MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

NtCML19 Is Recruited by Tobacco to Interact With the Deacetylase Protein RsDN3377 of Rhizoctonia solani AG3-TB, Inhibiting Fungal Infection

Summary

Tobacco plants are under attack from a fungal disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Scientists discovered that this fungus produces a protein called RsDN3377 that helps it grow and infect plants. However, tobacco plants have evolved a defense protein called NtCML19 that recognizes RsDN3377 and triggers an immune response to fight off the infection. By engineering tobacco plants to produce more NtCML19, researchers showed they could make the plants more resistant to the disease, suggesting a potential new strategy for protecting crops.

Background

Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group 3 (AG3-TB) is a major necrotrophic fungal pathogen causing significant tobacco crop yield losses globally. Secreted proteins produced by filamentous fungi play crucial roles as virulence factors in plant-pathogen interactions. The molecular mechanisms by which key secreted proteins from R. solani AG3 participate in modulating plant defense responses remain largely unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to identify and characterize secreted proteins from R. solani AG3-TB involved in pathogenicity and to elucidate the host defense mechanisms against fungal infection. The researchers focused on identifying RsDN3377 as a virulence factor and determining its interaction with host resistance proteins.

Results

RsDN3377 was identified as a secreted deacetylase protein that localizes to intercellular spaces and induces cell death and reactive oxygen species accumulation in N. benthamiana. RsDN3377 was essential for mycelial development through its deacetylase activity. The protein interacted with the tobacco calcium-binding protein NtCML19, and transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing NtCML19 exhibited enhanced resistance to R. solani AG3-TB infection.

Conclusion

RsDN3377 is a critical fungal virulence factor that promotes mycelial development and pathogenicity through its deacetylase activity. However, it is recognized by the host calcium-binding protein NtCML19, which induces cell death and immune responses to enhance host resistance. These findings advance understanding of plant-pathogen co-evolution and suggest NtCML19 as a potential target for developing durable disease management strategies.
  • Published in:Molecular Plant Pathology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41307108, DOI: 10.1111/mpp.70181
Scroll to Top