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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

Researchers studied a weak strain of gray mold fungus found in Spanish vineyards to understand why it cannot infect plants when exposed to light. Using genetic analysis, they discovered that the weakness is caused by a mutation in a single gene called bcltf1, which normally helps the fungus sense light and decide when to grow or reproduce. By restoring this gene in mutant strains, scientists confirmed its importance for fungal virulence and light responses, providing insights that could eventually help develop better disease control strategies.

Background

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus exhibiting complex light-dependent responses and high phenotypic diversity in natural populations. The light responsive transcription factor BcLTF1 has been identified as a virulence factor regulating differentiation and pathogenicity. Natural field isolates provide valuable resources for understanding genetic basis of pathogenic traits.

Objective

To identify and characterize the genetic mutation responsible for altered light responses, reduced pathogenicity, and aberrant differentiation in field isolate Bc116 of Botrytis cinerea. The study aimed to map the mutation using bulked segregant analysis and determine its molecular basis.

Results

Genetic analysis demonstrated that pathogenicity, conidiation, and sclerotia production traits co-segregate in the cross progeny, indicating control by a single genetic locus. BSA mapped the mutation to a 200 kb region on Chr14, identifying a 2 kb deletion in the bcltf1 gene affecting the first exon and intron. Complementation with wild-type bcltf1 restored normal pathogenicity, growth rates, and oxidative stress tolerance in transformants.

Conclusion

The study confirms bcltf1 as the altered gene in field isolate Bc116 and demonstrates its critical role in regulating light responses, pathogenicity, and fungal differentiation. Natural variant analysis provides additional insights into BcLTF1 functions beyond what laboratory mutants reveal, emphasizing the importance of studying natural genetic diversity in understanding pathogenic mechanisms.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Genetic and Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: PMC12027217, PMID: 40331932, 10.3390/ijms26083481
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