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Coca-Ruiz V, Suárez I, Aleu J, Cantoral JM, González C, Garrido C, Brito N, Collado IG. Unravelling the Function of the Sesquiterpene Cyclase STC3 in the Lifecycle of Botrytis cinerea. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5125. [PMID: 38791163 PMCID: PMC11120764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105125] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The genome sequencing of Botrytis cinerea supplies a general overview of the map of genes involved in secondary metabolite synthesis. B. cinerea genomic data reveals that this phytopathogenic fungus has seven sesquiterpene cyclase (Bcstc) genes that encode proteins involved in the farnesyl diphosphate cyclization. Three sesquiterpene cyclases (BcStc1, BcStc5 and BcStc7) are characterized, related to the biosynthesis of botrydial, abscisic acid and (+)-4-epi-eremophilenol, respectively. However, the role of the other four sesquiterpene cyclases (BcStc2, BcStc3, BcStc4 and BcStc6) remains unknown. BcStc3 is a well-conserved protein with homologues in many fungal species, and here, we undertake its functional characterization in the lifecycle of the fungus. A null mutant ΔBcstc3 and an overexpressed-Bcstc3 transformant (OvBcstc3) are generated, and both strains show the deregulation of those other sesquiterpene cyclase-encoding genes (Bcstc1, Bcstc5 and Bcstc7). These results suggest a co-regulation of the expression of the sesquiterpene cyclase gene family in B. cinerea. The phenotypic characterization of both transformants reveals that BcStc3 is involved in oxidative stress tolerance, the production of reactive oxygen species and virulence. The metabolomic analysis allows the isolation of characteristic polyketides and eremophilenols from the secondary metabolism of B. cinerea, although no sesquiterpenes different from those already described are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Coca-Ruiz
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; (V.C.-R.); (I.S.); (J.A.)
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomoléculas (INBIO), Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Ivonne Suárez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; (V.C.-R.); (I.S.); (J.A.)
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomoléculas (INBIO), Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Departamento de Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; (J.M.C.); (C.G.)
| | - Josefina Aleu
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; (V.C.-R.); (I.S.); (J.A.)
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomoléculas (INBIO), Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Jesús M. Cantoral
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Departamento de Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; (J.M.C.); (C.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Vitivinícola y Agroalimentaria (IVAGRO), Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Celedonio González
- Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Microbiología, Biología Celular y Genética, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Carlos Garrido
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Departamento de Biomedicina, Biotecnología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; (J.M.C.); (C.G.)
- Instituto de Investigación Vitivinícola y Agroalimentaria (IVAGRO), Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Nélida Brito
- Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Microbiología, Biología Celular y Genética, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Isidro G. Collado
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain; (V.C.-R.); (I.S.); (J.A.)
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomoléculas (INBIO), Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
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Prigigallo MI, Staropoli A, Vinale F, Bubici G. Interactions between plant-beneficial microorganisms in a consortium: Streptomyces microflavus and Trichoderma harzianum. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:2292-2312. [PMID: 37464583 PMCID: PMC10686133 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The construction of microbial consortia is challenging due to many variables to be controlled, including the cross-compatibility of the selected strains and their additive or synergistic effects on plants. In this work, we investigated the interactions in vitro, in planta, and at the molecular level of two elite biological control agents (BCAs), that is Streptomyces microflavus strain AtB-42 and Trichoderma harzianum strain M10, to understand their attitude to cooperate in a consortium. In vitro, we observed a strong cross-antagonism between AtB-42 and M10 in agar plates due to diffusible metabolites and volatile organic compounds. In liquid co-cultures, M10 hindered the growth of AtB-42 very likely because of secondary metabolites and strong competition for the nutrients. The interaction in the co-culture induced extensive transcriptional reprogramming in both strains, especially in the pathways related to ribosomes, protein synthesis, and oxidoreductase activity, suggesting that each strain recognized the counterpart and activated its defence responses. The metabolome of both strains was also significantly affected. In contrast, in the soil, M10 growth was partially contrasted by AtB-42. The roots of tomato seedlings inoculated with the consortium appeared smaller than the control and single-strain-inoculated plants, indicating that plants diverted some energy from the development to defence activation, as evidenced by the leaf transcriptome. The consortium induced a stronger transcriptional change compared to the single inoculants, as demonstrated by a higher number of differentially expressed genes. Although the cross-antagonism observed in vitro, the two strains exerted a synergistic effect on tomato seedlings by inducing resistance responses stronger than the single inoculants. Our observations pose a question on the usefulness of the sole in vitro assays for selecting BCAs to construct a consortium. In vivo experiments should be preferred, and transcriptomics may greatly help to elucidate the activity of the BCAs beyond the phenotypic effects on the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessia Staropoli
- Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle PianteConsiglio Nazionale delle RicerchePorticiItaly
- Dipartimento di AgrariaUniversità degli Studi di Napoli Federico IIPorticiItaly
| | - Francesco Vinale
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni AnimaliUniversità degli Studi di Napoli Federico IINaplesItaly
| | - Giovanni Bubici
- Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle PianteConsiglio Nazionale delle RicercheBariItaly
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Khan S, Srivastava S, Karnwal A, Malik T. Streptomyces as a promising biological control agents for plant pathogens. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1285543. [PMID: 38033592 PMCID: PMC10682734 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1285543] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms in agriculture present a considerable obstacle, resulting in approximately 30-40% crop damage. The use of conventional techniques to manage these microorganisms, i.e., applying chemical pesticides and antimicrobials, has been discovered to have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Furthermore, these methods have contributed to the emergence of resistance among phytopathogens. Consequently, it has become imperative to investigate natural alternatives to address this issue. The Streptomyces genus of gram-positive bacteria is a potentially viable natural alternative that has been extensively researched due to its capacity to generate diverse antimicrobial compounds, such as metabolites and organic compounds. Scientists globally use diverse approaches and methodologies to extract new bioactive compounds from these bacteria. The efficacy of bioactive compounds in mitigating various phytopathogens that pose a significant threat to crops and plants has been demonstrated. Hence, the Streptomyces genus exhibits potential as a biological control agent for combating plant pathogens. This review article aims to provide further insight into the Streptomyces genus as a source of antimicrobial compounds that can potentially be a biological control against plant pathogens. The investigation of various bioactive compounds synthesized by this genus can enhance our comprehension of their prospective utilization in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaista Khan
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Seweta Srivastava
- School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Arun Karnwal
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Tabarak Malik
- Department of Biomedical sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Rush TA, Shrestha HK, Gopalakrishnan Meena M, Spangler MK, Ellis JC, Labbé JL, Abraham PE. Bioprospecting Trichoderma: A Systematic Roadmap to Screen Genomes and Natural Products for Biocontrol Applications. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2021; 2:716511. [PMID: 37744103 PMCID: PMC10512312 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2021.716511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Natural products derived from microbes are crucial innovations that would help in reaching sustainability development goals worldwide while achieving bioeconomic growth. Trichoderma species are well-studied model fungal organisms used for their biocontrol properties with great potential to alleviate the use of agrochemicals in agriculture. However, identifying and characterizing effective natural products in novel species or strains as biological control products remains a meticulous process with many known challenges to be navigated. Integration of recent advancements in various "omics" technologies, next generation biodesign, machine learning, and artificial intelligence approaches could greatly advance bioprospecting goals. Herein, we propose a roadmap for assessing the potential impact of already known or newly discovered Trichoderma species for biocontrol applications. By screening publicly available Trichoderma genome sequences, we first highlight the prevalence of putative biosynthetic gene clusters and antimicrobial peptides among genomes as an initial step toward predicting which organisms could increase the diversity of natural products. Next, we discuss high-throughput methods for screening organisms to discover and characterize natural products and how these findings impact both fundamental and applied research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás A. Rush
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Him K. Shrestha
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | | | - Margaret K. Spangler
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - J. Christopher Ellis
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
| | - Jesse L. Labbé
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - Paul E. Abraham
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
- Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
