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Updated: Nov 18, 2025
Genome-wide Analysis of Histone Modifications Distribution using the Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Method in Magnaporthe oryzae
Published on: June 2, 2021
The COMPASS-like complex modulates fungal development and pathogenesis by regulating H3K4me3-mediated targeted gene
Sida Zhou1, Xiuying Liu2, Wanyu Sun1
1Beijing Key Laboratory of New Technology in Agricultural Application, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Plant Production Education, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Histone-3-lysine-4 (H3K4) methylation is catalysed by the multiprotein complex known as the Set1/COMPASS or MLL/COMPASS-like complex, an element that is highly evolutionarily conserved from yeast to humans. However, the components and mechanisms by which the COMPASS-like complex targets the H3K4 methylation of plant-pathogenic genes in fungi remain elusive. Here we present a comprehensive analysis combining biochemical, molecular, and genome-wide approaches to characterize the roles of the COMPASS-like family in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, a model plant pathogen. We purified and identified six conserved subunits of COMPASS from M. oryzae: MoBre2 (Cps60/ASH2L), MoSpp1 (Cps40/Cfp1), MoSwd2 (Cps35), MoSdc1 (Cps25/DPY30), MoSet1 (MLL/ALL), and MoRbBP5 (Cps50), using an affinity tag on MoBre2. We determined the sequence repeat in dual-specificity kinase splA and ryanodine receptors domain of MoBre2 can interact directly with the DPY30 domain of MoSdc1 in vitro. Furthermore, we found that deletion of the genes encoding COMPASS subunits of MoBre2, MoSPP1, and MoSwd2 caused similar defects regarding invasive hyphal development and pathogenicity. Genome-wide profiling of H3K4me3 revealed that it has remarkable co-occupancy at the transcription start site regions of target genes. Significantly, these target genes are often involved in spore germination and pathogenesis. Decreased gene expression caused by the deletion of MoBre2, MoSwd2, or MoSpp1 was highly correlated with a decrease in H3K4me3. These results suggest that MoBre2, MoSpp1, and MoSwd2 function as a whole COMPASS complex, contributing to fungal development and pathogenesis by regulating H3K4me3-targeted genes in M. oryzae.
Insights
The COMPASS complex in Magnaporthe oryzae regulates Histone-3-lysine-4 (H3K4) methylation, crucial for fungal development and pathogenicity. Key subunits MoBre2, MoSpp1, and MoSwd2 are essential for targeting H3K4me3 to genes involved in spore germination and infection.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
- Mycology
Background:
- Histone-3-lysine-4 (H3K4) methylation is vital for gene regulation and is catalyzed by the conserved Set1/COMPASS complex.
- The specific roles and mechanisms of COMPASS-like complexes in plant-pathogenic fungi, like Magnaporthe oryzae, remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze the COMPASS-like family's function in the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae.
- To elucidate the roles of COMPASS subunits in regulating H3K4 methylation, fungal development, and pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical purification and identification of COMPASS subunits using affinity tagging (MoBre2).
- In vitro interaction studies between COMPASS subunits (MoBre2 and MoSdc1).
- Genetic analysis via gene deletion mutants and genome-wide profiling of H3K4me3 occupancy and gene expression.
Main Results:
- Six conserved COMPASS subunits (MoBre2, MoSpp1, MoSwd2, MoSdc1, MoSet1, MoRbBP5) were identified in M. oryzae.
- Deletion of MoBre2, MoSpp1, and MoSwd2 genes resulted in defects in invasive hyphal growth and pathogenicity.
- H3K4me3 was found to co-occupy transcription start sites of genes critical for spore germination and pathogenesis, with decreased H3K4me3 correlating with reduced gene expression upon COMPASS subunit deletion.
Conclusions:
- MoBre2, MoSpp1, and MoSwd2 function as a core COMPASS complex in M. oryzae.
- This complex is essential for regulating H3K4me3 methylation of target genes involved in fungal development and pathogenicity.
- The study provides insights into the epigenetic mechanisms governing plant-pathogen interactions.
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