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Expression of an alpha-1,3-glucanase during mycoparasitic interaction of Trichoderma asperellum
Luis Sanz1, Manuel Montero, José Redondo
1IBVF-CIC Isla de la Cartuja, CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Spain.
Abstract:
Trichoderma species have been investigated as biological control agents for over 70 years owing to their ability to antagonize plant pathogenic fungi. Mycoparasitism, one of the main mechanisms involved in the antagonistic activity of Trichoderma strains, depends on the secretion of complex mixtures of hydrolytic enzymes able to degrade the host cell wall. The antifungal activity of an alpha-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.59, enzymes able to degrade alpha-1,3-glucans and also named mutanases) has been described in T. harzianum and its role in mycoparasitic processes has been suggested. In this study, we report on the purification, characterization and cloning of an exo-alpha-1,3-glucanase, namely AGN13.2, from the antagonistic fungus T. asperellum T32. Expression at the transcription level in confrontation assays against the strawberry pathogen Botrytis cinerea strongly supports the role of AGN13.2 during the antagonistic action of T. asperellum.
Insights
Trichoderma asperellum secretes an enzyme called exo-alpha-1,3-glucanase (AGN13.2) that helps it fight fungal plant pathogens like Botrytis cinerea. This enzyme is key to its biological control abilities.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Trichoderma species are well-established biological control agents against plant pathogenic fungi.
- Mycoparasitism, a key antagonistic mechanism of Trichoderma, relies on secreted hydrolytic enzymes that degrade fungal cell walls.
- Alpha-1,3-glucanases (mutanases) have been implicated in the mycoparasitic activity of Trichoderma harzianum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To purify, characterize, and clone an exo-alpha-1,3-glucanase from Trichoderma asperellum T32.
- To investigate the role of this enzyme in the antagonistic action against Botrytis cinerea.
Main Methods:
- Purification and characterization of the exo-alpha-1,3-glucanase (AGN13.2).
- Cloning of the gene encoding AGN13.2.
- Confrontation assays between T. asperellum T32 and Botrytis cinerea.
- Analysis of AGN13.2 gene expression at the transcriptional level during confrontation.
Main Results:
- An exo-alpha-1,3-glucanase, designated AGN13.2, was successfully purified and characterized from T. asperellum T32.
- The gene encoding AGN13.2 was cloned.
- Transcriptional analysis showed increased expression of AGN13.2 during confrontation with Botrytis cinerea.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the role of the exo-alpha-1,3-glucanase AGN13.2 in the mycoparasitic and antagonistic activity of Trichoderma asperellum.
- AGN13.2 is a crucial enzyme for T. asperellum's biological control capabilities against pathogens like Botrytis cinerea.
