bound to DNA, which include cytoplasmic MEF2 and free MEF2 in the nucleus, is unknown. Here we determined the structure of the MADS-box/MEF2 domain of MEF2B without DNA nor cofactor. The Apo structure of MEF2B reveals a largely preformed DNA binding interface that may be important for recognizing the shape of DNA from the minor groove side. In addition, our structure also reveals that the C-terminal helix of the MEF2-specific domain could flip up to bind to the hydrophobic groove that serves as the binding sites of MEF2 transcription cofactors. These observations shed new insights into DNA binding and cofactor interaction by MEF2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Lei
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States
| | - Haoran Shi
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States
| | - Yi Kou
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States.,Department of Chemistry , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States.,USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States
| | - Niroop Rajashekar
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Statistics and Applied Probability , University of California , Santa Barbara , California 93106 , United States
| | - Chandani Sen
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States
| | - Jiang Xu
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States.,Department of Chemistry , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States.,USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States
| | - Lin Chen
- Molecular and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States.,Department of Chemistry , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States.,USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States
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20
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Identification and application of exogenous dsRNA confers plant protection against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7320. [PMID: 29743510 PMCID: PMC5943259 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25434-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal agent of white stem rot, is responsible for significant losses in crop yields around the globe. While our understanding of S. sclerotiorum infection is becoming clearer, genetic control of the pathogen has been elusive and effective control of pathogen colonization using traditional broad-spectrum agro-chemical protocols are less effective than desired. In the current study, we developed species-specific RNA interference-based control treatments capable of reducing fungal infection. Development of a target identification pipeline using global RNA sequencing data for selection and application of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules identified single gene targets of the fungus. Using this approach, we demonstrate the utility of this technology through foliar applications of dsRNAs to the leaf surface that significantly decreased fungal infection and S. sclerotiorum disease symptoms. Select target gene homologs were also tested in the closely related species, Botrytis cinerea, reducing lesion size and providing compelling evidence of the adaptability and flexibility of this technology in protecting plants against devastating fungal pathogens.
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21
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So KK, Kim DH. Role of MAPK Signaling Pathways in Regulating the Hydrophobin Cryparin in the Chestnut Blight Fungus Cryphonectria parasitica. MYCOBIOLOGY 2017; 45:362-369. [PMID: 29371804 PMCID: PMC5780368 DOI: 10.5941/myco.2017.45.4.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the regulation of cryparin, a class II hydrophobin, using three representative mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in Cryphonectria parasitica. Mutation of the CpSlt2 gene, an ortholog of yeast SLT2 in the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway, resulted in a dramatic decrease in cryparin production. Similarly, a mutant of the CpBck1 gene, a MAP kinase kinase kinase gene in the CWI pathway, showed decreased cryparin production. Additionally, mutation of the cpmk1 gene, an ortholog of yeast HOG1, showed decreased cryparin production. However, mutation of the cpmk2 gene, an ortholog of yeast Kss1/Fus3, showed increased cryparin production. The easy-wet phenotype and accumulation of the cryparin transcript in corresponding mutants were consistent with the cryparin production results. In silico analysis of the promoter region of the cryparin gene revealed the presence of binding motifs related to downstream transcription factors of CWI, HOG1, and pheromone responsive pathways including MADS-box- and Ste12-binding domains. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR analyses indicated that both CpRlm1, an ortholog of yeast RLM1 in the CWI pathway, and cpst12, an ortholog of yeast STE12 in the mating pathway, showed significantly reduced transcription levels in the mutant strains showing lower cryparin production in C. prasitica. However, the transcription of CpMcm1, an ortholog of yeast MCM1, did not correlate with that of the mutant strains showing downregulation of cryparin. These results indicate that three representative MAPK pathways played a role in regulating cryparin production. However, regulation varied depending on the MAPK pathways: the CWI and HOG1 pathways were stimulatory, whereas the pheromone-responsive MAPK was repressive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kum-Kang So
- Department of Molecular Biology, Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
| | - Dae-Hyuk Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Department of Bioactive Material Sciences, Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
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22
