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A Hydroponic Co-cultivation System for Simultaneous and Systematic Analysis of Plant/Microbe Molecular Interactions and Signaling
Published on: July 22, 2017
Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals infection strategies of Botrytis deweyae on Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua
Ming Liu1, Wanli Ma1,2, Tiantian Guo1
1College of Biological and Food Engineering, Chongqing Sanxia University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, China.
Abstract:
Botrytis deweyae causes gray mold on Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua, but its infection mechanism remains unknown. Microscopy (optical, SEM, and TEM) revealed that B. deweyae invades P. cyrtonema leaves either by direct penetration, characterized by the secretion of gelatinous substances and formation of infection cushions, or through stomatal invasion. Transcriptome analysis revealed that glyceride metabolism, oxidoreductase activity, and MAPK signal transduction facilitated the infection of P. cyrtonema leaves by B. deweyae. Glyceride metabolism was associated with lipid transport, lipid localization, sterol transport, and other material transport within the cell membrane. Host-derived high osmotic pressure triggered the MAPK signaling pathway in B. deweyae, leading to the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes for osmotic regulation. The significant enrichment of Hog1 (K04441) within the MAPK pathway indicates its potential role in modulating the osmotic stress response signaling pathway in B. deweyae. This study provides a theoretical framework for the pathogenesis of B. deweyae and aids in the development of targeted treatments for gray mold.
Insights
Botrytis deweyae infects Polygonatum cyrtonema leaves through direct penetration or stomatal invasion. Glyceride metabolism and MAPK signaling, including Hog1, are key to its pathogenesis and osmotic stress response.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Botrytis deweyae is a pathogen causing gray mold disease on Polygonatum cyrtonema.
- The infection mechanisms of B. deweyae on P. cyrtonema remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the infection mechanisms of Botrytis deweyae on Polygonatum cyrtonema.
- To identify key molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of B. deweyae.
Main Methods:
- Optical, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to observe infection structures.
- Transcriptome analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes during infection.
Main Results:
- B. deweyae invades P. cyrtonema leaves via direct penetration (using gelatinous substances and infection cushions) or stomatal invasion.
- Glyceride metabolism, oxidoreductase activity, and MAPK signal transduction pathways were significantly enriched and facilitate infection.
- Host-derived osmotic pressure activates the MAPK pathway in B. deweyae, leading to antioxidant enzyme expression for osmotic regulation, with Hog1 playing a potential role.
Conclusions:
- This study provides insights into the pathogenesis of B. deweyae on P. cyrtonema.
- Understanding these mechanisms can aid in developing targeted strategies for gray mold management.

