Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
07:09
A Rapid and Efficient Method for Assessing Pathogenicity of Ustilago maydis on Maize and Teosinte Lines
Published on: January 3, 2014
Establishment of compatibility in the Ustilago maydis/maize pathosystem
Gunther Doehlemann1, Ramon Wahl, Miroslav Vranes
1Max-Planck-Institut für Terrestrische Mikrobiologie, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse, D-35043 Marburg, Germany.
Journal of Plant Physiology
|October 2, 2007
Summary
Ustilago maydis causes maize tumors by differentiating within plant cells and cavities. The fungus likely softens plant cell walls for growth rather than consuming carbohydrates.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ustilago maydis is a biotrophic pathogen of maize, causing significant crop damage.
- Tumor formation is a key symptom, characterized by fungal proliferation and spore differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the fungal differentiation and gene expression of Ustilago maydis during maize tumor development.
- To investigate the role of plant cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs) in the pathogenesis of U. maydis.
Main Methods:
- Confocal microscopy was used to examine early and late tumor stages.
- Gene expression analysis (array analysis) was performed for U. maydis CWDE genes.
- Deletion mutants for pectinolytic enzyme genes were created using gene replacement.
Main Results:
- Fungal differentiation was observed both within plant cells and in large mycelial aggregates in cavities.
- Expression profiles of CWDE genes varied significantly between early and late tumor stages.
- Single and triple deletion mutants of pectinolytic enzyme genes showed no impairment in pathogenic development.
Conclusions:
- Ustilago maydis likely softens maize cell walls for in planta growth rather than utilizing plant carbohydrates.
- The study provides insights into the mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
