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Mittelberger C, Moser M, Hause B, Janik K. 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali' SAP11-Like protein modulates expression of genes involved in energy production, photosynthesis, and defense in Nicotiana occidentalis leaves. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:393. [PMID: 38741080 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05087-4] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali', the causal agent of apple proliferation disease, exerts influence on its host plant through various effector proteins, including SAP11CaPm which interacts with different TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/ CYCLOIDEA/ PROLIFERATING CELL FACTOR 1 and 2 (TCP) transcription factors. This study examines the transcriptional response of the plant upon early expression of SAP11CaPm. For that purpose, leaves of Nicotiana occidentalis H.-M. Wheeler were Agrobacterium-infiltrated to induce transient expression of SAP11CaPm and changes in the transcriptome were recorded until 5 days post infiltration. RESULTS The RNA-seq analysis revealed that presence of SAP11CaPm in leaves leads to downregulation of genes involved in defense response and related to photosynthetic processes, while expression of genes involved in energy production was enhanced. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that early SAP11CaPm expression might be important for the colonization of the host plant since phytoplasmas lack many metabolic genes and are thus dependent on metabolites from their host plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Mittelberger
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Group of Functional Genomics, Laimburg Research Centre, Pfatten (Vadena), South Tyrol, 39051, Italy
| | - Mirko Moser
- Department of Genomics and Biology of Fruit Crops, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All'Adige, Trentino, 39098, Italy
| | - Bettina Hause
- Department of Cell and Metabolic Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, 06120, Halle (Saale), Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Katrin Janik
- Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Group of Functional Genomics, Laimburg Research Centre, Pfatten (Vadena), South Tyrol, 39051, Italy.
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2
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Ivanauskas A, Inaba J, Zhao Y, Bottner-Parker KD, Wei W. Differential Symptomology, Susceptibility, and Titer Dynamics Manifested by Phytoplasma-Infected Periwinkle and Tomato Plants. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:787. [PMID: 38592808 PMCID: PMC10974080 DOI: 10.3390/plants13060787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are intracellular pathogenic bacteria that infect a wide range of plant species, including agriculturally important crops and ornamental trees. However, our understanding of the relationship between symptom severity, disease progression, and phytoplasma concentration remains limited due to the inability to inoculate phytoplasmas mechanically into new plant hosts. The present study investigated phytoplasma titer dynamics and symptom development in periwinkle and tomato, both infected with the same potato purple top (PPT) phytoplasma strain using a small seedling grafting approach. Virescence, phyllody, and witches'-broom (WB) symptoms sequentially developed in periwinkle, while in tomato plants, big bud (BB, a form of phyllody), cauliflower-like inflorescence (CLI), and WB appeared in order. Results from quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting the PPT phytoplasma's 16S rRNA gene revealed that in both host species, phytoplasma titers differed significantly at different infection stages. Notably, the highest phytoplasma concentration in periwinkles was observed in samples displaying phyllody symptoms, whereas in tomatoes, the titer peaked at the BB stage. Western blot analysis, utilizing an antibody specific to PPT phytoplasma, confirmed substantial phytoplasma presence in samples displaying phyllody and BB symptoms, consistent with the qPCR results. These findings challenge the conventional understanding that phytoplasma infection dynamics result in a higher titer at later stages, such as WB (excessive vegetative growth), rather than in the early stage, such as phyllody (abnormal reproductive growth). Furthermore, the PPT phytoplasma titer was markedly higher in periwinkles than in tomato plants, indicating differing susceptibilities between the hosts. This study reveals distinct host responses to PPT phytoplasma infection, providing valuable insights into phytoplasma titer dynamics and symptom development, with implications for the future management of agricultural disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Algirdas Ivanauskas
- Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (A.I.); (J.I.); (Y.Z.); (K.D.B.-P.)
- Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos Str. 2, LT-08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Junichi Inaba
- Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (A.I.); (J.I.); (Y.Z.); (K.D.B.-P.)
| | - Yan Zhao
- Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (A.I.); (J.I.); (Y.Z.); (K.D.B.-P.)
| | - Kristi D. Bottner-Parker
- Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (A.I.); (J.I.); (Y.Z.); (K.D.B.-P.)
| | - Wei Wei
- Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (A.I.); (J.I.); (Y.Z.); (K.D.B.-P.)
