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Liu K, Wang X, Qi Y, Li Y, Shi Y, Ren Y, Wang A, Cheng P, Wang B. Effector Protein Serine Carboxypeptidase FgSCP Is Essential for Full Virulence in Fusarium graminearum and Is Involved in Modulating Plant Immune Responses. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2024; 114:2131-2142. [PMID: 38831556 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-02-24-0068-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Fusarium head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum is a significant pathogen affecting wheat crops. During the infection process, effector proteins are secreted to modulate plant immunity and promote infection. The toxin deoxynivalenol is produced in infected wheat grains, posing a threat to human and animal health. Serine carboxypeptidases (SCPs) belong to the α/β hydrolase family of proteases and are widely distributed in plant and fungal vacuoles, as well as animal lysosomes. Research on SCPs mainly focuses on the isolation, purification, and production of a small number of fungi. The role of SCPs in plant secretion, growth and development, and stress resistance has also been extensively studied. However, their functions in F. graminearum, a fungal pathogen, remain relatively unknown. In this study, the biological functions of the FgSCP gene in F. graminearum were investigated. The study revealed that mutations in FgSCP affected the nutritional growth, sexual reproduction, and stress tolerance of F. graminearum. Furthermore, the deletion of FgSCP resulted in reduced pathogenicity and hindered the biosynthesis of deoxynivalenol. The upregulation of FgSCP expression 3 days after infection indicated its involvement in host invasion, possibly acting as a "smokescreen" to deceive the host and suppress the expression of host defensive genes. Subsequently, we confirmed the secretion ability of FgSCP and its ability to inhibit the cell death induced by INF1 in Nicotiana benthamiana cells, indicating its potential role as an effector protein in suppressing plant immune responses and promoting infection. In summary, we have identified FgSCP as an essential effector protein in F. graminearum, playing critical roles in growth, virulence, secondary metabolism, and host invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xintong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yuzhe Qi
- Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences (Northeast Agricultural Research of China), Changchun, Jilin 136100, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yifeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yanyan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Aolin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Baotong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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Di R, Zhu L, Huang Z, Lu M, Yin L, Wang C, Bao Y, Duan Z, Powell CA, Hu Q, Zhang J, Zhang M, Yao W. Fusarium sacchari FsNis1 induces plant immunity. Gene 2024; 907:148260. [PMID: 38342252 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Pokkah Boeng disease (PBD), caused by Fusarium sacchari, severely affects sugarcane yield and quality. Necrosis-inducing secreted protein 1 (Nis1) is a fungal secreted effector that induces necrotic lesions in plants. It interacts with host receptor-like kinases and inhibits their kinase activity. FsNis1 contains the Nis1 structure and triggered a pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immune response in Nicotiana benthamiana, as reflected by causing reactive oxygen species production, callose accumulation, and the upregulated expression of defense response genes. Knockout of this gene in F. sacchari revealed a significant reduction in its pathogenicity, whereas the pathogenicity of the complementary mutant recovered to the wild-type levels, making this gene an important virulence factor for F. sacchari. In addition, the signal peptide of FsNis1 was required for the induction of cell death and PTI response in N. benthamiana. Thus, FsNis1 may not only be a key virulence factor for F. sacchari but may also induce defense responses in plants. These findings provide new insights into the function of Nis1 in host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolin Di
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Lixiang Zhu
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Minyan Lu
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Liuyu Yin
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Caixia Wang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Yixue Bao
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Zhenzhen Duan
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | | | - Qin Hu
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Jisen Zhang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China.
| | - Muqing Zhang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China; IRREC-IFAS, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA.
| | - Wei Yao
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China; IRREC-IFAS, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, USA.
