Tactics of host manipulation by intracellular effectors from plant pathogenic fungi
Melania Figueroa1, Diana Ortiz2, Eva C Henningsen3
1Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Agriculture and Food, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
Abstract:
Fungal pathogens can secrete hundreds of effectors, some of which are known to promote host susceptibility. This biological complexity, together with the lack of genetic tools in some fungi, presents a substantial challenge to develop a broad picture of the mechanisms these pathogens use for host manipulation. Nevertheless, recent advances in understanding individual effector functions are beginning to flesh out our view of fungal pathogenesis. This review discusses some of the latest findings that illustrate how effectors from diverse species use similar strategies to modulate plant physiology to their advantage. We also summarize recent breakthroughs in the identification of effectors from challenging systems, like obligate biotrophs, and emerging concepts such as the 'iceberg model' to explain how the activation of plant immunity can be turned off by effectors with suppressive activity.
Insights
Fungal pathogens use effectors to manipulate plants, often by suppressing plant immunity. Recent research reveals common strategies across species and new insights into effector functions in challenging fungal systems.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Fungal pathogens secrete numerous effectors, complicating the study of host manipulation.
- Genetic tool limitations in some fungi hinder a comprehensive understanding of pathogenesis.
- Individual effector functions are increasingly understood, advancing knowledge of fungal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on fungal effector strategies in plant pathogenesis.
- To highlight common effector mechanisms across diverse fungal species.
- To discuss breakthroughs in identifying effectors from difficult-to-study fungi and novel concepts like the 'iceberg model'.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advances in fungal effector research.
- Synthesis of findings on effector-mediated modulation of plant physiology.
- Summary of new discoveries in obligate biotrophs and effector-triggered immunity suppression.
Main Results:
- Effectors from various fungal species employ similar strategies to alter plant physiology.
- Progress has been made in identifying effectors from challenging fungal systems, including obligate biotrophs.
- The 'iceberg model' offers a framework for understanding how effectors inhibit plant immunity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding fungal effectors is crucial for comprehending plant disease.
- Convergent evolution of effector strategies is evident across fungal pathogens.
- Future research should focus on effector functions in diverse fungal species and their role in immunity evasion.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:26Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
02:40Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
01:10Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria