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

Summary

Scientists discovered a short chain of amino acids called MCIDP that dramatically increases spore production in rice blast fungus. This fungus causes one of the most destructive diseases affecting rice crops worldwide, with losses ranging from 10-50% depending on severity. The researchers found that MCIDP works by activating specific cellular signaling pathways that control the fungus’s reproduction. This discovery could lead to new strategies for controlling rice blast disease and protecting rice crops from infection.

Background

Magnaporthe oryzae is a phytopathogenic fungus that causes rice blast disease, one of the most destructive diseases affecting global rice production. The fungus primarily spreads through asexual reproduction generating numerous conidia, but the molecules regulating this asexual reproduction remain largely unknown.

Objective

To identify and characterize molecules capable of regulating asexual reproduction in M. oryzae by screening complete medium compositions, isolate and elucidate the structure of a conidiation inducer, and determine the signaling mechanism underlying conidiation enhancement.

Results

A decapeptide (pyroGlu-EQNQEQPIR) designated MCIDP was isolated from acid-hydrolyzed casein and significantly promoted conidiation in M. oryzae, Botrytis cinerea, and Fusarium graminearum in a dose-dependent manner. MCIDP upregulated key genes in the Mps1 MAPK cascade (WSC2, WSC3, PKC1, MKK1, MPS1, MIG1), and mutant strains lacking WSC or MID2 proteins failed to respond to MCIDP treatment.

Conclusion

MCIDP promotes conidiation of M. oryzae by modulating the Mps1 MAPK signaling pathway through upstream membrane sensors. This discovery provides insights into fungal asexual reproduction regulation and establishes a foundation for developing novel 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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