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Global Analysis of microRNA-like RNAs Reveals Differential Regulation of Pathogenicity and Development in Fusarium oxysporum HS2 Causing Apple Replant Disease

Summary

Apple replant disease is caused by a fungus that damages apple tree roots and reduces fruit production. Researchers discovered that this fungus uses special regulatory molecules called microRNA-like RNAs to control its growth and disease-causing abilities, especially during the spore stage. These findings could help scientists develop new ways to control the disease using RNA-based treatments.

Background

Apple replant disease (ARD) is a soil-borne disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum that significantly impacts apple production worldwide. MicroRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) play important regulatory roles in fungal development and pathogenicity, but their involvement in ARD remains largely unexplored.

Objective

This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the expression profiles, composition, and functional roles of milRNAs in Fusarium oxysporum HS2 (FoHS2) across different growth stages to understand their contribution to pathogenicity and disease development.

Results

Analysis identified 127, 70, and 59 milRNAs in spore, germinating spore, and mycelium stages respectively, with 26 commonly expressed across all stages. FoHS2-milR19, specifically expressed in the spore stage, targeted 5141 mRNAs including genes encoding histone acetyltransferases, methyltransferases, and cell wall-degrading enzymes crucial for pathogenicity.

Conclusion

Stage-specific milRNA expression patterns, particularly in the spore stage, suggest critical regulatory roles in fungal growth, development, and pathogenicity. These findings provide molecular insights into ARD mechanisms and offer potential targets for developing RNA-based pesticides for disease control.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 39728379
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