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Fang H, Li M, Yu S, Sun J, Qin Z. Codon usage bias of secretory protein in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:e2300310. [PMID: 38358951 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Banana Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc-TR4) is a highly destructive pathogen that infects nearly all major banana cultivars and has a tendency to spread further. Secreted proteins play a crucial role in the process of Fusarium wilt infection in bananas. In this study, we analyzed the codon usage bias (CUB) of the Foc-TR4 classical secretory protein genome for the first time and observed a strong bias toward codons ending with C. We found that 572 out of the 14,543 amino acid sequences in the Foc-TR4 genome exhibited characteristics of classical secretory proteins. The CUB was largely influenced by selection optimization pressure, as indicated by the ENC value and neutral plot analysis. Among the identified codons, such as UCC and CCC, 11 were found to be optimal for Foc-TR4 gene expression. Codons with higher GC content and a C base in the third position showed greater selectivity. The CUB in the secretory proteins encoded by Foc-TR4 provides insights into their evolutionary patterns, contributing to the development and screening of novel and effective antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Fang
- Agricultural Science and Technology Information Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
- Medical College, and State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Min Li
- Agricultural Science and Technology Information Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Shenxin Yu
- Agricultural Science and Technology Information Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Jiaman Sun
- Guangxi Crop Genetic Improvement and Biotechnology Laboratory, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Zelin Qin
- Agricultural Science and Technology Information Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
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Chen Y, Yao Z, Zhao L, Yu M, Chen B, Zou C. Redundant and Distinct Roles of Two 14-3-3 Proteins in Fusarium sacchari, Pathogen of Sugarcane Pokkah Boeng Disease. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:257. [PMID: 38667928 PMCID: PMC11051555 DOI: 10.3390/jof10040257] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fusarium sacchari, a key pathogen of sugarcane, is responsible for the Pokkah boeng disease (PBD) in China. The 14-3-3 proteins have been implicated in critical developmental processes, including dimorphic transition, signal transduction, and carbon metabolism in various phytopathogenic fungi. However, their roles are poorly understood in F. sacchari. This study focused on the characterization of two 14-3-3 protein-encoding genes, FsBmh1 and FsBmh2, within F. sacchari. Both genes were found to be expressed during the vegetative growth stage, yet FsBmh1 was repressed at the sporulation stage in vitro. To elucidate the functions of these genes, the deletion mutants ΔFsBmh1 and ΔFsBmh2 were generated. The ΔFsBmh2 exhibited more pronounced phenotypic defects, such as impaired hyphal branching, septation, conidiation, spore germination, and colony growth, compared to the ΔFsBmh1. Notably, both knockout mutants showed a reduction in virulence, with transcriptome analysis revealing changes associated with the observed phenotypes. To further investigate the functional interplay between FsBmh1 and FsBmh2, we constructed and analyzed mutants with combined deletion and silencing (ΔFsBmh/siFsBmh) as well as overexpression (O-FsBmh). The combinations of ΔFsBmh1/siFsBmh2 or ΔFsBmh2/siFsBmh1 displayed more severe phenotypes than those with single allele deletions, suggesting a functional redundancy between the two 14-3-3 proteins. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays identified 20 proteins with pivotal roles in primary metabolism or diverse biological functions, 12 of which interacted with both FsBmh1 and FsBmh2. Three proteins were specifically associated with FsBmh1, while five interacted exclusively with FsBmh2. In summary, this research provides novel insights into the roles of FsBmh1 and FsBmh2 in F. sacchari and highlights potential targets for PBD management through the modulation of FsBmh functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejia Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Ministry & Province Co-Sponsored Center of Collaborative Innovation for Sugarcane Industry, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.C.); (M.Y.)
| | - Ziting Yao
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agriculture Science, Nanning 530007, China;
| | - Lixian Zhao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China;
| | - Mei Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Ministry & Province Co-Sponsored Center of Collaborative Innovation for Sugarcane Industry, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.C.); (M.Y.)
| | - Baoshan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Ministry & Province Co-Sponsored Center of Collaborative Innovation for Sugarcane Industry, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.C.); (M.Y.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China;
| | - Chengwu Zou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Ministry & Province Co-Sponsored Center of Collaborative Innovation for Sugarcane Industry, College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (Y.C.); (M.Y.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China;
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Kahar G, Haxim Y, Waheed A, Bozorov TA, Liu X, Wen X, Zhao M, Zhang D. Multi-Omics Approaches Provide New Insights into the Identification of Putative Fungal Effectors from Valsa mali. Microorganisms 2024; 12:655. [PMID: 38674600 PMCID: PMC11051974 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040655] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi secrete numerous effectors into host cells to manipulate plants' defense mechanisms. Valsa mali, a necrotrophic fungus, severely impacts apple production in China due to the occurrence of Valsa canker. Here, we predicted 210 candidate effector protein (CEP)-encoding genes from V. mali. The transcriptome analysis revealed that 146 CEP-encoding genes were differentially expressed during the infection of the host, Malus sieversii. Proteome analysis showed that 27 CEPs were differentially regulated during the infection stages. Overall, 25 of the 146 differentially expressed CEP-encoding genes were randomly selected to be transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Pathogenicity analysis showed that the transient expression of VM1G-05058 suppressed BAX-triggered cell death while the expression of VM1G-10148 and VM1G-00140 caused cell death in N. benthamiana. In conclusion, by using multi-omics analysis, we identified potential effector candidates for further evaluation in vivo. Our results will provide new insights into the investigation of virulent mechanisms of V. mali.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulnaz Kahar
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; (G.K.); (Y.H.); (A.W.); (X.L.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Plant Gene Resources, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Turpan Eremophytes Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Turpan 838008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yakupjan Haxim
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; (G.K.); (Y.H.); (A.W.); (X.L.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Plant Gene Resources, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Turpan Eremophytes Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Turpan 838008, China
| | - Abdul Waheed
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; (G.K.); (Y.H.); (A.W.); (X.L.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Plant Gene Resources, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Turpan Eremophytes Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Turpan 838008, China
| | - Tohir A. Bozorov
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; (G.K.); (Y.H.); (A.W.); (X.L.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
- Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Genetics, Institute of Genetics and Plants Experimental Biology, Uzbek Academy of Sciences, Yukori-Yuz, Kibray 111226, Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan
| | - Xiaojie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; (G.K.); (Y.H.); (A.W.); (X.L.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Plant Gene Resources, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Turpan Eremophytes Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Turpan 838008, China
| | - Xuejing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; (G.K.); (Y.H.); (A.W.); (X.L.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Plant Gene Resources, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Turpan Eremophytes Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Turpan 838008, China
| | - Mingqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; (G.K.); (Y.H.); (A.W.); (X.L.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Plant Gene Resources, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Turpan Eremophytes Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Turpan 838008, China
| | - Daoyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China; (G.K.); (Y.H.); (A.W.); (X.L.); (X.W.); (M.Z.)