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Rosero-Hernández ED, Echeverri FL. The Search for Quorum Sensing in Botrytis cinerea: Regulatory Activity of Its Extracts on Its Development. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9020168. [PMID: 32023821 PMCID: PMC7076370 DOI: 10.3390/plants9020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is a phytopathogenic fungus that causes large crop and post-harvest losses. Therefore, new and effective strategies are needed to control the disease and to reduce resistance to fungicides. Modulating pathogenicity and virulence by manipulating microbial communication is a promising strategy. This communication mechanism, called Quorum Sensing (QS), has already been reported in bacteria and yeasts; however, it has not yet been studied in B. cinerea. To establish the existence of this biochemical process in B. cinerea, we prepared extracts at different growth times (D1-D12), which were applied to fresh cultures of the same fungi. The chemical analysis of the extracts obtained from several fermentations showed different compositions and biological activities. We confirmed the presence of several phytotoxins, as well as compounds 1-phenylethanol and 3-phenylpropanol. Day five extract (0.1%) inhibited conidia germination and elongation of germ tubes, day seven extract (1%) produced the greatest phytotoxic effect in tomato leaves, and day nine extract (0.1%) was a sporulation inhibitor. In contrast, the extracts from days 7, 9, and 12 of fermentation (0.1% and 0.01%) promoted pellet and biofilm formation. Sporulation was slightly induced at 0.01%, while at 0.1% there was a great inhibition. At the highest extract concentrations, a biocidal effect was detected, but at the lowest, we observed a QS-like effect, regulating processes such as filamentation, morphogenesis, and pathogenesis. These results of the biological activity and composition of extracts suggest the existence of a QS-like mechanism in B. cinerea, which could lead to new non-biocidal alternatives for its control through interference in the pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms of the fungi.
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Antimicrobial secondary metabolites from agriculturally important fungi as next biocontrol agents. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:9287-9303. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10209-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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7
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Gomes EV, Ulhoa CJ, Cardoza RE, Silva RN, Gutiérrez S. Involvement of Trichoderma harzianum Epl-1 Protein in the Regulation of Botrytis Virulence- and Tomato Defense-Related Genes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:880. [PMID: 28611802 PMCID: PMC5446994 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Several Trichoderma spp. are well known for their ability to: (i) act as important biocontrol agents against phytopathogenic fungi; (ii) function as biofertilizers; (iii) increase the tolerance of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses; and (iv) induce plant defense responses via the production and secretion of elicitor molecules. In this study, we analyzed the gene-regulation effects of Trichoderma harzianum Epl-1 protein during the interactions of mutant Δepl-1 or wild-type T. harzianum strains with: (a) the phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea and (b) with tomato plants, on short (24 h hydroponic cultures) and long periods (4-weeks old plants) after Trichoderma inoculation. Our results indicate that T. harzianum Epl-1 protein affects the in vitro expression of B. cinerea virulence genes, especially those involved in the botrydial biosynthesis (BcBOT genes), during the mycoparasitism interaction. The tomato defense-related genes were also affected, indicating that Epl-1 is involved in the elicitation of the salicylic acid pathway. Moreover, Epl-1 also regulates the priming effect in host tomato plants and contributes to enhance the interaction with the host tomato plant during the early stage of root colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriston V. Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Cirano J. Ulhoa
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of GoiásGoiânia, Brazil
| | - Rosa E. Cardoza
- Area of Microbiology, University School of Agricultural Engineers, University of LeónPonferrada, Spain
| | - Roberto N. Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São PauloRibeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Santiago Gutiérrez
- Area of Microbiology, University School of Agricultural Engineers, University of LeónPonferrada, Spain
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Hennessy RC, Stougaard P, Olsson S. A Microplate Reader-Based System for Visualizing Transcriptional Activity During in vivo Microbial Interactions in Space and Time. Sci Rep 2017; 7:281. [PMID: 28325928 PMCID: PMC5412646 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00296-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the development of a microplate reader-based system for visualizing gene expression dynamics in living bacterial cells in response to a fungus in space and real-time. A bacterium expressing the red fluorescent protein mCherry fused to the promoter region of a regulator gene nunF indicating activation of an antifungal secondary metabolite gene cluster was used as a reporter system. Time-lapse image recordings of the reporter red signal and a green signal from fluorescent metabolites combined with microbial growth measurements showed that nunF-regulated gene transcription is switched on when the bacterium enters the deceleration growth phase and upon physical encounter with fungal hyphae. This novel technique enables real-time live imaging of samples by time-series multi-channel automatic recordings using a microplate reader as both an incubator and image recorder of general use to researchers. The technique can aid in deciding when to destructively sample for other methods e.g. transcriptomics and mass spectrometry imaging to study gene expression and metabolites exchanged during the interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna C Hennessy
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, 1871, Denmark
| | - Peter Stougaard
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, 1871, Denmark
| | - Stefan Olsson
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 35002, China.
