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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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Gujjar RS, Kumar R, Goswami SK, Srivastava S, Kumar S. MAPK signaling pathway orchestrates and fine-tunes the pathogenicity of Colletotrichum falcatum. J Proteomics 2024; 292:105056. [PMID: 38043863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.105056] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Colletotrichum falcatum is the causal organism of red rot, the most devastating disease of sugarcane. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays pivotal role in coordinating the process of pathogenesis. We identified eighteen proteins implicated in MAPK signaling pathway in C. falcatum, through nanoLCMS/MS based proteomics approach. Twelve of these proteins were the part of core MAPK signaling pathway, whereas remaining proteins were indirectly implicated in MAPK signaling. Majority of these proteins had enhanced abundance in C. falcatum samples cultured with host sugarcane stalks. To validate the findings, core MAPK pathway genes (MAPKKK-NSY1, MAPK 17-MAPK17, MAPKKK 5-MAPKKK5, MAPK-HOG1B, MAPKKK-MCK1/STE11, MAPK-MST50/STE50, MAPKK-SEK1, MAPKK-MEK1/MST7/STE7, MAPKK-MKK2/STE7, MAPKKK-MST11/STE11, MAPK 5-MPK5, and MAPK-MPK-C) were analyzed by qPCR to confirm the real-time expression in C. falcatum samples cultured with host sugarcane stalks. The results of qPCR-based expression of genes were largely in agreement with the findings of proteomics. String association networks of MAPKK- MEK1/MST7/STE7, and MAPK- MPK-C revealed strong association with plenty of assorted proteins implicated in the process of pathogenesis/virulence. This is the novel and first large scale study of MAPK proteins in C. falcatum, responsible for red rot epidemics of sugarcane various countries. KEY MESSAGE: Our findings demonstrate the pivotal role of MAPK proteins in orchestrating the pathogenicity of Colletotrichum falcatum, responsible devastating red rot disease of sugarcane. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings are novel and the first large scale study demonstrating the pivotal role of MAPK proteins in C. falcatum, responsible devastating red rot disease of sugarcane. The study will be useful for future researchers in terms of manipulating the fungal pathogenicity through genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjit Singh Gujjar
- Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Raibareli Road, Lucknow 226002, India.
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Raibareli Road, Lucknow 226002, India
| | | | - Sangeeta Srivastava
- Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Raibareli Road, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Raibareli Road, Lucknow 226002, India
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Xiao L, Liu Q, Cao X, Chen M, Zhang L, Yao Z, Zhao S. Detection of Secreted Effector Proteins from Phelipanche aegyptiaca During Invasion of Melon Roots. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2023; 113:1548-1559. [PMID: 37454086 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-11-22-0441-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Parasites can interact with their host plants through the induction and delivery of secreted effector proteins that facilitate plant colonization by decomposing plant cell walls and inhibiting plant immune response to weaken the defense ability of the host. Yet effectors mediating parasitic plant-host interactions are poorly understood. Phelipanche aegyptiaca is an obligate root parasite plant causing severe yield and economic losses in agricultural fields worldwide. Host resistance against P. aegyptiaca occurred during the attachment period of parasitism. Comparative transcriptomics was used to assess resistant and susceptible interactions simultaneously between P. aegyptiaca and two contrasting melon cultivars. In total, 2,740 secreted proteins from P. aegyptiaca were identified here. Combined with transcriptome profiling, 209 candidate secreted effector proteins (CSEPs) were predicted, with functional annotations such as cell wall degrading enzymes, protease inhibitors, transferases, kinases, and elicitor proteins. A heterogeneous expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana was used to investigate the functions of 20 putatively effector genes among the CSEPs. Cluster 15140.0 can suppress BAX-triggered programmed cell death in N. benthamiana. These findings showed that the prediction of P. aegyptiaca effector proteins based on transcriptomic analysis and multiple bioinformatics software is effective and more accurate, providing insights into understanding the essential molecular nature of effectors and laying the foundation of revealing the parasite mechanism of P. aegyptiaca, which is helpful in understanding parasite-host plant interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Xiao
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Key Laboratory of Special Fruits and Vegetables Cultivation Physiology and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Xiaolei Cao
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Key Laboratory of Special Fruits and Vegetables Cultivation Physiology and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Meixiu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Key Laboratory of Special Fruits and Vegetables Cultivation Physiology and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Zhaoqun Yao
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Sifeng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
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Qi H, Yu J, Yuan X, Shen W, Zhang Z. The somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase TaSERK1 participates in the immune response to Rhizoctonia cerealis infection by interacting and phosphorylating the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase TaRLCK1B in wheat. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 228:604-614. [PMID: 36581032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.240] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The sharp eyespot, caused by necrotrophic pathogen Rhizoctonia cerealis, often causes serious yield loss in wheat (Triticum aestivum). However, the mechanisms underlying wheat resistant responses to the pathogen are still limited. In this study, we performed a genome-wide analysis of somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase (SERK) family in wheat. As a result, a total of 26 TaSERK candidate genes were identified from the wheat genome. Only 6 TaSERK genes on the chromosomes 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, 3B, and 3D showed obvious heightening expression patterns in resistant wheat infected with R. cerealis compared than those un-infected wheat. Of them, the transcripts of 3 TaSERK1 homoeologs on the chromosomes 2A, 2B, and 2D were significantly up-regulated in the highest level compared to other TaSERKs. Importantly, silencing of TaSERK1 significantly impaired wheat resistance to sharp eyespot. Further bio-molecular assays showed that TaSERK1 could interact with the defence-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase TaRLCK1B, and phosphorylated TaRLCK1B. Together, the results suggest that TaSERK1 mediated resistance responses to R. cerealis infection by interacting and phosphorylating TaRLCK1B in wheat. This study sheds light on the understanding of the wheat SERKs in the innate immunity against R. cerealis, and provided a theoretical fulcrum to identify candidate resistant genes for improving wheat resistance against sharp eyespot in wheat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Qi
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China; Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Triticeae Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic China/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jinfeng Yu
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Xili Yuan
- Bureau of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Science and Technology of Ulat Middle Banner, Inner Mongolia 015300, China
| | - Wenbiao Shen
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, China.
