CcAbl1 is required for virulence via regulating NADPH-glutathione-mediated redox balance in Cytospora chrysosperma

To counteract the reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from host plants, pathogenic fungi employ various strategies to overcome ROS or balance redox homeostasis. Glucose metabolism is vital for fungi and provides NADPH for antioxidation, but the molecular features linking glucose metabolism and redox homeostasis in fungi remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that CcAbl1 is indispensable for the maintenance of glucose metabolism, redox homeostasis and pathogenicity in Cytospora chrysosperma. Loss of CcAbl1 severely compromises glucose utilization, disrupts carbohydrate metabolic pathways, markedly reduces intracellular NADPH levels and virulence. Furthermore, we provided evidence how CcAbl1 is involved in glucose utilization, NADPH balance, glutathione biosynthesis, and oxidative stress tolerance. These results demonstrate that CcAbl1 links virulence to NADPH and glutathione to maintain redox homeostasis in C. chrysosperma.