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Porquier A, Morgant G, Moraga J, Dalmais B, Luyten I, Simon A, Pradier JM, Amselem J, Collado IG, Viaud M. The botrydial biosynthetic gene cluster of Botrytis cinerea displays a bipartite genomic structure and is positively regulated by the putative Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor BcBot6. Fungal Genet Biol 2016; 96:33-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Kumari I, Ahmed M, Akhter Y. Deciphering the protein translation inhibition and coping mechanism of trichothecene toxin in resistant fungi. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 78:370-376. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Malmierca MG, Izquierdo-Bueno I, McCormick SP, Cardoza RE, Alexander NJ, Barua J, Lindo L, Casquero PA, Collado IG, Monte E, Gutiérrez S. Trichothecenes and aspinolides produced by Trichoderma arundinaceum
regulate expression of Botrytis cinerea
genes involved in virulence and growth. Environ Microbiol 2016; 18:3991-4004. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica G. Malmierca
- Area of Microbiology; Universitary School of Agricultural Engineers. University of León; Ponferrada Spain
| | | | - Susan P. McCormick
- Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research Unit, USDA/ARS; National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research; Peoria IL USA
| | - Rosa E. Cardoza
- Area of Microbiology; Universitary School of Agricultural Engineers. University of León; Ponferrada Spain
| | - Nancy J. Alexander
- Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research Unit, USDA/ARS; National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research; Peoria IL USA
| | - Javier Barua
- Department of Organic Chemistry Faculty of Sciences; University of Cádiz; Puerto Real Spain
| | - Laura Lindo
- Area of Microbiology; Universitary School of Agricultural Engineers. University of León; Ponferrada Spain
| | - Pedro A. Casquero
- Research Group of Engineering and Sustainable Agriculture; Natural Resources Institute, University of León; León 24071 Spain
| | - Isidro G. Collado
- Department of Organic Chemistry Faculty of Sciences; University of Cádiz; Puerto Real Spain
| | - Enrique Monte
- Spanish-Portuguese Centre of Agricultural Research (CIALE), Department of Microbiology and Genetics; University of Salamanca; Salamanca Spain
| | - Santiago Gutiérrez
- Area of Microbiology; Universitary School of Agricultural Engineers. University of León; Ponferrada Spain
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Kumari I, Ahmed M, Akhter Y. Multifaceted impact of trichothecene metabolites on plant-microbe interactions and human health. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:5759-71. [PMID: 27198722 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7599-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Fungi present in rhizosphere produce trichothecene metabolites which are small in size and amphipathic in nature and some of them may cross cell membranes passively. Hypocreaceae family of rhizosphere fungi produce trichothecene molecules, however it is not a mandatory characteristic of all genera. Some of these molecules are also reported as growth adjuvant, while others are reported as deleterious for the plant growth. In this review, we are exploring the roles of these compounds during plant-microbe interactions. The three-way interaction among the plants, symbiotic microbial agents (fungi and bacteria), and the pathogenic microbes (bacteria, fungi) or multicellular pathogens like nematodes involving these compounds may only help us to understand better the complex processes happening in the microcosm of rhizosphere. These metabolites may further modulate the activity of different proteins involved in the cell signalling events of defence-related response in plants. That may induce the defence system against pathogens and growth promoting gene expression in plants, while in animal cells, these molecules have reported biochemical and pharmacological effects such as inducing oxidative stress, cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis, and may be involved in maintenance of membrane integrity. The biochemistry, chemical structures and specific functional group-mediated activity of these compounds have not been studied in details yet. Few of these molecules are also recently reported as novel anti-cancer agent against human chondrosarcoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu Kumari
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Shahpur, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, 176206, India
| | - Mushtaq Ahmed
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Shahpur, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, 176206, India
| | - Yusuf Akhter
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Shahpur, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, 176206, India.
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