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Plant Gene Resources, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
- Turpan Eremophytes Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Turpan 838008, China
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Liang H, Li F, Huang Y, Yu Q, Huang Z, Zeng Q, Chen B, Meng J. FsCGBP, a Cutinase G-Box Binding Protein, Regulates the Growth, Development, and Virulence of Fusarium sacchari, the Pathogen of Sugarcane Pokkah Boeng Disease. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:246. [PMID: 38667917 PMCID: PMC11051240 DOI: 10.3390/jof10040246] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fusarium sacchari is a causal agent of sugarcane Pokkah boeng, an important fungal disease that causes a considerable reduction in yield and sugar content in susceptible varieties of sugarcane worldwide. Despite its importance, the fungal factors that regulate the virulence of this pathogen remain largely unknown. In our previous study, mapping of an insertional mutant defect in virulence resulted in the identification of a cutinase G-box binding protein gene, designated FsCGBP, that encodes a C2H2-type transcription factor (TF). FsCGBP was shown to localize in the nuclei, and the transcript level of FsCGBP was significantly upregulated during the infection process or in response to abiotic stresses. Deletion or silencing of FsCGBP resulted in a reduction in mycelial growth, conidial production, and virulence and a delay in conidial germination in the F. sacchari. Cutinase genes FsCUT2, FsCUT3, and FsCUT4 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) genes FsHOG1, FsMGV1, and FsGPMK1, which were significantly downregulated in ΔFsCGBP. Except for FsHOG1, all of these genes were found to be transcriptionally activated by FsCGBP using the yeast one-hybrid system in vitro. The deletion of individual cutinase genes did not result in any of the phenotypes exhibited in the ΔFsCGBP mutant, except for cutinase activity. However, disruption of the MAPK pathway upon deletion of FsMGV1 or FsGPMK1 resulted in phenotypes similar to those of the ΔFsCGBP mutant. The above results suggest that FsCGBP functions by regulating the MAPK pathway and cutinase genes, providing new insights into the mechanism of virulence regulation in F. sacchari.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoming Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Nanning 530004, China; (H.L.); (F.L.); (Y.H.); (Q.Y.); (Z.H.); (Q.Z.); (B.C.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Nanning 530004, China; (H.L.); (F.L.); (Y.H.); (Q.Y.); (Z.H.); (Q.Z.); (B.C.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Yundan Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Nanning 530004, China; (H.L.); (F.L.); (Y.H.); (Q.Y.); (Z.H.); (Q.Z.); (B.C.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Quan Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Nanning 530004, China; (H.L.); (F.L.); (Y.H.); (Q.Y.); (Z.H.); (Q.Z.); (B.C.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Zhenxin Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Nanning 530004, China; (H.L.); (F.L.); (Y.H.); (Q.Y.); (Z.H.); (Q.Z.); (B.C.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Quan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Nanning 530004, China; (H.L.); (F.L.); (Y.H.); (Q.Y.); (Z.H.); (Q.Z.); (B.C.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Baoshan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Nanning 530004, China; (H.L.); (F.L.); (Y.H.); (Q.Y.); (Z.H.); (Q.Z.); (B.C.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Jiaorong Meng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Nanning 530004, China; (H.L.); (F.L.); (Y.H.); (Q.Y.); (Z.H.); (Q.Z.); (B.C.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
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Huang Z, Wang C, Li H, Zhou Y, Duan Z, Bao Y, Hu Q, Powell CA, Chen B, Zhang J, Zhang M, Yao W. Small secreted effector protein from Fusarium sacchari suppresses host immune response by inhibiting ScPi21-induced cell death. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13414. [PMID: 38279852 PMCID: PMC10782473 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13414] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Fusarium sacchari is one of the primary pathogens causing pokkah boeng disease, which impairs the yield and quality of sugarcane around the world. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the F. sacchari effectors that regulate plant immunity is of great importance for the development of novel strategies for the persistent control of pokkah boeng disease. In a previous study, Fs00367 was identified to inhibit BAX-induced cell death. In this study, Fs00367nsp (without signal peptide) was found to suppress BAX-induced cell death, reactive oxygen species bursts and callose accumulation. The amino acid region 113-142 of Fs00367nsp is the functional region. Gene mutagenesis indicated that Fs00367 is important for the full virulence of F. sacchari. A yeast two-hybrid assay revealed an interaction between Fs00367nsp and sugarcane ScPi21 in yeast that was further confirmed using bimolecular fluorescence complementation, pull-down assay and co-immunoprecipitation. ScPi21 can induce plant immunity, but this effect could be blunted by Fs00367nsp. These results suggest that Fs00367 is a core pathogenicity factor that suppresses plant immunity through inhibiting ScPi21-induced cell death. The findings of this study provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of effectors in regulating plant immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Caixia Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Huixue Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Yuming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Zhenzhen Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Yixue Bao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Qin Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | | | - Baoshan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Jisen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
| | - Muqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
- IRREC‐IFASUniversity of FloridaFort PierceFloridaUSA
| | - Wei Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri‐Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Sugarcane BiologyGuangxi UniversityNanningChina
- IRREC‐IFASUniversity of FloridaFort PierceFloridaUSA