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Fan H, Yu G, Liu Y, Zhang X, Liu J, Zhang Y, Rollins JA, Sun F, Pan H. An atypical forkhead-containing transcription factor SsFKH1 is involved in sclerotial formation and is essential for pathogenicity in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2017; 18:963-975. [PMID: 27353472 PMCID: PMC6638265 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a necrotrophic plant pathogen with a worldwide distribution. The sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum are pigmented multicellular structures formed from the aggregation of vegetative hyphae. These survival structures play a central role in the life and infection cycles of this pathogen. Here, we characterized an atypical forkhead (FKH)-box-containing protein, SsFKH1, involved in sclerotial development and virulence. To investigate the role of SsFkh1 in S. sclerotiorum, the partial sequence of SsFkh1 was cloned and RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing was employed to alter the expression of SsFkh1. RNA-silenced mutants with significantly reduced SsFkh1 RNA levels exhibited slow hyphal growth and sclerotial developmental defects. In addition, the expression levels of a set of putative melanin biosynthesis-related laccase genes and a polyketide synthase-encoding gene were significantly down-regulated in silenced strains. Disease assays demonstrated that pathogenicity in RNAi-silenced strains was significantly compromised with the development of a smaller infection lesion on tomato leaves. Collectively, the results suggest that SsFkh1 is involved in hyphal growth, virulence and sclerotial formation in S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidong Fan
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchun130062China
| | - Gang Yu
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchun130062China
| | - Yanzhi Liu
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchun130062China
| | - Xianghui Zhang
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchun130062China
| | - Jinliang Liu
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchun130062China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchun130062China
| | | | - Fengjie Sun
- School of Science and TechnologyGeorgia Gwinnett CollegeLawrencevilleGA30024USA
| | - Hongyu Pan
- College of Plant SciencesJilin UniversityChangchun130062China
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23
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Seifbarghi S, Borhan MH, Wei Y, Coutu C, Robinson SJ, Hegedus DD. Changes in the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum transcriptome during infection of Brassica napus. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:266. [PMID: 28356071 PMCID: PMC5372324 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3642-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes stem rot in Brassica napus, which leads to lodging and severe yield losses. Although recent studies have explored significant progress in the characterization of individual S. sclerotiorum pathogenicity factors, a gap exists in profiling gene expression throughout the course of S. sclerotiorum infection on a host plant. In this study, RNA-Seq analysis was performed with focus on the events occurring through the early (1 h) to the middle (48 h) stages of infection. Results Transcript analysis revealed the temporal pattern and amplitude of the deployment of genes associated with aspects of pathogenicity or virulence during the course of S. sclerotiorum infection on Brassica napus. These genes were categorized into eight functional groups: hydrolytic enzymes, secondary metabolites, detoxification, signaling, development, secreted effectors, oxalic acid and reactive oxygen species production. The induction patterns of nearly all of these genes agreed with their predicted functions. Principal component analysis delineated gene expression patterns that signified transitions between pathogenic phases, namely host penetration, ramification and necrotic stages, and provided evidence for the occurrence of a brief biotrophic phase soon after host penetration. Conclusions The current observations support the notion that S. sclerotiorum deploys an array of factors and complex strategies to facilitate host colonization and mitigate host defenses. This investigation provides a broad overview of the sequential expression of virulence/pathogenicity-associated genes during infection of B. napus by S. sclerotiorum and provides information for further characterization of genes involved in the S. sclerotiorum-host plant interactions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3642-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Seifbarghi
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X2, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - M Hossein Borhan
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X2, Canada
| | - Yangdou Wei
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Cathy Coutu
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X2, Canada
| | - Stephen J Robinson
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X2, Canada
| | - Dwayne D Hegedus
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X2, Canada. .,Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
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24
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Zhang Z, Li H, Qin G, He C, Li B, Tian S. The MADS-Box transcription factor Bcmads1 is required for growth, sclerotia production and pathogenicity of Botrytis cinerea. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33901. [PMID: 27658442 PMCID: PMC5034256 DOI: 10.1038/srep33901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MADS-box transcription factors are highly conserved in eukaryotic species and involved in a variety of biological processes. Little is known, however, regarding the function of MADS-box genes in Botrytis cinerea, a fungal pathogen with a wide host range. Here, the functional role of the B. cinerea MADS-box gene, Bcmads1, was characterized in relation to the development, pathogenicity and production of sclerotia. The latter are formed upon incubation in darkness and serve as survival structures during winter and as the female parent in sexual reproduction. Bcmads1 is indispensable for sclerotia production. RT-qPCR analysis suggested that Bcmads1 modulated sclerotia formation by regulating the expression of light-responsive genes. Bcmads1 is required for the full virulence potential of B. cinerea on apple fruit. A comparative proteomic analysis identified 63 proteins, representing 55 individual genes that are potential targets of Bcmads1. Among them, Bcsec14 and Bcsec31 are associated with vesicle transport. Deletion of Bcsec14 and Bcsec31 resulted in a reduction in the virulence and protein secretion of B. cinerea. These results suggest that Bcmads1 may influence sclerotia formation by modulating light responsive gene expression and regulate pathogenicity by its effect on the protein secretion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanquan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guozheng Qin
