Progress in Pathogenesis Research of Ustilago maydis, and the Metabolites Involved Along with Their Biosynthesis

Author: mycolabadmin
2023-02-17
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Summary

This research examines how the fungus that causes corn smut disease infects and damages corn plants. The fungus, Ustilago maydis, uses a sophisticated combination of proteins and chemical compounds to overcome plant defenses and establish infection. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for protecting corn crops from this economically important disease. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps farmers and agricultural scientists better understand and potentially control corn smut disease • Provides insights that could lead to improved crop protection strategies • Contributes to food security by addressing a major threat to corn production • May lead to development of new antifungal treatments • Could help reduce economic losses in corn farming

Background

Ustilago maydis is a basidiomycete fungus that causes corn smut disease by infecting all aerial organs of corn plants. It is a biotrophic phytopathogenic fungus that parasitizes exclusively on maize and its ancestor teosinte, leading to serious economic losses by hindering plant growth and reducing yield. The fungus has become an important model organism for studying plant-pathogenic basidiomycetes due to its easy cultivation and genetic transformation capabilities.

Objective

This review aims to summarize advances in understanding the pathogenicity of U. maydis, the metabolites involved in the pathogenic process, and the biosynthesis of these metabolites. The goal is to provide new insights into U. maydis pathogenicity, the functions of associated metabolites, and new clues for deciphering metabolite biosynthesis.

Results

The review revealed that U. maydis produces various effectors and metabolites crucial for infection, including ustilagic acids, mannosyl erythritol lipids, ferrichromes, and melanin. The fungus secretes 467 putative effector proteins that promote host colonization. Key metabolites were found to assist in appressoria adhesion and infection processes. The biosynthetic gene clusters and pathways for several important metabolites were identified and characterized.

Conclusion

U. maydis employs multiple strategies including effector proteins and secondary metabolites to successfully infect maize plants. The fungus’s dimorphic life cycle is closely related to its infection process, with both effectors and metabolites playing crucial roles. While many biosynthetic gene clusters exist in U. maydis, most appear inactive, suggesting potential for discovery of new compounds. This comprehensive understanding of pathogenicity mechanisms provides valuable insights for managing corn smut disease.

Published in:Molecular Plant Pathology,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.1111/mpp.13307