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Huang Z, Zhou Y, Li H, Bao Y, Duan Z, Wang C, Powell CA, Wang K, Hu Q, Chen B, Zhang J, Zhang M, Yao W. Identification of common fungal extracellular membrane (CFEM) proteins in Fusarium sacchari that inhibit plant immunity and contribute to virulence. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0145223. [PMID: 37962343 PMCID: PMC10715082 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01452-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Common fungal extracellular membrane (CFEM) domain-containing protein has long been considered an essential effector, playing a crucial role in the interaction of pathogens and plant. Strategies aimed at understanding the pathogenicity mechanism of F. sacchari are eagerly anticipated to ultimately end the spread of pokkah boeng disease. Twenty FsCFEM proteins in the genome of F. sacchari have been identified, and four FsCFEM effector proteins have been found to suppress BCL2-associated X protein-triggered programmed cell death in N. benthamiana. These four effector proteins have the ability to enter plant cells and inhibit plant immunity. Furthermore, the expression of these four FsCFEM effector proteins significantly increases during the infection stage, with the three of them playing an essential role in achieving full virulence. These study findings provide a direction toward further exploration of the immune response in sugarcane. By applying these discoveries, we can potentially control the spread of disease through techniques such as host-induced gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yuming Zhou
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Huixue Li
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yixue Bao
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenzhen Duan
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Caixia Wang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | | | - Kai Wang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Qin Hu
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Baoshan Chen
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jisen Zhang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- IRREC-IFAS, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | - Muqing Zhang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- IRREC-IFAS, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | - Wei Yao
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- IRREC-IFAS, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
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9
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Zhao Y, Zheng X, Tabima JF, Zhu S, Søndreli KL, Hundley H, Bauer D, Barry K, Zhang Y, Schmutz J, Wang Y, LeBoldus JM, Xiong Q. Secreted Effector Proteins of Poplar Leaf Spot and Stem Canker Pathogen Sphaerulina musiva Manipulate Plant Immunity and Contribute to Virulence in Diverse Ways. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2023; 36:779-795. [PMID: 37551980 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-07-23-0091-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Fungal effectors play critical roles in manipulating plant immune responses and promoting colonization. Sphaerulina musiva is a heterothallic ascomycete fungus that causes Septoria leaf spot and stem canker disease in poplar (Populus spp.) plantations. This disease can result in premature defoliation, branch and stem breakage, increased mortality, and plantation failure. However, little is known about the interaction between S. musiva and poplar. Previous work predicted 142 candidate secreted effector proteins in S. musiva (SmCSEPs), 19 of which were selected for further functional characterization in this study. SmCSEP3 induced plant cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana, while 8 out of 19 tested SmCSEPs suppressed cell death. The signal peptides of these eight SmCSEPs exhibited secretory activity in a yeast signal sequence trap assay. Confocal microscopy revealed that four of these eight SmCSEPs target both the cytoplasm and the nucleus, whereas four predominantly localize to discrete punctate structures. Pathogen challenge assays in N. benthamiana demonstrated that the transient expression of six SmCSEPs promoted Fusarium proliferatum infection. The expression of these six SmCSEP genes were induced during infection. SmCSEP2, SmCSEP13, and SmCSEP25 suppressed chitin-triggered reactive oxygen species burst and callose deposition in N. benthamiana. The candidate secreted effector proteins of S. musiva target multiple compartments in the plant cell and modulate different pattern-triggered immunity pathways. [Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 "No Rights Reserved" license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xinyue Zheng
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Javier F Tabima
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
- Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management, College of Forestry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
| | - Sheng Zhu
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kelsey L Søndreli
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
| | - Hope Hundley
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, U.S.A
| | - Diane Bauer
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, U.S.A
| | - Kerrie Barry
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806, U.S.A
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jeremy Schmutz
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, U.S.A
| | - Yuanchao Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Biology and the Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jared M LeBoldus
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A
- Department of Biology, Clark University, Worcester, MA 01610, U.S.A
| | - Qin Xiong
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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10
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Liu K, Wang X, Li Y, Shi Y, Ren Y, Wang A, Zhao B, Cheng P, Wang B. Protein Disulfide Isomerase FgEps1 Is a Secreted Virulence Factor in Fusarium graminearum. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1009. [PMID: 37888265 PMCID: PMC10607971 DOI: 10.3390/jof9101009] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a member of the thioredoxin (Trx) superfamily with important functions in cellular stability, ion uptake, and cellular differentiation. While PDI has been extensively studied in humans and animals, its role in fungi remains relatively unknown. In this study, the biological functions of FgEps1, a disulfide bond isomerase in the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum, were investigated. It was found that FgEps1 mutation affected nutritional growth, asexual and sexual reproduction, and stress tolerance. Additionally, its deletion resulted in reduced pathogenicity and impaired DON toxin biosynthesis. The involvement of FgEps1 in host infection was also confirmed, as its expression was detected during the infection period. Further investigation using a yeast signal peptide secretion system and transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that FgEps1 suppressed the immune response of plants and promoted infection. These findings suggest that virulence factor FgEps1 plays a crucial role in growth, development, virulence, secondary metabolism, and host infection in F. graminearum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (K.L.); (X.W.); (Y.L.); (Y.S.); (Y.R.); (A.W.); (B.Z.)