| | - Zengyan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Triticeae Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic China/The National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomics of Indian Isolates of Wheat Spot Blotch Pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana Reveals Expansion of Pathogenicity Gene Clusters. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010001. [PMID: 36678349 PMCID: PMC9865733 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spot blotch is a highly destructive disease in wheat caused by the fungal pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana (teleomorph, Cochliobolus sativus). It is prevalent in warm and humid areas, including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the USA. In the present study, twelve isolates of B. sorokiniana were collected from wheat fields in three different geographical locations in India. The pathogenicity of seven sporulating isolates was assessed on 'DDK 1025', a spot blotch-susceptible wheat variety under greenhouse conditions. The isolate 'D2' illustrated the highest virulence, followed by 'SI' and 'BS52'. These three isolates were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq1000 platform. The estimated genome sizes of the isolates BS52, D2, and SI were 35.19 MB, 39.32 MB, and 32.76 MB, with GC contents of 48.48%, 50.43%, and 49.42%, respectively. The numbers of pathogenicity genes identified in BS52, D2, and SI isolates were 2015, 2476, and 2018, respectively. Notably, the isolate D2 exhibited a relatively larger genome with expanded arsenals of Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs), CAZymes, secretome, and pathogenicity genes, which could have contributed to its higher virulence among the tested isolates. This study provides the first comparative genome analysis of the Indian isolates of B. sorokiniana using whole genome sequencing.
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Wu X, Wang J, Wu D, Jiang W, Gao Z, Li D, Wu R, Gao D, Zhang Y. Identification of new resistance loci against wheat sharp eyespot through genome-wide association study. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1056935. [PMID: 36578345 PMCID: PMC9792169 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1056935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wheat sharp eyespot caused by Rhizoctonia cerealis is a serious pathogenic disease affecting plants. The effective strategy for controlling this disease is breeding resistant cultivar. However, to date, no wheat varieties are fully resistant to sharp eyespot, and only a few quantitative trait loci (QTLs) have been shown to be associated with sharp eyespot resistance. METHODS To understand the genetic basis of this disease, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of sharp eyespot resistance in 262 varieties from all China wheat regions was conducted. RESULTS After cultivation for three years, only 6.5% of the varieties were resistant to sharp eyespot. Notably, the varieties from the middle and lower Yangtze River displayed higher sharp eyespot resistance than those from Huanghuai wheat zone. Only two varieties had the same resistance level to the control Shanhongmai. The results of GWAS showed that 5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci were markedly related to sharp eyespot resistance in the three years repeatedly, and two QTLs, qSE-6A and qSE-7B, on chromosome 6A and 7B were identified. Based on the 'CG' haplotypes of significant SNPs, we found that the two QTLs exhibited additive effects on attenuating sharp eyespot resistance. DISCUSSION These results provide novel insights into the genetic basis of sharp eyespot resistance in China wheat varieties. The SNPs related to sharp eyespot resistance can be applied for marker-assisted selection in plant breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujiang Wu
- Institute of Agricultural Science of the Lixiahe District in Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Wheat Biology and Genetic Improvement on Low and Middle Yangtze River Valley Wheat Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junchan Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Science of the Lixiahe District in Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Di Wu
- Institute of Agricultural Science of the Lixiahe District in Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Institute of Agricultural Science of the Lixiahe District in Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhifu Gao
- Institute of Agricultural Science of the Lixiahe District in Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Li
- Institute of Agricultural Science of the Lixiahe District in Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Rongling Wu
- Institute of Agricultural Science of the Lixiahe District in Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
| | - Derong Gao