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3
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Liu RC, Li BL, Chen XL, Liu JJ, Luo K, Li GW. ' Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi' Changes the Metabolite Composition of Jujube Tree Leaves and Affects the Feeding Behavior of Its Insect Vector Hishimonus hamatus Kuoh. INSECTS 2023; 14:750. [PMID: 37754718 PMCID: PMC10531678 DOI: 10.3390/insects14090750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Hishimonus hamatus Kuoh is a leafhopper species native to China that feeds on Chinese jujube leaves. This leafhopper species has been verified to transmit jujube witches' broom (JWB) disease, caused by phytoplasma, a fatal plant pathogen, which belongs to the phytoplasma subgroup 16SrV-B. The transmission of JWB phytoplasma largely relies on the feeding behavior of piercing-sucking leafhoppers. However, the specific mechanisms behind how and why the infection of JWB influences the feeding behavior of these leafhoppers are not fully understood. To address this, a study was conducted to compare the feeding patterns of H. hamatus when feeding JWB-infested jujube leaves to healthy leaves using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique. Then, a widely targeted metabolome analysis was performed to identify differences in the metabolite composition of JWB-infected jujube leaves and that of healthy jujube leaves. The results of EPG analyses revealed that when feeding on JWB-infected jujube leaves, H. hamatus exhibited an increased frequency of phloem ingestion and spent longer in the phloem feeding phase compared to when feeding on healthy leaves. In addition, the results of metabolomic analyses showed that JWB-infected leaves accumulated higher levels of small-molecular carbohydrates, free amino acids, and free fatty acids, as well as lower levels of lignans, coumarins and triterpenoids compared to healthy leaves. The above results indicated that the H. hamatus preferentially fed on the phloem of infected leaves, which seems to be linked to the transmission of the JWB phytoplasma. The results of metabolomic analyses partially imply that the chemical compounds might play a role in making the infected leaves more attractive to H. hamatus for feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Guang-Wei Li
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Jujube, College of Life Science, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, China
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Inaba J, Kim BM, Zhao Y, Jansen AM, Wei W. The Endoplasmic Reticulum Is a Key Battleground between Phytoplasma Aggression and Host Plant Defense. Cells 2023; 12:2110. [PMID: 37626920 PMCID: PMC10453741 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162110] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are intracellular plant pathogens that heavily rely on host cell nutrients for survival and propagation due to their limited ability to synthesize essential substrates. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which plays a vital role in various cellular processes, including lipid and protein biosynthesis, is an attractive target for numerous intracellular pathogens to exploit. This study investigated the impact of potato purple top (PPT) phytoplasma infection on the ER in tomato plants. Abnormal accumulation of ER-resident proteins, disrupted ER network structures, and formation of protein aggregates in the phloem were observed using confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, indicating a phytoplasma-infection-induced disturbance in ER homeostasis. The colocalization of phytoplasmas with the accumulated ER-resident proteins suggests an association between ER stress, unfolded protein response (UPR) induction, and phytoplasma infection and colonization, with the ER stress response likely contributing to the host plant's defense mechanisms. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed a negative correlation between ER stress/UPR activation and PPT phytoplasma titer, implying the involvement of UPR in curbing phytoplasma proliferation. Inducing ER stress and activating the UPR pathway effectively decreased phytoplasma titer, while suppressing the ER-resident protein, binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) increased phytoplasma titer. These results highlight the ER as an intracellular battleground where phytoplasmas exploit host components for survival and multiplication, while host plants deploy defense mechanisms to counteract the invasion. Understanding the intricate interactions between phytoplasmas and plant hosts at the subcellular level, particularly within the ER, provides valuable insights for developing new strategies to control phytoplasma diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Inaba
- Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (J.I.); (B.M.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Bo Min Kim
- Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (J.I.); (B.M.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhao
- Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (J.I.); (B.M.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Andrew M. Jansen
- Electron and Confocal Microscopy Unit, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
| | - Wei Wei
- Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; (J.I.); (B.M.K.); (Y.Z.)