| | - Baotong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (K.L.); (X.W.); (Y.L.); (Y.S.); (Y.R.); (A.W.); (B.Z.)
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11
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Ramos-Lizardo GN, Mucherino-Muñoz JJ, Aguiar ERGR, Pirovani CP, Corrêa RX. A repertoire of candidate effector proteins of the fungus Ceratocystis cacaofunesta. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16368. [PMID: 37773261 PMCID: PMC10542334 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43117-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Ceratocystis includes many phytopathogenic fungi that affect different plant species. One of these is Ceratocystis cacaofunesta, which is pathogenic to the cocoa tree and causes Ceratocystis wilt, a lethal disease for the crop. However, little is known about how this pathogen interacts with its host. The knowledge and identification of possible genes encoding effector proteins are essential to understanding this pathosystem. The present work aimed to predict genes that code effector proteins of C. cacaofunesta from a comparative analysis of the genomes of five Ceratocystis species available in databases. We performed a new genome annotation through an in-silico analysis. We analyzed the secretome and effectorome of C. cacaofunesta using the characteristics of the peptides, such as the presence of signal peptide for secretion, absence of transmembrane domain, and richness of cysteine residues. We identified 160 candidate effector proteins in the C. cacaofunesta proteome that could be classified as cytoplasmic (102) or apoplastic (58). Of the total number of candidate effector proteins, 146 were expressed, presenting an average of 206.56 transcripts per million. Our database was created using a robust bioinformatics strategy, followed by manual curation, generating information on pathogenicity-related genes involved in plant interactions, including CAZymes, hydrolases, lyases, and oxidoreductases. Comparing proteins already characterized as effectors in Sordariomycetes species revealed five groups of protein sequences homologous to C. cacaofunesta. These data provide a valuable resource for studying the infection mechanisms of these pathogens in their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela N Ramos-Lizardo
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas (DCB), Centro de Biotecnologia e Genética (CBG), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Jonathan J Mucherino-Muñoz
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas (DCB), Centro de Biotecnologia e Genética (CBG), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Eric R G R Aguiar
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas (DCB), Centro de Biotecnologia e Genética (CBG), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos Priminho Pirovani
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas (DCB), Centro de Biotecnologia e Genética (CBG), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Ronan Xavier Corrêa
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas (DCB), Centro de Biotecnologia e Genética (CBG), Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, 45662-900, Brazil.
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12
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Alabdallah NM, Irshad MA, Rizwan M, Nawaz R, Inam A, Mohsin M, Khurshid I, Alharby HF, Bamagoos AA, Ali S. Synthesis, characterization and antifungal potential of titanium dioxide nanoparticles against fungal disease (Ustilago tritici) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115852. [PMID: 37024034 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) preparation using a green as well as environmentally acceptable processes has achieved a lot of attention in recent decade. The current study compared the synthesis of titania (TiO2) nanoparticles synthesized from leaf extracts of two plant species (Trianthema portulacastrum, Chenopodium quinoa) and traditional approach by chemical preparation. The effects of no calcination on the physical characteristics of TiO2 NPs as well as their antifungal effects were examined and compared with the already reported calcinated TiO2 NPs. The produced TiO2 NPs were evaluated using high-tech techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and elemental mapping. TiO2 NPs prepared by sol-gel technique (T1) and prepared from extractions from leaves of T. portulacastrum (T2), and C. quinoa (T3) were either calcinated or non calcinated and tested against fungal disease (Ustilago tritici) of wheat for antifungal efficacy. The -peak (2θ) at 25.3 was confirmed by XRD to be connected with the anatase (101) form in both cases but before calcination, NPs were lacking the rutile and brookite peaks. The results showed that all types of TiO2 NPs examined had good antifungal activity against U. tritici, but those made from C. quinoa plant extract have good antifungal activity against disease. TiO2 NPs which are produced by the green methods (T2, T3) have the highest antifungal activity (58%, 57% respectively), while minimal activity (19%) was recorded when NPs were synthesized using the sol-gel method (T1) with 25 μl/mL. Non calcinated TiO2 NPs have less antifungal potential than calcined TiO2 NPs. It can be concluded that calcination may be preferred for efficient antifungal activity when using titania nanoparticles. The green technology may be used on a larger scale with less damaging TiO2 NP production and can be utilized against fungal disease on wheat crop to reduce crop losses worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadiyah M Alabdallah
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Fasial University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Atif Irshad
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
| | - Rab Nawaz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aqil Inam
- Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, University of the Punjab, New Campus Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mohsin
- School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Iram Khurshid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hesham F Alharby
