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A cryptic pigment biosynthetic pathway uncovered by heterologous expression is essential for conidial development in

Peng Zhang1,2, Xiuna Wang1,3, Aili Fan1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Molecular Microbiology
|May 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals that the polyketide synthase gene PfmaE is crucial for multicellular fungal spore development and pigmentation in Pestalotiopsis fici. It demonstrates that this gene cluster produces DHN melanin, essential for spore structure and adherence.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Biochemistry
  • Plant Pathology

Background:

  • Spore pigmentation is common in fungi, with melanin being the most studied pigment.
  • The function of pigments in multicellular fungal spores remains poorly understood.
  • Pestalotiopsis fici, a plant endophytic fungus, possesses multicellular conidia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize genes involved in multicellular conidial pigmentation and development in Pestalotiopsis fici.
  • To elucidate the melanin biosynthesis pathway in this fungus.
  • To understand the role of pigments in fungal spore structure and function.

Main Methods:

  • Gene deletion of the polyketide synthase (PKS) gene PfmaE in Pestalotiopsis fici.
  • Heterologous expression of the PfmaE gene and the Pfma gene cluster in Aspergillus nidulans.
  • Structural elucidation of pathway metabolites, specifically scytalone.
  • Combinatorial gene expression and feeding experiments with scytalone.

Main Results:

  • Deletion of PfmaE abolished pigmentation and multicellular adherence in Pestalotiopsis fici conidia.
  • The Pfma gene cluster was confirmed to synthesize DHN melanin via scytalone.
  • The PKS PfmaE and reductase PfmaG were sufficient for scytalone synthesis.
  • Restoration of pigmentation and adherence was achieved by feeding scytalone to the mutant.

Conclusions:

  • PfmaE is essential for multicellular conidial pigmentation and development in Pestalotiopsis fici.
  • The identified pathway synthesizes DHN melanin, contributing to spore structural integrity.
  • Fungal pigments play vital roles in spore development and adherence, beyond stress protection.

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