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chang He
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Boqiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiping Tian
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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25
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Xiong D, Wang Y, Tian L, Tian C. MADS-Box Transcription Factor VdMcm1 Regulates Conidiation, Microsclerotia Formation, Pathogenicity, and Secondary Metabolism of Verticillium dahliae. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1192. [PMID: 27536281 PMCID: PMC4971026 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Verticillium dahliae, a notorious phytopathogenic fungus, causes vascular wilt diseases in many plant species resulting in devastating yield losses worldwide. Due to its ability to colonize plant xylem and form microsclerotia, V. dahliae is highly persistent and difficult to control. In this study, we show that the MADS-box transcription factor VdMcm1 is a key regulator of conidiation, microsclerotia formation, virulence, and secondary metabolism of V. dahliae. In addition, our findings suggest that VdMcm1 is involved in cell wall integrity. Finally, comparative RNA-Seq analysis reveals 823 significantly downregulated genes in the VdMcm1 deletion mutant, with diverse biological functions in transcriptional regulation, plant infection, cell adhesion, secondary metabolism, transmembrane transport activity, and cell secretion. When taken together, these data suggest that VdMcm1 performs pleiotropic functions in V. dahliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianguang Xiong
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University Beijing, China
| | - Yonglin Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University Beijing, China
| | - Longyan Tian
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University Beijing, China
| | - Chengming Tian
- The Key Laboratory for Silviculture and Conservation of Ministry of Education, College of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University Beijing, China
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26
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Cao JY, Xu YP, Cai XZ. TMT-based quantitative proteomics analyses reveal novel defense mechanisms of Brassica napus against the devastating necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. J Proteomics 2016; 143:265-277. [PMID: 26947552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The white mould disease, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is one of the most important diseases in the vital oil crop Brassica napus. Nevertheless, the defense mechanisms of B. napus against S. sclerotiorum are poorly understood. In this study, we performed comparative quantitative proteomics analyses to reveal B. napus defense mechanisms against S. sclerotiorum. The proteomes of B. napus leaves inoculated with S. sclerotiorum wild-type strain 1980 and nonpathogenic mutant strain Ep-1PB as well as empty agar plug as the control were analyzed using TMT label-based quantitative analysis technique. A total of 79, 299 and 173 proteins consistently differentially expressed between Ep-1PB- and mock-inoculated leaves, 1980- and mock-inoculated leaves, as well as 1980- and Ep-1PB-inoculated leaves, respectively, were identified. The differential expression of 12 selected proteins was confirmed by qRT-PCR analyses. The Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction prediction analyses revealed that redox homeostasis, lipid signaling, calcium signaling, histone and DNA methylation-mediated transcription regulation and defense-related proteins such as defensin and defensin-like proteins and cyanate lyase, contribute to defense against S. sclerotiorum. Our results provide new insights into molecular mechanisms that may be involved in defense responses of B. napus to S. sclerotiorum. SIGNIFICANCE The Sclerotinia white mould disease is one of the most important diseases in the significant oil crop Brassica napus. Nevertheless, the defense mechanisms of B. napus against S. sclerotiorum are still largely unknown to date. In this study, we addressed this issue by performing TMT label-based comparative quantitative analyses of the proteomes of B. napus leaves inoculated with S. sclerotiorum wild-type strain 1980 and nonpathogenic mutant strain Ep-1PB as well as empty agar plug as the control. Through comparative analyses on 79, 299, and 173 proteins that are consistently differentially expressed in between Ep-1PB-inoculated and the control leaves, 1980-inoculated and the control leaves, as well as 1980-inoculated and Ep-1PB-inoculated leaves, respectively, we revealed that redox homeostasis, lipid signaling, calcium signaling, histone and DNA methylation-mediated transcription regulation and defense-related proteins such as defensin and defensin-like proteins as well as cyanate lyase, contribute to B. napus defenses against S. sclerotiorum. Notably, the potential role of lipid signaling, calcium signaling, histone and DNA methylation-mediated transcription regulation and cyanate lyase in B. napus defense against S. sclerotiorum are not reported previously but rather unveiled for the first time in this study. The current study represents the most extensive analysis of the protein profile of B. napus in response to S. sclerotiorum inoculation and includes for the first time the results from comparison between plants inoculated with the wild-type strain and a nonpathogenic mutant strain of S. sclerotiorum. Collectively, our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of interactions between B. napus and S. sclerotiorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Cao
