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Functional role of FvMdm10 in stress response, pathogenicity, and fumonisins production in fusarium verticillioides

Zehua Zhou1,2,3, Huacui Wang1,2, Jie Liu1,2

  • 1Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Biology and Control of Plant Pests, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.

Virulence
|September 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

FvMdm10, a key component of the endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial encounter structure (ERMES), is vital for fungal development and fumonisin biosynthesis in Fusarium verticillioides. Deleting FvMdm10 impairs virulence and toxin production, highlighting its role in fungal pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Plant Pathology

Background:

  • The Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondrial Encounter Structure (ERMES) is crucial for mitochondrial function.
  • Mitochondrial integrity is essential for fumonisin biosynthesis.
  • The specific roles of ERMES subunits in phytopathogenic fungi are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the biological functions of FvMdm10, a core ERMES component, in the fumonisin-producing fungus Fusarium verticillioides.
  • To determine the role of FvMdm10 in fungal development, virulence, stress response, and fumonisin biosynthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Gene deletion of FvMdm10 in Fusarium verticillioides.
  • Assessment of fungal virulence on maize kernels.
  • Evaluation of vegetative growth and conidia germination.
  • Analysis of resistance to Quinone outside Inhibitors (QoIs).
  • Microscopic observation of vacuole morphology.
  • Quantification of fumonisin B1 (FB1) production.
  • Assessment of oxidative stress response.

Main Results:

  • The FvMdm10 deletion mutant (ΔFvMdm10) showed reduced virulence, impaired growth, and decreased conidia germination.
  • ΔFvMdm10 exhibited increased resistance to QoIs.
  • Anomalous vacuole morphology was observed in ΔFvMdm10.
  • FB1 production was significantly decreased in ΔFvMdm10.
  • The mutant utilized accumulated lipid droplets to cope with oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

  • FvMdm10 is critical for fungal development, virulence, and stress tolerance in Fusarium verticillioides.
  • FvMdm10 plays a significant role in regulating fumonisin biosynthesis.
  • The study elucidates the multifaceted functions of FvMdm10 in a toxigenic fungus.
Keywords:
Fusarium verticillioidesFvMdm10fumonisinslipid droplets

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