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O-mannosyltransferase MaPmt2 contributes to stress tolerance, cell wall integrity and virulence in Metarhizium

Zhiqiong Wen1, Huiting Tian1, Yuxian Xia1

  • 1Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, PR China; Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Chongqing 401331, PR China; Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, PR China.

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
|August 3, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Investigating O-mannosyltransferase MaPmt2 in Metarhizium acridum reveals its crucial role in cell wall integrity, stress tolerance, and virulence. Knockdown mutants show defects in germination and reduced pathogenicity.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • O-mannosyltransferase (PMT) families are conserved enzymes critical for protein glycosylation.
  • In Metarhizium acridum, three PMT subfamilies (MaPmt1, MaPmt2, MaPmt4) exist, with MaPmt1 and MaPmt4 functions previously studied.
  • The role of MaPmt2 in M. acridum remained uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the functions of MaPmt2 in Metarhizium acridum.
  • To investigate the impact of MaPmt2 on fungal cell wall structure, stress resistance, and virulence.

Main Methods:

  • RNA interference (RNAi) strategy was employed to generate MaPmt2 knockdown mutants.
  • Phenotypic analyses included assessments of stress tolerance (wet-heat, UV-B, chemicals), cell wall composition, conidial germination, and yield.
  • Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine cell wall thickness.
  • Virulence assays were conducted using topical inoculation on locusts.

Main Results:

  • MaPmt2 knockdown mutants exhibited significantly reduced MaPmt2 expression.
  • Mutants displayed decreased tolerance to environmental stresses and cell wall perturbing agents.
  • Cell wall analysis revealed thinner cell walls and altered composition in MaPmt2 knockdown strains.
  • Conidial germination and yield were reduced, and virulence was impaired, particularly in topical inoculation.
  • Impaired virulence correlated with delayed germination, reduced appressorium formation, and lower turgor pressure.

Conclusions:

  • MaPmt2 is essential for maintaining cell wall integrity and stress tolerance in M. acridum.
  • MaPmt2 plays a significant role in fungal development, including conidial germination and yield.
  • MaPmt2 contributes to the virulence of M. acridum, likely through its effects on germination, appressorium formation, and turgor pressure.
Keywords:
Cell wall integrityMaPmt2Metarhizium acridumO-mannosyltransferaseVirulence

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