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia; Plant Biology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atif A Bamagoos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shafaqat Ali
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan; Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
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13
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Wang C, Huang Z, Duan Z, Zhu L, Di R, Bao Y, Powell CA, Hu Q, Chen B, Zhang M, Yao W. Pectate Lyase from Fusarium sacchari Induces Plant Immune Responses and Contributes to Virulence. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0016523. [PMID: 37140457 PMCID: PMC10269888 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00165-23] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusarium sacchari is one of the primary pathogens causing Pokkah Boeng disease (PBD) in sugarcane in China. Pectate lyases (PL), which play a critical role in pectin degradation and fungal virulence, have been extensively studied in major bacterial and fungal pathogens of a wide range of plant species. However, only a few PLs have been functionally investigated. In this study, we analyzed the function of the pectate lyase gene, FsPL, from F. sacchari. FsPL is a key virulence factor of F. sacchari and can induce plant cell death. FsPL also triggers the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) response in Nicotiana benthamiana, as reflected by increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, electrolyte leakage, and callose accumulation, as well as the upregulation of defense response genes. In addition, our study also found that the signal peptide of FsPL was necessary for induced cell death and PTI responses. Virus-induced gene silencing showed that FsPL-induced cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana was mediated by leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor-like kinases BAK1 and SOBIR1. Thus, FsPL may not only be a critical virulence factor for F. sacchari but may also induce plant defense responses. These findings provide new insights into the functions of pectate lyase in host-pathogen interactions. IMPORTANCE Pokkah Boeng disease (PBD) is one of the main diseases affecting sugarcane in China, seriously damaging sugarcane production and economic development. Therefore, it is important to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms of this disease and to provide a theoretical basis for the breeding of PBD-resistant sugarcane strains. The present study aimed to analyze the function of FsPL, a recently identified pectate lyase gene from F. sacchari. FsPL is a key virulence factor of F. sacchari that induces plant cell death. Our results provide new insights into the function of pectate lyase in host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Wang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenzhen Duan
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Lixiang Zhu
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ruolin Di
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yixue Bao
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | | | - Qin Hu
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Baoshan Chen
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Muqing Zhang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- IRREC-IFAS, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | - Wei Yao
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- IRREC-IFAS, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
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14
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Priyashantha AKH, Dai DQ, Bhat DJ, Stephenson SL, Promputtha I, Kaushik P, Tibpromma S, Karunarathna SC. Plant-Fungi Interactions: Where It Goes? BIOLOGY 2023; 12:809. [PMID: 37372094 PMCID: PMC10295453 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Fungi live different lifestyles-including pathogenic and symbiotic-by interacting with living plants. Recently, there has been a substantial increase in the study of phytopathogenic fungi and their interactions with plants. Symbiotic relationships with plants appear to be lagging behind, although progressive. Phytopathogenic fungi cause diseases in plants and put pressure on survival. Plants fight back against such pathogens through complicated self-defense mechanisms. However, phytopathogenic fungi develop virulent responses to overcome plant defense reactions, thus continuing their deteriorative impacts. Symbiotic relationships positively influence both plants and fungi. More interestingly, they also help plants protect themselves from pathogens. In light of the nonstop discovery of novel fungi and their strains, it is imperative to pay more attention to plant-fungi interactions. Both plants and fungi are responsive to environmental changes, therefore construction of their interaction effects has emerged as a new field of study. In this review, we first attempt to highlight the evolutionary aspect of plant-fungi interactions, then the mechanism of plants to avoid the negative impact of pathogenic fungi, and fungal strategies to overcome the plant defensive responses once they have been invaded, and finally the changes of such interactions under the different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. K. Hasith Priyashantha
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China; (A.K.H.P.); (D.-Q.D.)
| | - Dong-Qin Dai
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China; (A.K.H.P.); (D.-Q.D.)
| | - Darbhe J. Bhat
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
- Biology Division, Vishnugupta Vishwavidyapeetam, Gokarna 581326, India
| | - Steven L. Stephenson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
| | - Itthayakorn Promputtha
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | | | - Saowaluck Tibpromma
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China; (A.K.H.P.); (D.-Q.D.)
| | - Samantha C. Karunarathna
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, China; (A.K.H.P.); (D.-Q.D.)
