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Transcriptome sequencing reveals Vmplc1 involved in regulating the pathogenicity of Valsa Mali under low temperature induction

Summary

Apple trees suffer from a fungal disease called Valsa canker that becomes more severe in cold weather. Scientists discovered that the fungus has a special protein called Vmplc1 that acts like a temperature sensor, telling the fungus to produce more aggressive enzymes when it’s cold. When researchers disabled this protein, the fungus lost its ability to damage apple trees during cold periods. This discovery helps explain why the disease is worse in spring and could lead to better disease management strategies.

Background

Apple Valsa canker (AVC), caused by the fungal pathogen Valsa mali, causes significant economic losses in Chinese apple orchards. While cold priming has been shown to enhance the pathogenicity of V. mali, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this temperature-dependent virulence remain poorly understood.

Objective

To decipher cold-responsive regulons and identify thermoregulated virulence determinants in V. mali through transcriptomic analysis and functional genetics. To characterize signaling components governing temperature-dependent pathogenicity, with a focus on phospholipase C family members.

Results

RNA-seq identified 962 DEGs in cold-primed mycelia and 3,977 DEGs during cold-primed infection. Integrative analysis prioritized 63 core cold-responsive virulence determinants including glycoside hydrolases and short-chain dehydrogenases. Vmplc1 was identified as a key signaling hub; Δ Vmplc1 mutants showed 58-62% reduced lesion formation with 70-85% suppression of polygalacturonase/cellulase expression.

Conclusion

Cold priming potentiates V. mali pathogenicity through a coordinated transcriptional program involving five functional gene classes. Vmplc1-mediated signaling serves as a central hub for upregulating virulence effectors, functioning as a pivotal regulator of temperature-dependent virulence that reprograms the pathogen for enhanced host colonization under low-temperature stress.
  • Published in:BMC Genomics,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12864-025-12303-4; PMID: 41257568
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