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Inhibition of RNase to Attenuate Fungal-Manipulated Rhizosphere Microbiome and Diseases

Summary

A fungal pathogen that causes root rot in soybeans and other crops uses a toxic protein called Fg12 to kill beneficial bacteria in the soil that would otherwise protect plants. Scientists discovered that guanosine monophosphate (GMP), a simple chemical compound, can block this toxic protein. When applied to soil, GMP protects plants by allowing beneficial bacteria to survive and fight the fungal infection.

Background

Soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium graminearum must overcome plant-associated microbiota barriers to cause disease. Phytopathogens use effector proteins to manipulate host immunity and microbiota composition. Understanding core effectors involved in pathogen-microbiota interactions is essential for developing targeted disease prevention strategies.

Objective

This study aimed to identify and characterize the virulence effector Fg12, a fungal ribonuclease (RNase), and determine its role in manipulating the plant rhizosphere microbiome and promoting fungal colonization.

Results

Fg12 exhibits antibacterial activity against Bacillus and Pseudomonas species in the soybean rhizosphere by degrading bacterial RNA through RNase activity. Guanosine monophosphate (GMP) effectively inhibits Fg12 RNase activity and alleviates disease symptoms in soybean and alfalfa plants.

Conclusion

F. graminearum uses the secreted RNase effector Fg12 to suppress beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere microbiome, facilitating pathogen colonization. GMP treatment successfully blocks Fg12 activity and reduces fungal diseases, offering a promising targeted strategy for managing soil-borne fungal diseases in crops.
  • Published in:Advanced Science (Adv Sci),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40776430, DOI: 10.1002/advs.202503146
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