- Institute of Agricultural Science of the Lixiahe District in Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Wheat Biology and Genetic Improvement on Low and Middle Yangtze River Valley Wheat Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Institute of Agricultural Science of the Lixiahe District in Jiangsu Province, Yangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Wheat Biology and Genetic Improvement on Low and Middle Yangtze River Valley Wheat Region, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Altammar KA, Ling JG, Al-Bajalan HM, Chin IS, Mackeen MM, Mahadi NM, Murad AMA, Bakar FDA. Characterization of AnCUT3, a plastic-degrading paucimannose cutinase from Aspergillus niger expressed in Pichia pastoris. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:2353-2367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Orrego A, Gavilán MC, Arévalos A, Ortíz B, Gaete Humada B, Pineda-Fretez A, Romero-Rodríguez MC, Flores Giubi ME, Kohli MM, Iehisa JCM. Identification of reference genes and their validation for gene expression analysis in phytopathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272603. [PMID: 35930568 PMCID: PMC9355225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophomina phaseolina is a soil-borne pathogenic fungus that infects a wide range of crop species and causes severe yield losses. Although the genome of the fungus has been sequenced, the molecular basis of its virulence has not been determined. Identification of up-regulated genes during fungal infection is important to understand the mechanism involved in its virulence. To ensure reliable quantification, expression of target genes needs to be normalized on the basis of certain reference genes. However, in the case of M. phaseolina, reference genes or their expression analysis have not been reported in the literature. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate 12 candidate reference genes for the expression analysis of M. phaseolina genes by applying three different fungal growth conditions: a) during root and stem infection of soybean, b) in culture media with and without soybean leaf infusion and c) by inoculating a cut-stem. Based on BestKeeper, geNorm and NormFinder algorithms, CYP1 was identified as the best recommended reference gene followed by EF1β for expression analysis of fungal gene during soybean root infection. Besides Mp08158, CYP1 gene was found suitable when M. phaseolina was grown in potato-dextrose broth with leaf infusion. In the case of cut-stem inoculation, Mp08158 and Mp11185 genes were found to be most stable. To validate the selected reference genes, expression analysis of two cutinase genes was performed. In general, the expression patterns were similar when the target genes were normalized against most or least stable gene. However, in some cases different expression pattern can be obtained when least stable gene is used for normalization. We believe that the reference genes identified and validated in this study will be useful for gene expression analysis during host infection with M. phaseolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Orrego
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Central, Paraguay
| | - María Cecilia Gavilán
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Central, Paraguay
| | - Aníbal Arévalos
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Central, Paraguay
| | - Belén Ortíz
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Central, Paraguay
| | - Belén Gaete Humada
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Central, Paraguay
| | - Amiliana Pineda-Fretez
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Central, Paraguay
| | - María Cristina Romero-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Central, Paraguay
| | - María Eugenia Flores Giubi
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Central, Paraguay
| | - Man Mohan Kohli
- Cámara Paraguaya de Exportadores y Comercializadores de Cereales y Oleaginosas (CAPECO), Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Julio C. M. Iehisa
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Central, Paraguay
- * E-mail:
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Sclerotinia sclerotiorum SsCut1 Modulates Virulence and Cutinase Activity. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050526. [PMID: 35628781 PMCID: PMC9143608 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The plant cuticle is one of the protective layers of the external surface of plant tissues. Plants use the cuticle layer to reduce water loss and resist pathogen infection. Fungi release cell wall-degrading enzymes to destroy the epidermis of plants to achieve the purpose of infection. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum secretes a large amount of cutinase to disrupt the cuticle layer of plants during the infection process. In order to further understand the role of cutinase in the pathogenic process of S. sclerotiorum, the S. sclerotiorum cutinsae 1 (SsCut1) gene was cloned and analyzed. The protein SsCut1 contains the conserved cutinase domain and a fungal cellulose-binding domain. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of SsCut1 was significantly upregulated during infection. Split-Marker recombination was utilized for the deletion of the SsCut1 gene, ΔSsCut1 mutants showed reduced cutinase activity and virulence, but the deletion of the SsCut1 gene had no effect on the growth rate, colony morphology, oxalic acid production, infection cushion formation and sclerotial development. Complementation with the wild-type SsCut1 allele restored the cutinase activity and virulence to the wild-type level. Interestingly, expression of SsCut1 in plants can trigger defense responses, but it also enhanced plant susceptibility to SsCut1 gene knock-out mutants. Taken together, our finding demonstrated that the SsCut1 gene promotes the virulence of S. sclerotiorum by enhancing its cutinase activity.
