Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Genome-wide Analysis of Histone Modifications Distribution using the Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Method in Magnaporthe oryzae
09:25

Genome-wide Analysis of Histone Modifications Distribution using the Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing Method in Magnaporthe oryzae

Published on: June 2, 2021

A putative rRNA methyltransferase Mrm1 regulates mitochondrial dynamics and pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae

Mi Shen1, Xiaowen Xu2, Shikun Xiang3

  • 1Hubei Zhongke Research Institute of Industrial Technology, College of Biology and Agricultural Resources, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang, China.

Virulence
|August 12, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The study reveals that Mrm1, an rRNA methyltransferase in Magnaporthe oryzae, is crucial for rice blast fungus pathogenicity. Its absence disrupts mitochondrial dynamics, impairing fungal growth and infection capabilities.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Mycology
  • Plant Pathology

Background:

  • Rice blast disease, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, poses a significant threat to global food security.
  • Mitochondrial function is essential for the energy demands of fungal pathogens during host invasion.
  • The role of epitranscriptomic regulators in fungal pathogenicity is an emerging area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function of Mrm1, a putative rRNA methyltransferase, in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae.
  • To determine the impact of Mrm1 on mitochondrial dynamics, fungal growth, and pathogenicity.
  • To explore the regulatory mechanisms underlying Mrm1's effects on mitochondrial proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Gene deletion of MRM1 in M. oryzae.
  • Microscopy to observe mitochondrial morphology and dynamics.
  • Assessment of fungal growth, appressorium formation, and pathogenicity assays.
  • Quantitative analysis of mitochondrial protein and transcript levels.

Main Results:

  • Mrm1 deficiency resulted in delayed appressorium formation and reduced pathogenicity.
  • Loss of Mrm1 led to abnormal filamentous mitochondrial morphology, disrupting fission-fusion balance.
  • Mrm1 absence reduced protein levels of mitochondrial dynamics regulators Dnm1 and Fzo1 without altering their transcript levels, suggesting translational regulation.
  • The N-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS) of Mrm1 is essential for its localization and function.

Conclusions:

  • Mrm1 plays a critical role in regulating mitochondrial dynamics and is vital for the pathogenicity of M. oryzae.
  • Epitranscriptomic regulation by Mrm1 influences fungal infection processes.
  • Mrm1 represents a potential target for developing novel strategies to combat rice blast disease.
Keywords:
Magnaporthe oryzaeMrm1mitochondrial dynamicspathogenicityrRNA methylationrice blast disease

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