- National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Hantana Road, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
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15
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Fang J, Chai Z, Huang R, Huang C, Ming Z, Chen B, Yao W, Zhang M. Receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase ScRIPK in sugarcane regulates disease resistance and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1191449. [PMID: 37304725 PMCID: PMC10248867 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1191449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Receptor-like cytoplastic kinases (RLCKs) are known in many plants to be involved in various processes of plant growth and development and regulate plant immunity to pathogen infection. Environmental stimuli such as pathogen infection and drought restrict the crop yield and interfere with plant growth. However, the function of RLCKs in sugarcane remains unclear. Methods and results In this study, a member of the RLCK VII subfamily, ScRIPK, was identified in sugarcane based on sequence similarity to the rice and Arabidopsis RLCKs. ScRIPK was localized to the plasma membrane, as predicted, and the expression of ScRIPK was responsive to polyethylene glycol treatment and Fusarium sacchari infection. Overexpression of ScRIPK in Arabidopsis enhanced drought tolerance and disease susceptibility of seedlings. Moreover, the crystal structure of the ScRIPK kinase domain (ScRIPK KD) and the mutant proteins (ScRIPK-KD K124R and ScRIPK-KD S253A|T254A) were characterized in order to determine the activation mechanism. We also identified ScRIN4 as the interacting protein of ScRIPK. Discussion Our work identified a RLCK in sugarcane, providing a potential target for sugarcane responses to disease infection and drought, and a structural basis for kinase activation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlan Fang
- College of Agricultural, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources and Guangxi Key Lab for Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhe Chai
- College of Agricultural, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources and Guangxi Key Lab for Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Run Huang
- College of Agricultural, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Cuilin Huang
- College of Agricultural, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenhua Ming
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources and Guangxi Key Lab for Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Baoshan Chen
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources and Guangxi Key Lab for Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Wei Yao
- College of Agricultural, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources and Guangxi Key Lab for Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Muqing Zhang
- College of Agricultural, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources and Guangxi Key Lab for Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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16
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Wang Z, Du Y, Li S, Xu X, Chen X. A Complete Genome Sequence of Podosphaera xanthii Isolate YZU573, the Causal Agent of Powdery Mildew Isolated from Cucumber in China. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040561. [PMID: 37111452 PMCID: PMC10141987 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Podosphaera xanthii is a well-known obligate biotrophic pathogen that causes powdery mildew (PM) disease on cucurbitaceous plants and is one of the most important limiting factors for cucumber production worldwide. To better understand the avirulence effector proteins in this species that are known to be involved in host-pathogen interaction, the draft genome assembly of P. xanthii isolate YZU573 from cucumber leaves with symptoms of PM was obtained with a hybrid approach, combining nanopore long-read and llumina paired-end sequencing. The final P. xanthii YZU573 genome assembly of 152.7 Mb consists of 58 contigs, with an N50 value of 0.75 Mb and 6491 predicted protein-coding genes. The effector analysis using the whole-genome sequence information revealed a total of 87 putative effector candidates, and 65 of them had their analogs, whereas the remaining 22 were novel ones. The new P. xanthii genome provides valuable resources to better understand plant-microbe interaction in cucumber PM disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Wang
- School of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yujiao Du
- School of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Suhao Li
- School of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xuewen Xu
- School of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xuehao Chen
- School of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Hadimani S, De Britto S, Udayashankar AC, Geetha N, Nayaka CS, Ali D, Alarifi S, Ito SI, Jogaiah S. Genome-Wide Characterization of Effector Protein-Encoding Genes in Sclerospora graminicola and Its Validation in Response to Pearl Millet Downy Mildew Disease Stress. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040431. [PMID: 37108886 PMCID: PMC10142805 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is the essential food crop for over ninety million people living in drier parts of India and South Africa. Pearl millet crop production is harshly hindered by numerous biotic stresses. Sclerospora graminicola causes downy mildew disease in pearl millet. Effectors are the proteins secreted by several fungi and bacteria that manipulate the host cell structure and function. This current study aims to identify genes encoding effector proteins from the S. graminicola genome and validate them through molecular techniques. In silico analyses were employed for candidate effector prediction. A total of 845 secretory transmembrane proteins were predicted, out of which 35 proteins carrying LxLFLAK (Leucine–any amino acid–Phenylalanine–Leucine–Alanine–Lysine) motif were crinkler, 52 RxLR (Arginine, any amino acid, Leucine, Arginine), and 17 RxLR-dEER putative effector proteins. Gene validation analysis of 17 RxLR-dEER effector protein-producing genes was carried out, of which 5genes were amplified on the gel. These novel gene sequences were submitted to NCBI. This study is the first report on the identification and characterization of effector genes in Sclerospora graminicola. This dataset will aid in the integration of effector classes that act independently, paving the way to investigate how pearl millet responds to effector protein interactions. These results will assist in identifying functional effector proteins involving the omic approach using newer bioinformatics tools to protect pearl millet plants against downy mildew stress. Considered together, the identified effector protein-encoding functional genes can be utilized in screening oomycetes downy mildew diseases in other crops across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Hadimani
- Laboratory of Plant Healthcare and Diagnostics, PG Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Karnatak University, Dharwad 580003, India
| | - Savitha De Britto