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Prasanth CN, Viswanathan R, Malathi P, Sundar AR. Carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZy) regulate cellulolytic and pectinolytic enzymes in Colletotrichum falcatum causing red rot in sugarcane. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:48. [PMID: 35127303 PMCID: PMC8787009 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Colletotrichum falcatum, an ascomycete pathogen causes red rot of sugarcane which is specialized to infect cane stalks. Cellulolytic and pectinolytic enzymes are necessary for degradation of plant cell wall which stands as barrier for successful fungal pathogenesis. In the study, we have confined to the CAZy genes that regulate cellulolytic and pectinolytic enzymes in two distinctive pathotypes of C. falcatum. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that a number of CAZy genes producing cellulolytic and pectinolytic enzyme were present in the virulent (Cf671) and least virulent (RoC) pathotypes. Two consecutive transcriptome analyses (in vitro) were performed using Illumina Hi Seq 2500, further analysis was done with various bioinformatic tools. In vitro expression analysis of cutinase, glycoside hydrolyase and pectin-related genes revealed number of genes that attributes virulence. Numerous pectin-related genes involved in degradation of plant cell wall, pectinase and pectin lyase are considered to be key precursor in degradation of pectin in sugarcane. These results suggest that cellulolytic enzymes, cutinase and pectin-related genes are essential for degradation of sugarcane cell wall and considered to be an important pathogenic factor in C. falcatum. This is the first detailed report on sugarcane cell wall-degrading enzymes during its interaction with C. falcatum and also this comparative transcriptome analysis provided more insights into pathogen mechanism on C. falcatum. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03113-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Naveen Prasanth
- Division of Crop Protection, Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, 641007 India
| | - R. Viswanathan
- Division of Crop Protection, Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, 641007 India
| | - P. Malathi
- Division of Crop Protection, Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, 641007 India
| | - A. Ramesh Sundar
- Division of Crop Protection, Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore, 641007 India
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11
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Liu JJ, Sniezko RA, Zamany A, Williams H, Omendja K, Kegley A, Savin DP. Comparative Transcriptomics and RNA-Seq-Based Bulked Segregant Analysis Reveals Genomic Basis Underlying Cronartium ribicola vcr2 Virulence. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:602812. [PMID: 33776951 PMCID: PMC7990074 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.602812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Breeding programs of five-needle pines have documented both major gene resistance (MGR) and quantitative disease resistance (QDR) to Cronartium ribicola (Cri), a non-native, invasive fungal pathogen causing white pine blister rust (WPBR). WPBR is one of the most deadly forest diseases in North America. However, Cri virulent pathotypes have evolved and can successfully infect and kill trees carrying resistance (R) genes, including vcr2 that overcomes MGR conferred by the western white pine (WWP, Pinus monticola) R gene (Cr2). In the absence of a reference genome, the present study generated a vcr2 reference transcriptome, consisting of about 20,000 transcripts with 1,014 being predicted to encode secreted proteins (SPs). Comparative profiling of transcriptomes and secretomes revealed vcr2 was significantly enriched for several gene ontology (GO) terms relating to oxidation-reduction processes and detoxification, suggesting that multiple molecular mechanisms contribute to pathogenicity of the vcr2 pathotype for its overcoming Cr2. RNA-seq-based bulked segregant analysis (BSR-Seq) revealed genome-wide DNA variations, including about 65,617 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci in 7,749 polymorphic genes shared by vcr2 and avirulent (Avcr2) pathotypes. An examination of the distribution of minor allele frequency (MAF) uncovered a high level of genomic divergence between vcr2 and Avcr2 pathotypes. By integration of extreme-phenotypic genome-wide association (XP-GWAS) analysis and allele frequency directional difference (AFDD) mapping, we identified a set of vcr2-associated SNPs within functional genes, involved in fungal virulence and other molecular functions. These included six SPs that were top candidate effectors with putative activities of reticuline oxidase, proteins with common in several fungal extracellular membrane (CFEM) domain or ferritin-like domain, polysaccharide lyase, rds1p-like stress responsive protein, and two Cri-specific proteins without annotation. Candidate effectors and vcr2-associated genes provide valuable resources for further deciphering molecular mechanisms of virulence and pathogenicity by functional analysis and the subsequent development of diagnostic tools for monitoring the virulence landscape in the WPBR pathosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jun Liu
- Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Richard A Sniezko
- USDA Forest Service, Dorena Genetic Resource Center, Cottage Grove, OR, United States
| | - Arezoo Zamany
- Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Holly Williams
- Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kangakola Omendja
- Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Angelia Kegley
- USDA Forest Service, Dorena Genetic Resource Center, Cottage Grove, OR, United States
| | - Douglas P Savin
- USDA Forest Service, Dorena Genetic Resource Center, Cottage Grove, OR, United States
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Complete Genome Sequence of Cellulomonas sp. JZ18, a Root Endophytic Bacterium Isolated from the Perennial Desert Tussock-Grass Panicum turgidum. Curr Microbiol 2021; 78:1135-1141. [PMID: 33683416 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-021-02429-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cellulomonas sp. JZ18 is a gram-positive, rod shaped bacterium that was previously isolated from the root endosphere of the perennial desert tussock-grass Panicum turgidum. Genome coverage of PacBio sequencing was approximately 199X. Genome assembly generated a single chromosome of 7,421,843 base pairs with a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 75.60% with 3240 protein coding sequences, 361 pseudo genes, three ribosomal RNA operons, three non-coding RNAs and 45 transfer RNAs. Comparison of JZ18's genome with type strains from the same genus, using digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity calculations, revealed that JZ18 might potentially belong to a new species. Functional analysis revealed the presence of genes that may complement previously observed biochemical and plant phenotypes. Furthermore, the presence of a number of enzymes could be of potential use in industrial processes as biocatalysts. Genome sequencing and analysis, coupled with comparative genomics, of endophytic bacteria for their potential plant growth promoting activities under different soil conditions will accelerate the knowledge and applications of biostimulants in sustainable agriculture.