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5
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Dermastia M, Tomaž Š, Strah R, Lukan T, Coll A, Dušak B, Anžič B, Čepin T, Wienkoop S, Kladnik A, Zagorščak M, Riedle-Bauer M, Schönhuber C, Weckwerth W, Gruden K, Roitsch T, Pompe Novak M, Brader G. Candidate pathogenicity factor/effector proteins of ' Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' modulate plant carbohydrate metabolism, accelerate the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, and induce autophagosomes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1232367. [PMID: 37662165 PMCID: PMC10471893 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1232367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenicity of intracellular plant pathogenic bacteria is associated with the action of pathogenicity factors/effectors, but their physiological roles for most phytoplasma species, including 'Candidiatus Phytoplasma solani' are unknown. Six putative pathogenicity factors/effectors from six different strains of 'Ca. P. solani' were selected by bioinformatic analysis. The way in which they manipulate the host cellular machinery was elucidated by analyzing Nicotiana benthamiana leaves after Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation with the pathogenicity factor/effector constructs using confocal microscopy, pull-down, and co-immunoprecipitation, and enzyme assays. Candidate pathogenicity factors/effectors were shown to modulate plant carbohydrate metabolism and the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and to induce autophagosomes. PoStoSP06, PoStoSP13, and PoStoSP28 were localized in the nucleus and cytosol. The most active effector in the processes studied was PoStoSP06. PoStoSP18 was associated with an increase in phosphoglucomutase activity, whereas PoStoSP28, previously annotated as an antigenic membrane protein StAMP, specifically interacted with phosphoglucomutase. PoStoSP04 induced only the ascorbate-glutathione cycle along with other pathogenicity factors/effectors. Candidate pathogenicity factors/effectors were involved in reprogramming host carbohydrate metabolism in favor of phytoplasma own growth and infection. They were specifically associated with three distinct metabolic pathways leading to fructose-6-phosphate as an input substrate for glycolysis. The possible significance of autophagosome induction by PoStoSP28 is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Dermastia
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Špela Tomaž
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rebeka Strah
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Lukan
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anna Coll
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Dušak
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Barbara Anžič
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Timotej Čepin
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stefanie Wienkoop
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleš Kladnik
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Zagorščak
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Monika Riedle-Bauer
- Federal College and Research Institute for Viticulture and Pomology Klosterneuburg, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Christina Schönhuber
- Bioresources Unit, Health & Environment Department, Austrian Institute of Technology, Tulln, Austria
| | - Wolfram Weckwerth
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Metabolomics Center (VIME), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristina Gruden
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Thomas Roitsch
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Maruša Pompe Novak
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Viticulture and Enology, University of Nova Gorica, Vipava, Slovenia
| | - Günter Brader
- Bioresources Unit, Health & Environment Department, Austrian Institute of Technology, Tulln, Austria
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6
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Nutricati E, De Pascali M, Negro C, Bianco PA, Quaglino F, Passera A, Pierro R, Marcone C, Panattoni A, Sabella E, De Bellis L, Luvisi A. Signaling Cross-Talk between Salicylic and Gentisic Acid in the ' Candidatus Phytoplasma Solani' Interaction with Sangiovese Vines. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2695. [PMID: 37514309 PMCID: PMC10383235 DOI: 10.3390/plants12142695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
"Bois noir" disease associated with 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' seriously compromises the production and survival of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) in Europe. Understanding the plant response to phytoplasmas should help to improve disease control strategies. Using a combined metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis, this work, therefore, investigated the phytoplasma-grapevine interaction in red cultivar Sangiovese in a vineyard over four seasonal growth stages (from late spring to late summer), comparing leaves from healthy and infected grapevines (symptomatic and symptomless). We found an accumulation of both conjugate and free salicylic acids (SAs) in the leaves of 'Ca. P. solani'-positive plants from early stages of infection, when plants are still asymptomatic. A strong accumulation of gentisic acid (GA) associated with symptoms progression was found for the first time. A detailed analysis of phenylpropanoids revealed a significant accumulation of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, flavan 3-ols, and anthocyanin cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, which are extensively studied due to their involvement in the plant response to various pathogens. Metabolomic data corroborated by gene expression analysis indicated that phenylpropanoid biosynthetic and salicylic acid-responsive genes were upregulated in 'Ca. P. solani-positive plants compared to -negative ones during the observed period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Nutricati
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria De Pascali
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Carmine Negro
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Piero Attilio Bianco
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DiSAA), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Quaglino
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DiSAA), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Passera
