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Integrated transcriptome and metabolome profiling reveals mechanisms underlying the infection of Cytospora mali in “Jin Hong” branches

Summary

This research examined how apple trees defend themselves against a serious fungal disease called Valsa canker caused by Cytospora mali. Scientists used advanced genetic and chemical analysis techniques to identify which genes and protective compounds are activated when apple branches are infected. They found that healthy apple trees fight the infection by strengthening their cell walls, producing special protective enzymes, and accumulating defense chemicals like α-linolenic acid and betaine. These discoveries could help develop better ways to prevent or manage this destructive disease in apple orchards.

Background

Valsa canker, caused by Cytospora mali, is a destructive disease in apple production with incidence rates averaging 53% in major apple-growing regions of China. The fungus can extensively penetrate host phloem and xylem, making it difficult to control with traditional chemical agents. The molecular mechanisms of apple defense responses to C. mali infection remain incompletely understood.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the transcriptional and metabolic responses of ‘Jin Hong’ apple branches to C. mali invasion using integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. The goal was to identify key genes and metabolites involved in plant-pathogen interactions at the molecular level.

Results

Analysis identified 5,413 up-regulated and 5,298 down-regulated genes significantly enriched in carbon metabolism, photosynthesis-antenna proteins, and amino acid biosynthesis pathways. Key findings revealed 2,433 up-regulated and 2,977 down-regulated metabolites enriched in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, fructose and mannose metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Conjoint analysis identified 5 significantly enriched metabolic pathways, 8 critical metabolites including α-linolenic acid and betaine, and 15 key genes including WRKY and bZIP transcription factors.

Conclusion

Apple branches resist C. mali infection primarily through mitigating cell wall degradation, activating PAL enzyme activity, and promoting synthesis of defensive substances. Key defensive molecules include β-galactosidase, UDP-glucose, α-linolenic acid, betaine, and PAL. These findings provide molecular insights into apple defense mechanisms against Valsa canker and suggest targets for further investigation of plant-pathogen interactions.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 38721601, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1394447
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