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Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses unravel the different pathogenic mechanisms of Ustilaginoidea virens in indica and japonica rice

Summary

Rice is vulnerable to a fungal disease called false smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens. Scientists found that this fungus attacks different rice varieties in different ways. By studying gene expression and chemical changes in infected rice, they discovered that the fungus uses different molecular pathways to infect indica rice versus japonica rice, explaining why these varieties have different levels of resistance to the disease.

Background

Rice false smut (RFS) caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is a major fungal disease threatening rice production worldwide. Different rice varieties show varying susceptibility to RFS, with indica rice generally showing higher resistance than japonica rice. However, the specific pathogenic mechanisms of U. virens in different rice varieties remain unclear.

Objective

To reveal the different pathogenic mechanisms of U. virens in indica and japonica rice varieties using combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. The study aimed to understand why different rice varieties respond differently to infection by this fungal pathogen.

Results

Analysis identified 6,073-5,978 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across the four infected rice groups. Key pathways included MAPK signaling, autophagy, and amino acid metabolism (lysine biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism). Different expression patterns of STE, ATG, CYP, and LYS genes were observed between indica and japonica rice infections, with differential accumulation of amino acids, lipids, and nucleosides.

Conclusion

U. virens employs different pathogenic mechanisms when infecting indica versus japonica rice varieties. Different metabolites regulated by different genes in key pathways including MAPK signaling, autophagy, and amino acid metabolism account for the varying virulence patterns. These findings provide molecular insights into the differential susceptibility of rice varieties to rice false smut.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 41178962
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