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DiSAA), University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Pierro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Carmine Marcone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Panattoni
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE), University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Erika Sabella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Luigi De Bellis
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Andrea Luvisi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Provinciale Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Yao S, Sapkota D, Hungerford JA, Kersten RD. Jujube Fruit Metabolomic Profiles Reveal Cultivar Differences and Function as Cultivar Fingerprints. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2313. [PMID: 37375938 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Jujube is a nutritious fruit, and is high in vitamin C, fiber, phenolics, flavonoids, nucleotides, and organic acids. It is both an important food and a source of traditional medicine. Metabolomics can reveal metabolic differences between Ziziphus jujuba fruits from different jujube cultivars and growth sites. In the fall of 2022, mature fresh fruit of eleven cultivars from replicated trials at three sites in New Mexico-Leyendecker, Los Lunas, and Alcalde-were sampled from September to October for an untargeted metabolomics study. The 11 cultivars were Alcalde 1, Dongzao, Jinsi (JS), Jinkuiwang (JKW), Jixin, Kongfucui (KFC), Lang, Li, Maya, Shanxi Li, and Zaocuiwang (ZCW). Based on the LC-MS/MS analysis, there were 1315 compounds detected with amino acids and derivatives (20.15%) and flavonoids (15.44%) as dominant categories. The results reveal that the cultivar was the dominant factor in metabolite profiles, while the location was secondary. A pairwise comparison of cultivar metabolomes revealed that two pairs had fewer differential metabolites (i.e., Li/Shanxi Li and JS/JKW) than all the other pairs, highlighting that pairwise metabolic comparison can be applied for cultivar fingerprinting. Differential metabolite analysis also showed that half of drying cultivars have up-regulated lipid metabolites compared to fresh or multi-purpose fruit cultivars and that specialized metabolites vary significantly between cultivars from 35.3% (Dongzao/ZCW) to 56.7% (Jixin/KFC). An exemplary analyte matching sedative cyclopeptide alkaloid sanjoinine A was only detected in the Jinsi and Jinkuiwang cultivars. Overall, our metabolic analysis of the jujube cultivar's mature fruits provides the largest resource of jujube fruit metabolomes to date and will inform cultivar selection for nutritional and medicinal research and for fruit metabolic breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengrui Yao
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
- Sustainable Agriculture Sciences Center, New Mexico State University, Alcalde, NM 87511, USA
| | - Dikshya Sapkota
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Jordan A Hungerford
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roland D Kersten
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Contaldo N, Zambon Y, Galbacs ZN, Miloro F, Havelda Z, Bertaccini A, Varallyay E. Small RNA Profiling of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma-Infected Catharanthus roseus Plants Showing Different Symptoms. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051114. [PMID: 37239473 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051114] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Micropropagated Catharantus roseus plants infected with 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' showed virescence symptoms, witches' broom symptoms, or became asymptomatic after their planting in pots. Nine plants were grouped into three categories according to these symptoms, which were then employed for investigation. The phytoplasma concentration, as determined by qPCR, correlated well with the severity of symptoms. To reveal the changes in the small RNA profiles in these plants, small RNA high-throughput sequencing (HTS) was carried out. The bioinformatics comparison of the micro (mi) RNA and small interfering (si) RNA profiles of the symptomatic and asymptomatic plants showed changes, which could be correlated to some of the observed symptoms. These results complement previous studies on phytoplasmas and serve as a starting point for small RNA-omic studies in phytoplasma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Contaldo
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Yuri Zambon
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Zsuszanna Nagyne Galbacs
- Genomics Research Group, Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Plant Protection, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Szent-Gyorgyi Albert Street 4, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
| | - Fabio Miloro
- Plant Developmental Biology Group, Department of Plant Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Szent-Gyorgyi Albert Street 4, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Havelda
- Plant Developmental Biology Group, Department of Plant Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Szent-Gyorgyi Albert Street 4, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
| | - Assunta Bertaccini
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eva Varallyay
- Genomics Research Group, Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Plant Protection, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Szent-Gyorgyi Albert Street 4, 2100 Godollo, Hungary
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9
