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Monilinia fructicola genes involved in the cell wall-degrading process in early nectarine infection
Juan Diego Astacio1, Paloma Melgarejo2, Antonieta De Cal2
1Grupo de Hongos Fitopatógenos, Departamento de Protección Vegetal, Centro Nacional INIA-CSIC, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Programa Biotecnología y Recursos Genéticos de Plantas y Microorganismos Asociados, ETSIA, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Brown rot symptoms may be linked to alterations in the gene expression pattern of genes associated with cell wall degradation. In this study, we identify key carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) involved in cell wall degradation by Monilinia fructicola, including pme2 and pme3 (pectin methylesterases), cut1 (cutinase) and nep2 (necrosis-inducing factor). The expression of these genes is significantly modulated by red and blue light during early nectarine infection. The polygalacturonase gene pg1 and the cellulase gene cel1 also exhibit photoinduction albeit to a lesser extent. Red and blue light cause an acceleration in the initial stages of brown rot development caused by M. fructicola on nectarines. Disease symptoms like tissue maceration were evident after an incubation period of 24 h followed by 14 h of light exposition, in contrast to the usual incubation period of 48 to 72 h. Furthermore, the culture media exerts an impact on gene regulation, suggesting a complex interplay between light and nutrient signalling pathways in M. fructicola. In addition, we observe that red light promotes colony growth on a 12 h photoperiod and consistently reduces conidiation. In contrast, blue light hampers growth rate on both the 12 h and the 8 h photoperiod but only diminishes conidiation on the 12 h photoperiod. These findings enhance our comprehension of genes associated with cell wall degradation and the environmental factors influencing brown rot development.
Insights
Light significantly impacts brown rot development by altering gene expression in Monilinia fructicola. Red and blue light accelerate infection and affect fungal growth and conidiation.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Molecular biology
- Mycology
Background:
- Brown rot, caused by Monilinia fructicola, leads to significant crop losses.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms and environmental triggers of brown rot is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) involved in cell wall degradation by M. fructicola.
- To investigate the influence of red and blue light on the expression of these genes and the development of brown rot.
- To explore the combined effects of light and culture media on M. fructicola gene regulation and growth.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis of CAZymes (pme2, pme3, cut1, nep2, pg1, cel1) under different light conditions.
- Monitoring brown rot symptom development on nectarines following light exposure.
- Assessing fungal colony growth and conidiation rates under varying photoperiods and light colors.
Main Results:
- Expression of key cell wall degrading genes (pme2, pme3, cut1, nep2) is significantly modulated by red and blue light.
- Photoinduction of polygalacturonase (pg1) and cellulase (cel1) genes was observed.
- Red and blue light accelerated brown rot development, reducing incubation time from 48-72 hours to 24 hours plus light exposure.
- Red light promoted colony growth and reduced conidiation, while blue light hampered growth and reduced conidiation under specific photoperiods.
- Culture media impacts gene regulation, indicating complex light-nutrient signaling interactions.
Conclusions:
- Light, particularly red and blue wavelengths, plays a critical role in regulating the virulence of M. fructicola by modulating cell wall degrading enzyme expression.
- Light significantly accelerates brown rot disease progression in nectarines.
- Environmental factors like light and nutrient availability interact to influence fungal gene expression, growth, and pathogenicity.
