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Argonaute1-Dependent LtmilR2 Negatively Regulated Infection of Lasiodiplodia theobromae by Targeting a Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor in RAS Signalling

Summary

Scientists discovered a small RNA molecule called LtmilR2 in a fungus that causes grape canker disease. This molecule naturally suppresses the fungus’s ability to infect grapes. By delivering this molecule or similar RNA duplexes to the fungus, researchers were able to inhibit its growth and infection, suggesting a new type of biological fungicide that could protect vineyards without chemical pesticides.

Background

Lasiodiplodia theobromae causes grapevine canker disease, a serious threat to global grape production with no effective fungicides available. MicroRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs in fungi that may regulate pathogenicity and serve as targets for novel control strategies.

Objective

To identify and characterize AGO1-dependent milRNAs in L. theobromae and investigate their role in regulating fungal pathogenicity. The study focused on LtmilR2 and its target genes to develop RNA-based fungicide approaches.

Results

LtmilR2 was identified as an AGO1-dependent milRNA that negatively regulates L. theobromae pathogenicity by targeting LtRASGEF, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor in RAS signaling. LtmilR2 expression decreased during infection while LtRASGEF expression increased, and RNA duplexes targeting LtmilR2 inhibited fungal growth and infection.

Conclusion

LtmilR2 suppresses the expression of LtRASGEF to regulate fungal virulence, and targeting LtmilR2 with RNA duplexes shows promise as an RNA-based fungicide for managing grapevine canker disease.
  • Published in:Plant, Cell & Environment,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40653863, DOI: 10.1111/pce.70058
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