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A Novel Predicted Nonclassical Secreted Protein, MfHS1, Contributes to Environmental Fitness and Pathogenicity of
Pei-Shan Wu1,2, Zhe-Zheng Zeng1,2, Yuan-Ling Xiao1,2
1National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
Abstract:
Monilinia fructicola, the most widely distributed species among the Monilinia genus globally, causes blossom blight, twig canker, and fruit rot on Rosaceae fruits. Despite previous studies, limitations still exist regarding virulence of M. fructicola. In this study, we identified a gene significantly upregulated during the early stages of infection. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that this gene encoded a protein containing the HAD_SAK_1 domain (abbreviated as HS1), and we named it MfHS1. Knockout and complemented transformants were generated and evaluated for environmental fitness. Results revealed that MfHS1 was involved in the regulation of osmotic stress and cell wall integrity. Additionally, microscopic observations showed that MfHS1 participated in the differentiation process of hyphal tips. Virulence assays indicated that the knockout transformant ΔMfHS1 exhibited significantly reduced virulence. Considering that MfHS1 is predicted as a nonclassical secreted protein, it was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, and the induced plant cell death was observed, indicating that MfHS1 might trigger plant defense responses, e.g., programmed cell death, and supply nutrients to necrotic pathogens, thus aiding host infection. This study offers a new perspective for further understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of M. fructicola and developing control strategies.
Insights
Researchers identified a new protein, MfHS1, crucial for Monilinia fructicola virulence. This protein regulates osmotic stress and cell wall integrity, aiding infection by potentially triggering plant cell death.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Biology
- Mycology
Background:
- Monilinia fructicola causes significant damage to Rosaceae fruits globally.
- Understanding M. fructicola virulence factors is essential for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify and characterize novel genes involved in M. fructicola pathogenicity.
- Investigate the role of a newly identified gene, MfHS1, in fungal virulence and host interaction.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify upregulated genes during infection.
- Gene knockout and complementation to assess MfHS1 function.
- Microscopic observation of hyphal differentiation.
- Virulence assays on host plants.
- Transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana to study MfHS1 effect on plant tissue.
Main Results:
- A gene encoding a HAD_SAK_1 domain protein, MfHS1, was identified and upregulated during early infection.
- MfHS1 is involved in osmotic stress tolerance and cell wall integrity.
- MfHS1 plays a role in hyphal tip differentiation and is essential for full virulence.
- MfHS1 expression in N. benthamiana induced plant cell death, suggesting a role in host-pathogen interactions.
Conclusions:
- MfHS1 is a key virulence factor for Monilinia fructicola.
- MfHS1 contributes to fungal fitness under stress and hyphal development.
- MfHS1 may induce plant defense responses like programmed cell death, facilitating pathogen nutrient acquisition and infection.
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