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - You-Ping Xu
- Centre of Analysis and Measurement, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xin-Zhong Cai
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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27
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Chatterjee S, Alampalli SV, Nageshan RK, Chettiar ST, Joshi S, Tatu US. Draft genome of a commonly misdiagnosed multidrug resistant pathogen Candida auris. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:686. [PMID: 26346253 PMCID: PMC4562351 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1863-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Candida auris is a multidrug resistant, emerging agent of fungemia in humans. Its actual global distribution remains obscure as the current commercial methods of clinical diagnosis misidentify it as C. haemulonii. Here we report the first draft genome of C. auris to explore the genomic basis of virulence and unique differences that could be employed for differential diagnosis. Results More than 99.5 % of the C. auris genomic reads did not align to the current whole (or draft) genome sequences of Candida albicans, Candida lusitaniae, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae; thereby indicating its divergence from the active Candida clade. The genome spans around 12.49 Mb with 8527 predicted genes. Functional annotation revealed that among the sequenced Candida species, it is closest to the hemiascomycete species Clavispora lusitaniae. Comparison with the well-studied species Candida albicans showed that it shares significant virulence attributes with other pathogenic Candida species such as oligopeptide transporters, mannosyl transfersases, secreted proteases and genes involved in biofilm formation. We also identified a plethora of transporters belonging to the ABC and major facilitator superfamily along with known MDR transcription factors which explained its high tolerance to antifungal drugs. Conclusions Our study emphasizes an urgent need for accurate fungal screening methods such as PCR and electrophoretic karyotyping to ensure proper management of fungemia. Our work highlights the potential genetic mechanisms involved in virulence and pathogenicity of an important emerging human pathogen namely C. auris. Owing to its diversity at the genomic scale; we expect the genome sequence to be a useful resource to map species specific differences that will help develop accurate diagnostic markers and better drug targets. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1863-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharanya Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560012.
| | | | - Rishi Kumar Nageshan
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560012.
| | - Sivarajan T Chettiar
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560012.
| | | | - Utpal S Tatu
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560012.
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28
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Chatterjee S, Alampalli SV, Nageshan RK, Chettiar ST, Joshi S, Tatu US. Draft genome of a commonly misdiagnosed multidrug resistant pathogen Candida auris. BMC Genomics 2015. [PMID: 26346253 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1863-z.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris is a multidrug resistant, emerging agent of fungemia in humans. Its actual global distribution remains obscure as the current commercial methods of clinical diagnosis misidentify it as C. haemulonii. Here we report the first draft genome of C. auris to explore the genomic basis of virulence and unique differences that could be employed for differential diagnosis. RESULTS More than 99.5 % of the C. auris genomic reads did not align to the current whole (or draft) genome sequences of Candida albicans, Candida lusitaniae, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae; thereby indicating its divergence from the active Candida clade. The genome spans around 12.49 Mb with 8527 predicted genes. Functional annotation revealed that among the sequenced Candida species, it is closest to the hemiascomycete species Clavispora lusitaniae. Comparison with the well-studied species Candida albicans showed that it shares significant virulence attributes with other pathogenic Candida species such as oligopeptide transporters, mannosyl transfersases, secreted proteases and genes involved in biofilm formation. We also identified a plethora of transporters belonging to the ABC and major facilitator superfamily along with known MDR transcription factors which explained its high tolerance to antifungal drugs. CONCLUSIONS Our study emphasizes an urgent need for accurate fungal screening methods such as PCR and electrophoretic karyotyping to ensure proper management of fungemia. Our work highlights the potential genetic mechanisms involved in virulence and pathogenicity of an important emerging human pathogen namely C. auris. Owing to its diversity at the genomic scale; we expect the genome sequence to be a useful resource to map species specific differences that will help develop accurate diagnostic markers and better drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharanya Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560012.
| | | | - Rishi Kumar Nageshan
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560012.
| | - Sivarajan T Chettiar
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560012.
| | | | - Utpal S Tatu
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 560012.
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