Insights into the lysine acetylation in growth and pathogenicity for pine wilt nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

Lysine acetylation is involved in the growth and pathogenicity of pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, nematodes. Pine wilt nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a major global quarantine plant issue that inflicts severe damage on pine trees, leading to substantial economic losses and threats to ecological security. However, the functional significance of lysine acetylation in PWN remains largely unexplored.

In this study, we employed the pan-deacetylase inhibitor LBH589 to investigate the effects of acetylation on PWN growth, reproduction, and pathogenicity. LBH589 treatment induces hyperacetylation, correlating with suppressed feeding, reproduction, and development rates. Proteome-wide analysis identified 3919 acetylation sites on 1725 proteins, predominantly involved in metabolic pathways, detoxification, and pathogenicity. The decrease in acetylation levels during PWN invasion and the reduction in survival rate under reactive oxygen species (ROS) and LBH589 further highlight the regulatory role of acetylation.

We provide the first evidence that (1) acetylation exerts profound effects on PWN growth, virulence, and stress tolerance, and (2) that defines the repertoire and functional roles of acetylated proteins in PWN. This dual discovery offers a new perspective for dissecting PWN pathogenicity and identifying innovative control targets, while laying the groundwork for acetylation-centered virulence studies. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.