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Published on: March 31, 2017
Evolution and related pathogenic genes of Pseudodiploöspora longispora on Morchella based on genomic characterization
Jiangtao Xie1,2, Xue Liu1,2, Zaili Qin1,2
1Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
Abstract:
True morels (Morchella) are globally renowned medicinal and edible mushrooms. White mold disease caused by fungi is the main disease of Morchella, which has the characteristics of wide incidence and strong destructiveness. The disparities observed in the isolation rates of different pathogens indicate their varying degrees of host adaptability and competitive survival abilities. In order to elucidate its potential mechanism, this study, the pathogen of white mold disease from Dafang county, Guizhou Province was isolated and purified, identified as Pseudodiploöspora longispora by morphological, molecular biological and pathogenicity tests. Furthermore, high-quality genome of P. longisporus (40.846 Mb) was assembled N50 of 3.09 Mb, predicts 7381 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis of single-copy homologous genes showed that P. longispora and Zelopaecilomyces penicillatus have the closest evolutionary relationship, diverging into two branches approximately 50 (44.3-61.4) MYA. Additionally, compared with the other two pathogens causing Morchella disease, Z. penicillatus and Cladobotryum protrusum, it was found that they had similar proportions of carbohydrate enzyme types and encoded abundant cell wall degrading enzymes, such as chitinase and glucanase, indicating their important role in disease development. Moreover, the secondary metabolite gene clusters of P. longispora and Z. penicillatus show a high degree of similarity to leucinostatin A and leucinostatin B (peptaibols). Furthermore, a gene cluster with synthetic toxic substance Ochratoxin A was also identified in P. longispora and C. protrusum, indicating that they may pose a potential threat to food safety. This study provides valuable insights into the genome of P. longispora, contributing to pathogenicity research.
Insights
A new fungus, Pseudodiploöspora longispora, causing white mold disease in edible morel mushrooms was identified. Its genome analysis reveals shared traits with other pathogens and potential food safety risks from toxins.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Genomics
Background:
- True morels (Morchella) are valuable edible and medicinal mushrooms facing significant threats from white mold disease.
- Fungal pathogens causing white mold disease exhibit varying host adaptability and destructive capabilities, necessitating detailed investigation.
- Understanding these pathogens is crucial for developing effective disease management strategies in morel cultivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate, identify, and characterize the primary fungal pathogen responsible for white mold disease in morels from Guizhou Province.
- To perform whole-genome sequencing and analysis of the identified pathogen to understand its genetic makeup and evolutionary relationships.
- To compare the identified pathogen with other known morel pathogens regarding enzymatic capabilities and secondary metabolite production.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of the causal agent from infected morel mushrooms.
- Morphological, molecular (DNA sequencing), and pathogenicity tests for pathogen identification.
- High-throughput genome sequencing, assembly, gene prediction, and phylogenetic analysis.
- Comparative analysis of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes and secondary metabolite gene clusters.
Main Results:
- The white mold pathogen was identified as Pseudodiploöspora longispora.
- A high-quality genome of P. longisporus was assembled, predicting 7381 protein-coding genes.
- Phylogenetic analysis revealed P. longisporus's closest relationship with Zelopaecilomyces penicillatus, diverging approximately 50 million years ago.
- P. longisporus, Z. penicillatus, and Cladobotryum protrusum share abundant cell wall degrading enzymes (chitinase, glucanase).
- P. longisporus and Z. penicillatus possess similar gene clusters for leucinostatins; P. longisporus and C. protrusum contain a gene cluster for Ochratoxin A.
Conclusions:
- Pseudodiploöspora longispora is identified as a significant pathogen of morel mushrooms.
- The genome of P. longisporus provides insights into its pathogenicity, particularly its enzymatic machinery for host degradation.
- The presence of Ochratoxin A gene clusters in P. longisporus and C. protrusum indicates potential food safety concerns.
- This research contributes valuable genomic data for understanding and managing morel diseases.
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