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PoMet3 and PoMet14 associated with sulfate assimilation are essential for conidiogenesis and pathogenicity in

Yu Li1, Min Wu2, Qin Yu2

  • 1College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang SCI-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, People's Republic of China.

Current Genetics
|March 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Investigating sulfur assimilation in Pyricularia oryzae, this study reveals that disabling key genes PoMET3 or PoMET14 severely impacts fungal growth, reproduction, and virulence. Restoring cysteine or methionine levels rescues these defects.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Mycology
  • Plant pathology

Background:

  • Pyricularia oryzae causes devastating blast disease in gramineous crops.
  • Sulfur is vital for fungal amino acid synthesis, including cysteine and methionine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of PoMET3 (ATP sulfurylase) and PoMET14 (APS kinase) in sulfur assimilation and amino acid biosynthesis in P. oryzae.
  • To understand the impact of these genes on fungal development and pathogenicity.

Main Methods:

  • Gene deletion (null mutants) of PoMET3 and PoMET14 in P. oryzae.
  • Phenotypic analysis of mutants, including conidiation, hyphal growth, and virulence assays.
  • Complementation studies with exogenous cysteine and methionine.

Main Results:

  • Deletion of PoMET3 or PoMET14 caused severe defects in conidiophore formation and conidiation.
  • Mutants exhibited auxotrophy for methionine and cysteine, reduced invasive growth, and significantly lower virulence on rice and barley.
  • Supplementation with cysteine or methionine restored normal phenotypes in the null mutants.

Conclusions:

  • PoMET3 and PoMET14 are essential for sulfate assimilation and biosynthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids in P. oryzae.
  • Disrupting these pathways compromises fungal development, reproduction, and pathogenicity, highlighting their importance in P. oryzae biology.
Keywords:
APS kinaseATP sulfurylaseConidiogenesisPathogenicitySulfate assimilation

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