The Function of Chitinases CmCH1 and CmCH10 in the Interaction of Coniothyrium minitans and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 9/6/2025
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Summary
Scientists studied two enzyme genes in a fungus that eats other harmful fungi. When they removed one gene at a time, the fungus still worked fine. But when they removed both genes together, the fungus grew slower and couldn’t attack its target fungus as effectively. This shows that these genes work together as a team to help the fungus do its job as a natural pest control agent.
Background
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating phytopathogenic fungus affecting over 700 plant species globally. Coniothyrium minitans is a mycoparasite used as a biological control agent against this pathogen. Chitinases are key enzymes produced by C. minitans during parasitism of S. sclerotiorum.
Objective
To elucidate the functional characteristics of chitinase-encoding genes CmCH1 and CmCH10 in C. minitans and their roles in mycoparasitic activity and cell wall remodeling. The study aims to provide theoretical foundations for applying C. minitans-derived chitinases in controlling Sclerotinia stem rot disease.
Results
Single knockout of CmCH1 or CmCH10 did not significantly affect mycelial growth or parasitism capability. However, simultaneous deletion of CmCH1 and CmCH10 resulted in reduced growth rate, impaired protoplast release, enhanced cell wall integrity, and diminished mycoparasitic capability. The double mutants showed increased chitin deposition and enhanced abiotic stress resistance.
Conclusion
CmCH1 and CmCH10 collectively influence cell wall remodeling and mycoparasitic activity in C. minitans through genetic redundancy. The genetic redundancy suggests that multiple chitinase genes work synergistically to regulate fungal growth, development, and parasitic efficiency against S. sclerotiorum.
- Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
- Study Type:Experimental Study,
- Source: PMID: 40943620, DOI: 10.3390/ijms26178706