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Liu R, Wang Y, Li P, Sun L, Jiang J, Fan X, Liu C, Zhang Y. Genome Assembly and Transcriptome Analysis of the Fungus Coniella diplodiella During Infection on Grapevine ( Vitis vinifera L.). Front Microbiol 2021; 11:599150. [PMID: 33505371 PMCID: PMC7829486 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.599150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Grape white rot caused by Coniella diplodiella (Speg.) affects the production and quality of grapevine in China and other grapevine-growing countries. Despite the importance of C. diplodiella as a serious disease-causing agent in grape, the genome information and molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenicity are poorly understood. To bridge this gap, 40.93 Mbp of C. diplodiella strain WR01 was de novo assembled. A total of 9,403 putative protein-coding genes were predicted. Among these, 608 and 248 genes are potentially secreted proteins and candidate effector proteins (CEPs), respectively. Additionally, the transcriptome of C. diplodiella was analyzed after feeding with crude grapevine leaf homogenates, which reveals the transcriptional expression of 9,115 genes. Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that the highly enriched genes are related with carbohydrate metabolism and secondary metabolite synthesis. Forty-three putative effectors were cloned from C. diplodiella, and applied for further functional analysis. Among them, one protein exhibited strong effect in the suppression of BCL2-associated X (BAX)-induced hypersensitive response after transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. This work facilitates valuable genetic basis for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying C. diplodiella-grapevine interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruitao Liu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiming Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Immunity, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Li
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianfu Jiang
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiucai Fan
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chonghuai Liu
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
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14
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Complete genome sequencing and comparative CAZyme analysis of Rhodococcus sp. PAMC28705 and PAMC28707 provide insight into their biotechnological and phytopathogenic potential. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:1731-1742. [PMID: 33459813 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-020-02177-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Study of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) can reveal information about the lifestyle and behavior of an organism. Rhodococcus species is well known for xenobiotic metabolism; however, their carbohydrate utilization ability has been less discussed till date. This study aimed to present the CAZyme analysis of two Rhodococcus strains, PAMC28705 and PAMC28707, isolated from lichens in Antarctica, and compare them with other Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium, and Corynebacterium strains. Genome-wide computational analysis was performed using various tools. Results showed similarities in CAZymes across all the studied genera. All three genera showed potential for significant polysaccharide utilization, including starch, cellulose, and pectin referring their biotechnological potential. Keeping in mind the pathogenic strains listed across all three genera, CAZymes associated to pathogenicity were analyzed too. Cutinase enzyme, which has been associated with phytopathogenicity, was abundant in all the studied organisms. CAZyme gene cluster of Rhodococcus sp. PAMC28705 and Rhodococcus sp. PAMC28707 showed the insertion of cutinase in the cluster, further supporting their possible phytopathogenic properties.
