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Updated: Nov 30, 2025
A Comparative Approach to Characterize the Landscape of Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interactions
Published on: July 18, 2013
Genomic Characterisation of Mushroom Pathogenic Pseudomonads and Their Interaction with Bacteriophages
Nathaniel Storey1, Mojgan Rabiey1,2, Benjamin W Neuman3
1School of Biological Sciences, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AJ, UK.
Abstract:
Bacterial diseases of the edible white button mushroom Agaricus bisporus caused by Pseudomonas species cause a reduction in crop yield, resulting in considerable economic loss. We examined bacterial pathogens of mushrooms and bacteriophages that target them to understand the disease and opportunities for control. The Pseudomonastolaasii genome encoded a single type III protein secretion system (T3SS), but contained the largest number of non-ribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) genes, multimodular enzymes that can play a role in pathogenicity, including a putative tolaasin-producing gene cluster, a toxin causing blotch disease symptom. However, Pseudomonasagarici encoded the lowest number of NRPS and three putative T3SS while non-pathogenic Pseudomonas sp. NS1 had intermediate numbers. Potential bacteriophage resistance mechanisms were identified in all three strains, but only P. agarici NCPPB 2472 was observed to have a single Type I-F CRISPR/Cas system predicted to be involved in phage resistance. Three novel bacteriophages, NV1, ϕNV3, and NV6, were isolated from environmental samples. Bacteriophage NV1 and ϕNV3 had a narrow host range for specific mushroom pathogens, whereas phage NV6 was able to infect both mushroom pathogens. ϕNV3 and NV6 genomes were almost identical and differentiated within their T7-like tail fiber protein, indicating this is likely the major host specificity determinant. Our findings provide the foundations for future comparative analyses to study mushroom disease and phage resistance.
Insights
This study investigates mushroom bacterial pathogens and bacteriophages for disease control. Researchers identified specific genes and isolated novel bacteriophages, offering insights into managing bacterial blotch disease in Agaricus bisporus.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Plant Pathology
- Genomics
Background:
- Bacterial diseases in *Agaricus bisporus* (*white button mushroom*) cause significant economic losses.
- Understanding mushroom pathogens and their bacteriophages is crucial for developing control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genomes of *Pseudomonas* species pathogenic to mushrooms.
- To identify bacteriophages with potential for controlling mushroom bacterial diseases.
- To investigate mechanisms of bacteriophage resistance in mushroom pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of *Pseudomonas* strains (*P. tolaasii*, *P. agarici*, *Pseudomonas* sp. NS1).
- Bioinformatic analysis of virulence factors, including type III protein secretion systems (T3SS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthases (NRPS).
- Isolation and characterization of novel bacteriophages from environmental samples.
- Host range determination and genome sequencing of isolated bacteriophages (NV1, ϕNV3, NV6).
Main Results:
- *P. tolaasii* possesses a T3SS and numerous NRPS genes, including a putative tolaasin cluster.
- *P. agarici* had fewer NRPS genes and multiple T3SS compared to *P. tolaasii*.
- Three novel bacteriophages were isolated; NV1 and ϕNV3 showed narrow host ranges, while NV6 infected both pathogens.
- Phage genomes ϕNV3 and NV6 were nearly identical, with variations in the T7-like tail fiber protein suggesting a role in host specificity.
- *P. agarici* was the only strain with a predicted CRISPR/Cas system for phage resistance.
Conclusions:
- Genomic differences in T3SS and NRPS correlate with pathogenicity in mushroom *Pseudomonas* species.
- Novel bacteriophages, particularly NV6, show promise for controlling mushroom bacterial diseases.
- The T7-like tail fiber protein is a key determinant of bacteriophage host specificity.
- Further research can leverage these findings for developing phage-based biocontrol strategies against mushroom diseases.
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