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Citric acid impairs type B trichothecene biosynthesis of Fusarium graminearum but enhances its growth and pigment biosynthesis: transcriptomic and proteomic analyses

Summary

Citric acid, a compound found in plant roots, has an interesting dual effect on a dangerous fungus called Fusarium graminearum that destroys grain crops worldwide. While citric acid helps the fungus grow better, it actually prevents the fungus from producing dangerous toxins called trichothecenes. This finding suggests that citric acid could potentially be used in farming to reduce the harmful toxins that contaminate wheat and corn while maintaining reasonable fungal control.

Background

Fusarium graminearum is a pathogenic fungus causing Fusarium head blight and producing mycotoxins like trichothecenes. Citric acid is a plant root exudate and heavy metal chelator that interacts with soil-borne fungi. Understanding the effects of citric acid on fungal metabolism could provide insights into plant-soil-fungi interactions.

Objective

To investigate the comprehensive effects of citric acid on Fusarium graminearum growth, pigment biosynthesis, and mycotoxin production using transcriptomic and proteomic analyses at different citric acid concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mM).

Results

Citric acid treatment upregulated growth-related enzymes (PEPCK, Glpk, LAI12) and altered pigment biosynthesis genes (AurF, AurJ, AurT), while significantly downregulating Tri genes and type B trichothecene biosynthesis. The 10 and 20 mM groups showed distinct expression patterns compared to control and lower concentrations. DON and 15-ADON production was reduced in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Citric acid acts as both a growth promoter and type B trichothecene biosynthesis inhibitor for Fusarium graminearum, presenting as a double-edged sword for fungal survival. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding plant-soil-fungi interactions and the potential agricultural application of citric acid for mycotoxin control.
  • Published in:Applied and Environmental Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40366181, DOI: 10.1128/aem.01531-24
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