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Decapeptide Inducer Promotes the Conidiation of Phytopathogenic Magnaporthe oryzae via the Mps1 MAPK Signaling Pathway

Summary

Scientists discovered a small peptide molecule (MCIDP) found in protein-based materials that significantly increases spore production in rice blast fungus. This peptide works by activating specific cellular signaling pathways that control fungal reproduction. The research provides insights into how fungal reproduction is regulated and could lead to new strategies for controlling rice blast disease, one of the world’s most destructive crop diseases that causes significant crop losses.

Background

Magnaporthe oryzae is a phytopathogenic fungus causing rice blast disease, one of the most destructive diseases affecting global rice production. The fungus predominantly reproduces asexually, generating numerous conidia that contribute to disease prevalence. However, the molecules regulating asexual reproduction in M. oryzae remain unknown.

Objective

To identify molecules capable of regulating asexual reproduction of M. oryzae by screening complete medium compositions and to elucidate the mechanism of action through investigation of the Mps1 MAPK signaling pathway.

Results

MCIDP (M. oryzae conidiation inducer decapeptide) with sequence pyroGlu-EQNQEQPIR was isolated and characterized. MCIDP significantly promoted conidiation in M. oryzae, Botrytis cinerea, and Fusarium graminearum in a dose-dependent manner. MCIDP upregulated key genes in the Mps1 MAPK pathway (WSC2, WSC3, PKC1, MKK1, MPS1, MIG1), and mutant strains lacking these pathway components showed no response to MCIDP.

Conclusion

MCIDP promotes conidiation of M. oryzae by modulating the Mps1 MAPK signaling pathway, providing insight into fungal asexual reproduction regulation. These findings establish a foundation for exploring fungal endogenous signaling molecules and developing new strategies to control rice blast disease.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40565344, DOI: 10.3390/ijms26125880
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