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Published on: March 3, 2015
MIP diversity from Trichoderma: Structural considerations and transcriptional modulation during mycoparasitic
Maroua Ben Amira1,2, Robin Mom1, David Lopez1
1UCA, UMR PIAF, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Abstract:
Major intrinsic proteins (MIP) are characterized by a transmembrane pore-type architecture that facilitates transport across biomembranes of water and a variety of low molecular weight solutes. They are found in all parts of life, with remarkable protein diversity. Very little is known about MIP from fungi. And yet, it can legitimately be stated that MIP are pivotal molecular components in the privileged relationships fungi enjoy with plants or soil fauna in various environments. To date, MIP have never been studied in a mycoparasitism situation. In this study, the diversity, expression and functional prediction of MIP from the genus Trichoderma were investigated. Trichoderma spp. genomes have at least seven aquaporin genes. Based on a phylogenetic analysis of the translated sequences, members were assigned to the AQP, AQGP and XIP subfamilies. In in vitro and in planta assays with T. harzianum strain Ths97, expression analyses showed that four genes were constitutively expressed. In a mycoparasitic context with Fusarium solani, the causative agent of fusarium dieback on olive tree roots, these genes were up-regulated. This response is of particular interest in analyzing the MIP promoter cis-regulatory motifs, most of which are involved in various carbon and nitrogen metabolisms. Structural analyses provide new insights into the possible role of structural checkpoints by which these members transport water, H2O2, glycerol and, more generally, linear polyols across the membranes. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that MIP may play a key role in Trichoderma mycoparasitism lifestyle.
Insights
Major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) are crucial for fungal interactions. This study reveals MIPs are up-regulated during Trichoderma mycoparasitism, suggesting a key role in this fungal lifestyle.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) form transmembrane pores for transporting water and small solutes across biomembranes.
- MIPs are ubiquitous across life, exhibiting significant diversity, but their role in fungi, especially in mycoparasitism, remains largely unexplored.
- Fungi, like Trichoderma, engage in vital interactions with plants and soil fauna, where MIPs may play a pivotal role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diversity, expression, and functional roles of MIPs within the fungal genus Trichoderma.
- To explore the potential involvement of MIPs in the mycoparasitic interactions of Trichoderma.
- To understand the structural and regulatory aspects of Trichoderma MIPs.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of MIP genes from Trichoderma spp. genomes to classify them into subfamilies (AQP, AQGP, XIP).
- Gene expression analysis using in vitro and in planta assays with Trichoderma harzianum Ths97, including under mycoparasitic conditions against Fusarium solani.
- Analysis of MIP promoter cis-regulatory motifs and structural characteristics.
Main Results:
- Trichoderma spp. possess at least seven aquaporin genes, classified into AQP, AQGP, and XIP subfamilies.
- Four MIP genes were found to be constitutively expressed in T. harzianum Ths97.
- These four genes showed significant up-regulation in a mycoparasitic context against Fusarium solani, with promoter analysis revealing motifs linked to carbon and nitrogen metabolism.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence for the significant role of MIPs in the mycoparasitic lifestyle of Trichoderma.
- Up-regulation of specific MIPs during mycoparasitism suggests their involvement in nutrient acquisition or host interaction.
- Structural insights indicate potential transport functions for water, H2O2, glycerol, and linear polyols, crucial for fungal interactions.
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