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Fusiform nanoparticle boosts efficient genetic transformation in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Summary

Scientists developed a new method using tiny fusiform nanoparticles to introduce genes into a destructive plant fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This approach is simpler and faster than traditional genetic engineering methods because it doesn’t require complex cell preparation steps. The research shows that by silencing specific fungal genes, they could reduce the fungus’s ability to cause disease, which could help develop better strategies to protect crops like rapeseed and soybean.

Background

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a highly destructive phytopathogenic fungus that infects over 600 plant species including rapeseed and soybean. Current genetic manipulation techniques for this pathogen have limitations including low transformation rates and labor-intensive protoplast preparation and recovery processes.

Objective

To develop an efficient and simplified genetic transformation system for S. sclerotiorum using fusiform nanoparticles synthesized with FeCl3 and 2,6-diaminopyrimidine (DAP) to facilitate direct DNA delivery into mycelial cells without requiring protoplast preparation.

Results

FM-mediated transformation successfully delivered exogenous DNA into both protoplasts (75.6% efficiency for GFP) and mycelia with stable gene expression across multiple generations (T1-T4). Ss-oah1 gene silencing reduced pathogenicity by 63% and oxalic acid production significantly. No cytotoxic effects were observed on fungal growth, sclerotia formation, or pathogenicity.

Conclusion

Fusiform nanoparticle-mediated mycelium transformation provides a rapid, efficient, and simplified approach for genetic modification in S. sclerotiorum that circumvents traditional protoplast preparation steps. This system demonstrates potential for broader application in filamentous fungal genetic engineering and disease management strategy development.
  • Published in:Journal of Nanobiotechnology,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12951-024-02736-6, PMID: 39160572
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