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Using Ustilago maydis as a Trojan Horse for In Situ Delivery of Maize Proteins
Published on: February 8, 2019
Ustilago maydis natural antisense transcript expression alters mRNA stability and pathogenesis
Michael E Donaldson1, Barry J Saville
1Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 7B8.
Molecular Microbiology
|May 9, 2013
Summary
Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) in Ustilago maydis regulate gene expression and pathogenesis. These NATs are crucial for maintaining and expressing stored mRNAs in teliospores, impacting fungal development and infection.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Ustilago maydis, a model biotrophic fungus, forms teliospores for dispersal during Zea mays infection.
- Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are RNA molecules that can regulate gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize NATs in Ustilago maydis.
- To investigate the function of NATs in gene regulation and pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome analysis to identify NATs.
- Strand-specific RT-PCR to confirm NAT expression.
- Functional analysis through NAT expression in haploid cells and deletion mutants.
Main Results:
- 247 NATs complementary to open reading frames were identified in U. maydis.
- NATs were preferentially expressed in teliospores, with some conserved in related fungi.
- Expression of NATs in haploid cells increased complementary mRNA levels and formed dsRNAs.
- Altering NAT expression reduced U. maydis pathogenesis in cob and seedling infections.
Conclusions:
- U. maydis NATs play multiple roles in controlling gene expression and influencing pathogenesis.
- NATs are involved in the maintenance and expression of stored teliospore mRNAs.
- NATs are critical for successful U. maydis infection of Zea mays.
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