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Updated: Aug 23, 2025

Genome-wide Analysis of Histone Modifications Distribution using the Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Method in Magnaporthe oryzae
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Genome-wide Analysis of Histone Modifications Distribution using the Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Method in Magnaporthe oryzae

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Membrane component ergosterol builds a platform for promoting effector secretion and virulence in Magnaporthe oryzae

Ziqian Guo1, Xinyu Liu1,2, Nian Wang1

  • 1Department of Plant Pathology, Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.

The New Phytologist
|October 27, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Ergosterol is vital for rice blast fungus pathogenicity. This study reveals that MoErg4 regulates ergosterol biosynthesis, impacting plasma membrane integrity and essential protein interactions for fungal development.

Area of Science:

  • Plant Pathology
  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The plasma membrane (PM) mediates host-pathogen interactions.
  • Ergosterol is a key fungal membrane sterol, but its role in Magnaporthe oryzae pathogenicity is unknown.
  • Understanding fungal membrane dynamics is crucial for controlling plant diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of ergosterol biosynthesis in Magnaporthe oryzae.
  • To elucidate the function of the sterol reductase MoErg4 in fungal development and pathogenicity.
  • To determine the impact of ergosterol on plasma membrane integrity and protein interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Gene deletion and characterization of MoErg4 in M. oryzae.
  • Analysis of plasma membrane integrity and lipid raft formation.
  • Investigating the localization and interaction of SNARE proteins (MoSso1 and MoSnc1).
  • Assessing the role of ergosterol in effector secretion and pathogenicity.

Main Results:

  • MoErg4 is essential for ergosterol biosynthesis and plasma membrane integrity in M. oryzae.
  • Ergosterol deficiency disrupts lipid rafts and alters SNARE protein (MoSso1, MoSnc1) distribution and interaction.
  • The MoSso1-MoSnc1 interaction is critical for biotrophic interface development and effector secretion.
  • Impaired ergosterol biosynthesis significantly reduces fungal pathogenicity.

Conclusions:

  • Ergosterol-dependent lipid rafts serve as platforms for SNARE protein interactions.
  • These interactions are vital for Magnaporthe oryzae development and host infection.
  • Targeting ergosterol biosynthesis could be a strategy to control rice blast disease.
Keywords:
Magnaporthe oryzaeSNAREeffector secretionergosterollipid raftpathogenicityplasma membrane integrity

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