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MSB2-activated pheromone pathway regulates fungal plasma membrane integrity in response to herbicide adjuvant

Summary

Commercial herbicides used in farming contain additives that can harm beneficial soil fungi more than the main active ingredient. This study shows that the additive Triton CG-110 in Roundup herbicide damages fungal cells by disrupting their ability to absorb nutrients. Fungi respond by activating a stress response pathway that helps them survive by reinforcing their cell membranes. Understanding these processes is important for protecting beneficial fungi used in agriculture.

Background

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are widely used for weed management but pose threats to soil fungal communities. While fungi can degrade glyphosate, the mechanisms by which GBHs impair fungal growth remain unclear. This study investigates how the herbicide adjuvant Triton CG-110 affects the soil fungus Trichoderma guizhouense.

Objective

To elucidate how Trichoderma species respond to commercial GBH formulations and identify the specific toxic components and signaling pathways involved in fungal responses to herbicide adjuvants.

Results

Triton CG-110 adjuvant, not glyphosate, is the primary toxin to T. guizhouense. The adjuvant limits nitrogen uptake, inducing YPS1 proteinase expression and MSB2 shedding, which activates the TMK1 pheromone pathway. Phosphorylated TMK1 interacts with transcription factor STE12 to upregulate ergosterol biosynthesis genes, maintaining plasma membrane integrity.

Conclusion

This study reveals that the MSB2-activated pheromone pathway regulates fungal plasma membrane integrity and ergosterol biosynthesis in response to herbicide adjuvants. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating adjuvant effects on soil microorganisms and suggest similar mechanisms may exist in other filamentous fungi.
  • Published in:Science Advances,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40020065, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adt8715
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