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Genetic and Genomic Analysis Identifies bcltf1 as the Transcription Factor Coding Gene Mutated in Field Isolate Bc116, Deficient in Light Responses, Differentiation and Pathogenicity in Botrytis cinerea

Summary

Scientists discovered that a particular gray mold fungus collected from vineyards loses its ability to cause disease when exposed to light. They found this is due to a mutation in a single gene called bcltf1, which acts as a light-sensing control switch. When they restored this gene, the fungus regained its disease-causing ability. This discovery helps explain how fungal pathogens sense light and use it to decide when and how to infect plants.

Background

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus exhibiting complex light-dependent responses affecting pathogenicity and development. Natural populations show phenotypic diversity including variations in light responsiveness and pathogenicity. Understanding genetic basis of these variations provides insights into fungal biology and disease mechanisms.

Objective

To identify and characterize the genetic mutation responsible for reduced pathogenicity and altered light responses in field isolate Bc116. To map the mutation through bulked segregant analysis and determine its functional role through complementation studies.

Results

Mapping identified a 2 kb deletion in the bcltf1 gene on chromosome 14 (200 kb region) that co-segregates with reduced pathogenicity, hyperconidiation, and altered sclerotia production. Bc116 shows light-dependent pathogenicity, delayed germination, hypersensitivity to oxidative stress, and early sporulation. Functional complementation with wild-type bcltf1 allele restored wild-type phenotypes in transformants.

Conclusion

Natural isolate Bc116 harbors a loss-of-function mutation in bcltf1, encoding a light-responsive transcription factor. This natural mutant demonstrates the critical role of BcLTF1 in regulating light responses, differentiation, pathogenicity, and oxidative stress tolerance in B. cinerea, with implications for understanding fungal photobiology.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Genetic Analysis Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms26083481; PMID: 40331932
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