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15
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Zhao Q, Wu J, Zhang L, Yan C, Jiang S, Li Z, Sun D, Lai Y, Gong Z. Genome-scale analyses and characteristics of putative pathogenicity genes of Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum, a pumpkin gummy stem blight fungus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18065. [PMID: 33093634 PMCID: PMC7581720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75235-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of gummy stem blight (GSB), an emerging seed pumpkin disease, have increased in number and have become more widespread in recent years. Previously we reported that Stagonosporopsis cucurbitacearum (Sc.) is the dominant fungal cause of pumpkin seedling GSB in Northeast China, where it has greatly reduced crop yields in that region. Here, high-throughput whole-genome sequencing and assembly of the Sc. genome were conducted toward revealing pathogenic molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in fungal growth and development. Zq-1 as representative Sc. strain, DNA of Zq-1was prepared for genomic sequencing, we obtained 5.24 Gb of high-quality genomic sequence data via PacBio RS II sequencing. After sequence data was processed to filter out low quality reads, a hierarchical genome-assembly process was employed that generated a genome sequence of 35.28 Mb in size. A total of 9844 genes were predicted, including 237 non-coding RNAs, 1024 genes encoding proteins with signal peptides, 2066 transmembrane proteins and 756 secretory proteins.Transcriptional identification revealed 54 differentially expressed secretory proteins. Concurrently, 605, 130 and 2869 proteins were matched in the proprietary databases Carbohydrate-Active EnZymes database (CAZyme), Transporter Classification Database (TCDB) and Pathogen-Host Interactions database (PHI), respectively. And 96 and 36 DEGs were identified form PHI database and CAZyme database, respectively. In addition, contig00011.93 was an up-regulated DEG involving ATP-binding cassette metabolism in the procession of infection. In order to test relevance of gene predictions to GSB, DEGs with potential pathogenic relevance were revealed through transcriptome data analysis of Sc. strains pre- and post-infection of pumpkin. Interestingly, Sc. and Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm.) exhibited relatively similar with genome lengths, numbers of protein-coding genes and other characteristics. This work provides a foundation for future exploration of additional Sc. gene functions toward the development of more effective GSB control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Jianzhong Wu
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Liyan Zhang
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Chao Yan
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin, China
| | - Shukun Jiang
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Zhugang Li
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Dequan Sun
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yongcai Lai
- Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China.
| | - Zhenping Gong
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agriculture University, Harbin, China.
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High quality genome sequences of thirteen Hypoxylaceae (Ascomycota) strengthen the phylogenetic family backbone and enable the discovery of new taxa. FUNGAL DIVERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13225-020-00447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe Hypoxylaceae (Xylariales, Ascomycota) is a diverse family of mainly saprotrophic fungi, which commonly occur in angiosperm-dominated forests around the world. Despite their importance in forest and plant ecology as well as a prolific source of secondary metabolites and enzymes, genome sequences of related taxa are scarce and usually derived from environmental isolates. To address this lack of knowledge thirteen taxonomically well-defined representatives of the family and one member of the closely related Xylariaceae were genome sequenced using combinations of Illumina and Oxford nanopore technologies or PacBio sequencing. The workflow leads to high quality draft genome sequences with an average N50 of 3.0 Mbp. A backbone phylogenomic tree was calculated based on the amino acid sequences of 4912 core genes reflecting the current accepted taxonomic concept of the Hypoxylaceae. A Percentage of Conserved Proteins (POCP) analysis revealed that 70% of the proteins are conserved within the family, a value with potential application for the definition of family boundaries within the order Xylariales. Also, Hypomontagnella spongiphila is proposed as a new marine derived lineage of Hypom. monticulosa based on in-depth genomic comparison and morphological differences of the cultures. The results showed that both species share 95% of their genes corresponding to more than 700 strain-specific proteins. This difference is not reflected by standard taxonomic assessments (morphology of sexual and asexual morph, chemotaxonomy, phylogeny), preventing species delimitation based on traditional concepts. Genetic changes are likely to be the result of environmental adaptations and selective pressure, the driving force of speciation. These data provide an important starting point for the establishment of a stable phylogeny of the Xylariales; they enable studies on evolution, ecological behavior and biosynthesis of natural products; and they significantly advance the taxonomy of fungi.
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Genome-Wide Identification of M35 Family Metalloproteases in Rhizoctonia cerealis and Functional Analysis of RcMEP2 as a Virulence Factor during the Fungal Infection to Wheat. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082984. [PMID: 32340265 PMCID: PMC7215534 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhizoctonia cerealis is the causal pathogen of the devastating disease, sharp eyespot, of the important crop wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In phytopathogenic fungi, several M36 metalloproteases have been implicated in virulence, but pathogenesis roles of M35 family metalloproteases are largely unknown. Here, we identified four M35 family metalloproteases from R. cerealis genome, designated RcMEP2–RcMEP5, measured their transcriptional profiles, and investigated RcMEP2 function. RcMEP2-RcMEP5 are predicted as secreted metalloproteases since each protein sequence contains a signal peptide and an M35 domain that includes two characteristic motifs HEXXE and GTXDXXYG. Transcription levels of RcMEP2-RcMEP5 markedly elevated during the fungus infection to wheat, among which RcMEP2 expressed with the highest level. Functional dissection indicated that RcMEP2 and its M35 domain could trigger H2O2 rapidly-excessive accumulation, induce cell death, and inhibit expression of host chitinases. This consequently enhanced the susceptibility of wheat to R. cerealis and the predicated signal peptide of RcMEP2 functions required for secretion and cell death-induction. These results demonstrate that RcMEP2 is a virulence factor and that its M35 domain and signal peptide are necessary for the virulence role of RcMEP2. This study facilitates a better understanding of the pathogenesis mechanism of metalloproteases in phytopathogens including R. cerealis.