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Bai B, Zhang G, Pei B, Song Q, Hao X, Zhao L, Wu Y. The function of the phytoplasma effector SWP12 depends on the properties of two key amino acids. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103052. [PMID: 36813236 PMCID: PMC10040895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are insect-borne bacterial pathogens capable of secreting effectors into host cells and interfering with host plant defense response processes. Previous studies have found that the Candidatus Phytoplasma tritici effector SWP12 binds to and destabilizes the wheat transcription factor TaWRKY74, increasing wheat susceptibility to phytoplasmas. Here, we used a Nicotiana benthamiana transient expression system to identify two key functional sites of SWP12 and screened a series of truncated mutants and amino acid substitution mutants to determine whether they inhibit Bax-induced cell death. Using a subcellular localization assay and online structure analysis websites, we found that structure rather than intracellular localization probably affects the function of SWP12. D33A and P85H are two inactive substitution mutants, neither of which interacts with TaWRKY74, and P85H does not inhibit Bax-induced cell death, suppress flg22-triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) bursts, degrade TaWRKY74, or promote phytoplasma accumulation. D33A can weakly suppress Bax-induced cell death and flg22-triggered ROS bursts and degrade a portion of TaWRKY74 and weakly promote phytoplasma accumulation. S53L, CPP, and EPWB are three SWP12 homolog proteins from other phytoplasmas. Sequence analysis revealed that D33 was conserved in these proteins, and they exhibited the same polarity at P85. Transient expression in N. benthamiana showed that these proteins could inhibit Bax-induced cell death and suppress ROS bursts. Our findings clarified that P85 and D33 of SWP12 play critical and minor roles, respectively, in suppressing the plant defense response and that they play a preliminary role in determining the functions of homologous proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixin Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guoding Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baoyan Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingting Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xing'an Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yunfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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10
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Pollari M, Sipari N, Poque S, Himanen K, Mäkinen K. Effects of Poty-Potexvirus Synergism on Growth, Photosynthesis and Metabolite Status of Nicotiana benthamiana. Viruses 2022; 15:121. [PMID: 36680161 PMCID: PMC9867248 DOI: 10.3390/v15010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mixed virus infections threaten crop production because interactions between the host and the pathogen mix may lead to viral synergism. While individual infections by potato virus A (PVA), a potyvirus, and potato virus X (PVX), a potexvirus, can be mild, co-infection leads to synergistic enhancement of PVX and severe symptoms. We combined image-based phenotyping with metabolite analysis of single and mixed PVA and PVX infections and compared their effects on growth, photosynthesis, and metabolites in Nicotiana benthamiana. Viral synergism was evident in symptom severity and impaired growth in the plants. Indicative of stress, the co-infection increased leaf temperature and decreased photosynthetic parameters. In contrast, singly infected plants sustained photosynthetic activity. The host's metabolic response differed significantly between single and mixed infections. Over 200 metabolites were differentially regulated in the mixed infection: especially defense-related metabolites and aromatic and branched-chain amino acids increased compared to the control. Changes in the levels of methionine cycle intermediates and a low S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio suggested a decline in the methylation potential in co-infected plants. The decreased ratio between reduced glutathione, an important scavenger of reactive oxygen species, and its oxidized form, indicated that severe oxidative stress developed during co-infection. Based on the results, infection-associated oxidative stress is successfully controlled in the single infections but not in the synergistic infection, where activated defense pathways are not sufficient to counter the impact of the infections on plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Pollari
- Department of Microbiology, Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nina Sipari
- Viikki Metabolomics Unit, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sylvain Poque
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristiina Himanen
- National Plant Phenotyping Infrastructure, HiLIFE, Biocenter Finland, Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristiina Mäkinen
- Department of Microbiology, Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Jammer A, Akhtar SS, Amby DB, Pandey C, Mekureyaw MF, Bak F, Roth PM, Roitsch T. Enzyme activity profiling for physiological phenotyping within functional phenomics: plant growth and stress responses. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:5170-5198. [PMID: 35675172 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput profiling of key enzyme activities of carbon, nitrogen, and antioxidant metabolism is emerging as a valuable approach to integrate cell physiological phenotyping into a holistic functional phenomics approach. However, the analyses of the large datasets generated by this method represent a bottleneck, often keeping researchers from exploiting the full potential of their studies. We address these limitations through the exemplary application of a set of data evaluation and visualization tools within a case study. This includes the introduction of multivariate statistical analyses that can easily be implemented in similar studies, allowing researchers to extract more valuable information to identify enzymatic biosignatures. Through a literature meta-analysis, we demonstrate how enzyme activity profiling has already provided functional information on the mechanisms regulating plant development and response mechanisms to abiotic stress and pathogen attack. The high robustness of the distinct enzymatic biosignatures observed during developmental processes and under stress conditions underpins the enormous potential of enzyme activity profiling for future applications in both basic and applied research. Enzyme activity profiling will complement molecular -omics approaches to contribute to the mechanistic understanding required to narrow the genotype-to-phenotype knowledge gap and to identify predictive biomarkers for plant breeding to develop climate-resilient crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Jammer
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, NAWI Graz, Schubertstraße 51, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Saqib Saleem Akhtar
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Crop Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Buchvaldt Amby
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Crop Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chandana Pandey