- Division of Biological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, University of Goroka, Goroka 441, Papua New Guinea
| | - Arakere C. Udayashankar
- Department of Studies in Biotechnology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, India
| | - Nagaraj Geetha
- Department of Studies in Biotechnology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, India
| | - Chandra S. Nayaka
- Department of Studies in Biotechnology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, India
| | - Daoud Ali
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saud Alarifi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shin-ichi Ito
- Research Center for Thermotolerant Microbial Resources, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Sudisha Jogaiah
- Laboratory of Plant Healthcare and Diagnostics, PG Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Karnatak University, Dharwad 580003, India
- Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (PO) 671316, Kasaragod (DT), Kerala, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-836-2779533; Fax: +91-836-2747884
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Carreón-Anguiano KG, Todd JNA, Chi-Manzanero BH, Couoh-Dzul OJ, Islas-Flores I, Canto-Canché B. WideEffHunter: An Algorithm to Predict Canonical and Non-Canonical Effectors in Fungi and Oomycetes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13567. [PMID: 36362353 PMCID: PMC9653874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Newer effectorome prediction algorithms are considering effectors that may not comply with the canonical characteristics of small, secreted, cysteine-rich proteins. The use of effector-related motifs and domains is an emerging strategy for effector identification, but its use has been limited to individual species, whether oomycete or fungal, and certain domains and motifs have only been associated with one or the other. The use of these strategies is important for the identification of novel, non-canonical effectors (NCEs) which we have found to constitute approximately 90% of the effectoromes. We produced an algorithm in Bash called WideEffHunter that is founded on integrating three key characteristics: the presence of effector motifs, effector domains and homology to validated existing effectors. Interestingly, we found similar numbers of effectors with motifs and domains within two different taxonomic kingdoms: fungi and oomycetes, indicating that with respect to their effector content, the two organisms may be more similar than previously believed. WideEffHunter can identify the entire effectorome (non-canonical and canonical effectors) of oomycetes and fungi whether pathogenic or non-pathogenic, unifying effector prediction in these two kingdoms as well as the two different lifestyles. The elucidation of complete effectoromes is a crucial step towards advancing effectoromics and disease management in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Gisel Carreón-Anguiano
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida C.P. 97205, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Jewel Nicole Anna Todd
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida C.P. 97205, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Bartolomé Humberto Chi-Manzanero
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida C.P. 97205, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Osvaldo Jhosimar Couoh-Dzul
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida C.P. 97205, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Islas-Flores
- Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida C.P. 97205, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Blondy Canto-Canché
- Unidad de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, Mérida C.P. 97205, Yucatán, Mexico
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Wang X, He M, Liu H, Ding H, Liu K, Li Y, Cheng P, Li Q, Wang B. Functional Characterization of the M36 Metalloprotease FgFly1 in Fusarium graminearum. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070726. [PMID: 35887481 PMCID: PMC9316299 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungalysin metallopeptidase (M36), a hydrolase, catalyzes the hydrolysis of alanine, glycine, etc. Normally, it is considered to play an important role in the progress of fungal infection. However, the function of fungalysin metallopeptidase (M36) in Fusarium graminearum has not been reported. In this study, we explored the biological functions of FgFly1, a fungalysin metallopeptidase (M36) of F. graminearum. We found that ΔFgFly1 did not affect the ability to produce DON toxin, although it inhibited spore germination during asexual reproduction and reduction in pathogenicity compared with PH-1. Therefore, we speculated that FgFly1 affects the pathogenicity of F.graminearum by affecting pathways related to wheat disease resistance. Target protein TaCAMTA (calmodulin-binding transcription activator) was selected by a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system. Then, the interaction between FgFly1 and TaCAMTA was verified by bimolecular fluorescent complimentary (BiFC) and luciferase complementation assay (LCA). Furthermore, compared with wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana, the morbidity level of ΔAtCAMTA was increased after infection with F.graminearum, and the expression level of NPR1 was significantly reduced. Based on the above results, we concluded that FgFly1 regulated F. graminearum pathogenicity by interacting with host cell CAMTA protein.
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Li X, Yang S, Zhang M, Yang Y, Peng L. Identification of Pathogenicity-Related Effector Proteins and the Role of Piwsc1 in the Virulence of Penicillium italicum on Citrus Fruits. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8060646. [PMID: 35736129 PMCID: PMC9224591 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Blue mold caused by Penicillium italicum is one of the two major postharvest diseases of citrus fruits. The interactions of pathogens with their hosts are complicated, and virulence factors that mediate pathogenicity have not yet been identified. In present study, a prediction pipeline approach based on bioinformatics and transcriptomic data is designed to determine the effector proteins of P. italicum. Three hundred and seventy-five secreted proteins of P. italicum were identified, many of which (29.07%) were enzymes for carbohydrate utilization. Twenty-nine candidates were further analyzed and the expression patterns of 12 randomly selected candidate effector genes were monitored during the early stages of growth on PDA and infection of Navel oranges for validation. Functional analysis of a cell wall integrity-related gene Piwsc1, a core candidate, was performed by gene knockout. The deletion of Piwsc1 resulted in reduced virulence on citrus fruits, as presented by an approximate 57% reduction in the diameter of lesions. In addition, the mycelial growth rate, spore germination rate, and sporulation of ΔPiwsc1 decreased. The findings provide us with new insights to understand the pathogenesis of P. italicum and develop an effective and sustainable control method for blue mold.
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