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Global Characterization of GH10 Family Xylanase Genes in Rhizoctonia cerealis and Functional Analysis of Xylanase RcXYN1 During Fungus Infection in Wheat. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051812. [PMID: 32155734 PMCID: PMC7084588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important staple crop. Rhizoctonia cerealis is the causal agent of diseases that are devastating to cereal crops, including wheat. Xylanases play an important role in pathogenic infection, but little is known about xylanases in R. cerealis. Herein, we identified nine xylanase-encoding genes from the R. cerealis genome, named RcXYN1–RcXYN9, examined their expression patterns, and investigated the pathogenicity role of RcXYN1. RcXYN1–RcXYN9 proteins contain two conserved glutamate residues within the active motif in the glycoside hydrolase 10 (GH10) domain. Of them, RcXYN1–RcXYN4 are predicted to be secreted proteins. RcXYN1–RcXYN9 displayed different expression patterns during the infection process of wheat, and RcXYN1, RcXYN2, RcXYN5, and RcXYN9 were expressed highly across all the tested inoculation points. Functional dissection indicated that the RcXYN1 protein was able to induce necrosis/cell-death and H2O2 generation when infiltrated into wheat and Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Furthermore, application of RcXYN1 protein followed by R. cerealis led to significantly higher levels of the disease in wheat leaves than application of the fungus alone. These results demonstrate that RcXYN1 acts as a pathogenicity factor during R. cerealis infection in wheat. This is the first investigation of xylanase genes in R. cerealis, providing novel insights into the pathogenesis mechanisms of R. cerealis.
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Villafana RT, Rampersad SN. Diversity, structure, and synteny of the cutinase gene of Colletotrichum species. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:1425-1443. [PMID: 32076525 PMCID: PMC7029052 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colletotrichum species complexes are among the top 10 economically important fungal plant pathogens worldwide because they can infect climacteric and nonclimacteric fruit at the pre and/or postharvest stages. C. truncatum is the major pathogen responsible for anthracnose of green and red bell pepper fruit worldwide. C. brevisporum was recently reported to be a minor pathogen of red bell pepper fruit in Trinidad, but has recently been reported as pathogenic to other host species in other countries. The ability of these phytopathogens to produce and secrete cutinase is required for dismantling the cuticle of the host plant and, therefore, crucial to the necrotrophic phase of their infection strategy. In vitro bioassays using different lipid substrates confirmed the ability of C. truncatum and C. brevisporum isolates from green and red bell peppers to secrete cutinase. The diversity, structure and organization and synteny of the cutinase gene were determined among different Colletotrichum species. Cluster analysis indicated a low level of nucleotide variation among C. truncatum sequences. Nucleotide sequences of C. brevisporum were more related to C. truncatum cutinase nucleotide sequences than to C. gloeosporioides. Cluster patterns coincided with haplotype and there was evidence of significant positive selection with no recombination signatures. The structure of the cutinase gene included two exons with one intervening intron and, therefore, one splice variant. Although amino acid sequences were highly conserved among C. truncatum isolates, diversity "hot spots" were revealed when the 66-amino acid coding region of 200 fungal species was compared. Twenty cutinase orthologues were detected among different fungal species, whose common ancestor is Pezizomycotina and it is purported that these orthologues arose through a single gene duplication event prior to speciation. The cutinase domain was retained both in structure and arrangement among 34 different Colletotrichum species. The order of aligned genomic blocks between species and the arrangement of flanking protein domains were also conserved and shared for those domains immediately located at the N- and C-terminus of the cutinase domain. Among these were an RNA recognition motif, translation elongation factor, signal peptide, pentatricopeptide repeat, and Hsp70 family of chaperone proteins, all of which support the expression of the cutinase gene. The findings of this study are important to understanding the evolution of the cutinase gene in C. truncatum as a key component of the biotrophic-necrotrophic switch which may be useful in developing gene-targeting strategies to decrease the pathogenic potential of Colletotrichum species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria T. Villafana
- Faculty of Science and TechnologyDepartment of Life SciencesBiochemistry Research LabThe University of the West IndiesSt. AugustineTrinidad and Tobago – West Indies
| | - Sephra N. Rampersad
- Faculty of Science and TechnologyDepartment of Life SciencesBiochemistry Research LabThe University of the West IndiesSt. AugustineTrinidad and Tobago – West Indies