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Crop Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mengistu F Mekureyaw
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Crop Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frederik Bak
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter M Roth
- Institute for Computational Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- International AI Future Lab, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Roitsch
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Crop Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Adaptive Biotechnologies, Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
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Wei W, Zhao Y. Phytoplasma Taxonomy: Nomenclature, Classification, and Identification. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11081119. [PMID: 35892975 PMCID: PMC9394401 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Phytoplasmas are vector-borne and graft-transmissible bacteria that cause various plant diseases, leading to severe economic losses. Since phytoplasmas cannot be cultured in cell-free media, their identification and taxonomy rely on molecular techniques and gene sequences. In this article, we summarize the recent advances in phytoplasma taxonomy from three different aspects, including (i) nomenclature (naming Candidatus Phytoplasma species); (ii) classification (group and subgroup assignment based on 16S rRNA gene sequences); and (iii) identification (fine differentiation of phytoplasma strains). In addition, some important issues, especially those related to recognizing new ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ species, are discussed. This information will be helpful for rapid diagnosis of phytoplasma diseases and accurate taxonomic identification of both emerging and known phytoplasma strains. Abstract Phytoplasmas are pleomorphic, wall-less intracellular bacteria that can cause devastating diseases in a wide variety of plant species. Rapid diagnosis and precise identification of phytoplasmas responsible for emerging plant diseases are crucial to preventing further spread of the diseases and reducing economic losses. Phytoplasma taxonomy (identification, nomenclature, and classification) has lagged in comparison to culturable bacteria, largely due to lack of axenic phytoplasma culture and consequent inaccessibility of phenotypic characteristics. However, the rapid expansion of molecular techniques and the advent of high throughput genome sequencing have tremendously enhanced the nucleotide sequence-based phytoplasma taxonomy. In this article, the key events and milestones that shaped the current phytoplasma taxonomy are highlighted. In addition, the distinctions and relatedness of two parallel systems of ‘Candidatus phytoplasma’ species/nomenclature system and group/subgroup classification system are clarified. Both systems are indispensable as they serve different purposes. Furthermore, some hot button issues in phytoplasma nomenclature are also discussed, especially those pertinent to the implementation of newly revised guidelines for ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ species description. To conclude, the challenges and future perspectives of phytoplasma taxonomy are briefly outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-504-0786
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13
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Ahmed EA, Farrag AA, Kheder AA, Shaaban A. Effect of Phytoplasma Associated with Sesame Phyllody on Ultrastructural Modification, Physio-Biochemical Traits, Productivity and Oil Quality. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11040477. [PMID: 35214810 PMCID: PMC8879811 DOI: 10.3390/plants11040477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are obligate cell-wall-less plant pathogenic bacteria that infect many economically important crops, causing considerable yield losses worldwide. Very little information is known about phytoplasma–host plant interaction mechanisms and their influence on sesame yield and oil quality. Therefore, our aim was to explore the ultrastructural and agro-physio-biochemical responses of sesame plants and their effects on sesame productivity and oil quality in response to phytoplasma infection. Sesame leaf samples exhibiting phyllody symptoms were collected from three experimental fields during the 2021 growing season. Phytoplasma was successfully detected by nested- polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays using the universal primer pairs P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2, and the product of approximately 1200 bp was amplified. The amplified product of 16S rRNA was sequenced and compared with other available phytoplasma’s 16S rRNA in the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that our Egyptian isolate under accession number MW945416 is closely related to the 16SrII group and showed close (99.7%) identity with MH011394 and L33765.1, which were isolated from Egypt and the USA, respectively. The microscopic examination of phytoplasma-infected plants revealed an observable deterioration in tissue and cell ultrastructure. The primary and secondary metabolites considerably increased in infected plants compared with healthy ones. Moreover, phytoplasma-infected plants showed drastically reduced water content, chlorophyll content, growth, and yield components, resulting in 37.9% and 42.5% reductions in seed and oil yield, respectively. The peroxide value of the infected plant’s oil was 43.2% higher than that of healthy ones, suggesting a short shelf-life. Our findings will provide a better understanding of the phyllody disease pathosystem, helping us to develop effective strategies for overcoming such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman A. Ahmed
- Virus and Phytoplasma Research Department, Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt; (E.A.A.); (A.A.F.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Amro A. Farrag
- Virus and Phytoplasma Research Department, Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt; (E.A.A.); (A.A.F.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Ahmed A. Kheder
- Virus and Phytoplasma Research Department, Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza 12619, Egypt; (E.A.A.); (A.A.F.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Ahmed Shaaban
- Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63514, Egypt
- Correspondence:
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