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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 tiny regulatory RNA molecule called LtmilR2 in a fungus that causes grape disease. This molecule naturally suppresses the fungus’s ability to cause infection by shutting down a gene called LtRASGEF. When researchers delivered LtmilR2 using specially designed nanoparticles, it successfully stopped the fungus from growing. This discovery could lead to a new type of biological fungicide for protecting grapes and vineyards.

Background

Lasiodiplodia theobromae causes grapevine canker disease, a serious threat to global grape production with no effective fungicides currently available. MicroRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) are small regulatory RNA molecules identified in fungi that may regulate pathogenic gene expression and virulence.

Objective

To identify and characterize AGO1-dependent milRNAs in L. theobromae and determine their role in fungal pathogenicity, specifically investigating LtmilR2 and its molecular targets.

Results

LtmilR2 was identified as an AGO1-dependent milRNA that negatively regulated L. theobromae virulence by suppressing LtRASGEF, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor in RAS signalling. During infection, LtmilR2 expression decreased while LtRASGEF expression increased. Knockout of LtRASGEF reduced fungal pathogenicity, and LtmilR2 duplex delivered via nanocarrier inhibited fungal growth.

Conclusion

LtmilR2 negatively regulates L. theobromae pathogenicity by targeting LtRASGEF. LtmilR2 represents a promising RNA-based fungicide target for managing grapevine canker disease, with potential for development as an RNA fungicide using nanocarrier delivery systems.
  • Published in:Plant, Cell & Environment,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40653863
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