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Santos SA, Vidigal PMP, Thrimawithana A, Betancourth BML, Guimarães LMS, Templeton MD, Alfenas AC. Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal different pathogenicity-related genes among three eucalyptus fungal pathogens. Fungal Genet Biol 2020; 137:103332. [PMID: 31926322 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.103332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Ceratocystis fimbriata is an important plant pathogen known to cause Ceratocystis Wilt (CW), a prevalent fungal disease known to affect Eucalyptus spp. plantations in Brazil. To better understand the molecular mechanisms related to pathogenicity in eucalyptus, we generated a high-quality assembly and annotation of the Ce. fimbriata LPF1912 isolate (LPF1912) genome, as well as the first transcriptome of LPF1912 from 16 eucalyptus clones at three infection incubation periods (12, 18, and 24 h). The LPF1912 genome assembly contains 805 scaffolds, totaling 31.8 Mb, with 43% of the genome estimated to be coding sequence comprised of 7,390 protein-coding genes of which 626 (8.5%) were classified as secreted proteins, 120 ribosomal RNAs, and 532 transfer RNAs. Comparative genomic analysis among three eucalyptus fungal pathogens (Ce. fimbriata, Ce. eucalypticola, and Calonectria pseudoreteaudii), showed high similarity in the proteome (21.81%) and secretome (52.01%) of LPF1912 and Ce. eucalypticola. GO annotation of pathogenicity-related genes of LPF1912 and Ce. eucalypticola, revealed enrichment in cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs), and lipid/cutin metabolism for Ca. pseudoreteaudii. Additionally, a transcriptome analysis between resistant and susceptible eucalyptus clones to CW infection indicated that a majority (11) of LPF1912 differentially expressed genes had GO terms associated with enzymatic functions, such as the polygalacturonase gene family, confirming the crucial role of CWDEs for Ce. fimbriata pathogenicity. Finally, our genomic and transcriptomic analysis approach provides a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in Ce. fimbriata pathogenesis, as well as a framework for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Santos
- Laboratory of Forest Pathology, Department of Plant Pathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil; The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Pedro M P Vidigal
- Núcleo de Análise de Biomoléculas (NuBioMol), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
| | - Amali Thrimawithana
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Blanca M L Betancourth
- Laboratory of Forest Pathology, Department of Plant Pathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
| | - Lúcio M S Guimarães
- Laboratory of Forest Pathology, Department of Plant Pathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
| | - Matthew D Templeton
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Acelino C Alfenas
- Laboratory of Forest Pathology, Department of Plant Pathology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.
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Ma H, Zhang B, Gai Y, Sun X, Chung KR, Li H. Cell-Wall-Degrading Enzymes Required for Virulence in the Host Selective Toxin-Producing Necrotroph Alternaria alternata of Citrus. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2514. [PMID: 31824437 PMCID: PMC6883767 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The necrotrophic fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata attacks many citrus species, causing brown spot disease. Its pathogenic capability depends primarily on the production of host-selective ACT toxin. In the current study a Ste12 transcription factor was characterized to be required for conidial formation and the production of cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) in the tangerine pathotype of A. alternata. The Ste12 deficiency strain (ΔSte12) retained wild-type growth, ACT toxin production, and sensitivity to oxidative and osmotic stress. However, pathogenicity tests assayed on detached Dancy leaves revealed a marked reduction in virulence of ΔSte12. Transcriptome and quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that many genes associated with Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZymes) were downregulated in ΔSte12. Two cutinase-coding genes (AaCut3 and AaCut7) regulated by Ste12 were individually and simultaneously inactivated. The AaCut3 or AaCut7 deficiency strain unchanged in cutinase activities and incited wild-type lesions on Dancy leaves. However, the strain carrying an AaCut3 AaCut7 double mutation produced and secreted significantly fewer cutinases and incited smaller necrotic lesions than wild type. Not only is the host-selective toxin (HST) produced by A. alternata required for fungal penetration and lesion formation, but so too are CWDEs required for full virulence. Overall, this study expands our understanding of how A. alternata overcomes citrus physical barriers to carry out successful penetration and colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijie Ma
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunpeng Gai
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuepeng Sun
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kuang-Ren Chung
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hongye Li
- Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Abstract
Cutinases are α/β hydrolases, and their role in nature is the degradation of cutin. Such enzymes are usually produced by phytopathogenic microorganisms in order to penetrate their hosts. The first focused studies on cutinases started around 50 years ago. Since then, numerous cutinases have been isolated and characterized, aiming at the elucidation of their structure–function relations. Our deeper understanding of cutinases determines the applications by which they could be utilized; from food processing and detergents, to ester synthesis and polymerizations. However, cutinases are mainly efficient in the degradation of polyesters, a natural function. Therefore, these enzymes have been successfully applied for the biodegradation of plastics, as well as for the delicate superficial hydrolysis of polymeric materials prior to their functionalization. Even though research on this family of enzymes essentially began five decades ago, they are still involved in many reports; novel enzymes are being discovered, and new fields of applications arise, leading to numerous related publications per year. Perhaps the future of cutinases lies in their evolved descendants, such as polyesterases, and particularly PETases. The present article reviews the biochemical and structural characteristics of cutinases and cutinase-like hydrolases, and their applications in the field of bioremediation and biocatalysis.
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