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S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferases FoSAMMT affects the growth and pathogenicity of Fusarium
Zhiguo Ren1, Xuanjie Zhao2, Liang Wang1
1College of Plant Protection, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China; College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
Abstract:
S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases use S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl donor to catalyze methylation reactions and play a key role in many biological processes. However, studies of their functions in phytopathogenic fungi are still limited. In this study, knockout of the S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase FoSAMMT in Fusarium oxysporum affected colony growth, the number of conidia, and spore germination rate. Toxin production was reduced, and the strain's pathogenicity to rice and tolerance to multiple stresses were also decreased. FoSAMMT interacts with Ribosomal protein S7 (FoRPS7), and FoSAMMT may be involved in ribosomal biosynthesis, affecting protein synthesis. Both knockout of FoSAMMT and silencing of FoRPS7 affected protein synthesis and antioxidant defense system. Silencing FoRPS7 up-regulated FoSAMMT expression and weakened its pathogenicity to rice. This provides new insights into the functions of S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferases in plant pathogenic fungi.
Insights
Knocking out the FoSAMMT gene in Fusarium oxysporum reduced fungal growth, toxin production, and pathogenicity. This S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase impacts fungal development and virulence.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases are crucial enzymes in biological methylation.
- Their specific roles in phytopathogenic fungi remain largely unexplored.
- Fusarium oxysporum is a significant plant pathogen affecting numerous crops.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase FoSAMMT in Fusarium oxysporum.
- To elucidate the interaction between FoSAMMT and Ribosomal protein S7 (FoRPS7).
- To understand the impact of FoSAMMT on fungal pathogenicity and stress tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Gene knockout of FoSAMMT in Fusarium oxysporum.
- Analysis of colony growth, conidia production, and spore germination.
- Assessment of toxin production and pathogenicity assays on rice.
- Protein-protein interaction studies (FoSAMMT and FoRPS7).
- Gene silencing of FoRPS7 and analysis of protein synthesis and antioxidant defense.
Main Results:
- FoSAMMT knockout significantly affected fungal growth, sporulation, and germination.
- Toxin production and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum were reduced upon FoSAMMT knockout.
- FoSAMMT interacts with FoRPS7, suggesting a role in ribosomal biosynthesis and protein synthesis.
- Both FoSAMMT knockout and FoRPS7 silencing impaired protein synthesis and antioxidant defense.
- FoRPS7 silencing led to increased FoSAMMT expression and reduced fungal pathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- FoSAMMT plays a vital role in the growth, development, and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum.
- The FoSAMMT-FoRPS7 interaction is linked to protein synthesis and the antioxidant defense system.
- Understanding these methyltransferases offers new strategies for controlling plant pathogenic fungi.
