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The Fungal Pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa Has Genes Similar to Plant PR-1 That Are Highly Expressed During Its Interaction with Cacao

Summary

This research investigated how a fungus that causes witches’ broom disease in cacao trees uses special genes to infect and damage the plants. The study found that the fungus has genes similar to those plants use to defend themselves against disease, and these genes become very active when the fungus is infecting cacao trees. This suggests the fungus may use these genes to overcome the plant’s natural defenses. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps understand how plant diseases develop, which is crucial for protecting food crops • Could lead to better methods for protecting cacao trees and chocolate production • Provides insights that might help develop disease-resistant plant varieties • May contribute to reducing crop losses and stabilizing food prices • Could help protect the livelihoods of farmers who depend on cacao cultivation

Background

The widespread SCP/TAPS superfamily has multiple biological functions in various organisms, including roles in immune response, male reproductive tract development, venom activity and host invasion by parasites. Plant Pathogenesis Related 1 (PR-1) proteins belong to this superfamily and are characterized as markers of induced defense against pathogens.

Objective

To characterize eleven genes homologous to plant PR-1 genes (designated as MpPR-1) identified in the genome of Moniliophthora perniciosa, a fungal pathogen that causes witches’ broom disease in cacao, and investigate their potential role in pathogenicity.

Results

The study identified eleven PR-1-like genes in M. perniciosa, with five of them (MpPR-1c, MpPR-1f, MpPR-1g, MpPR-1h, and MpPR-1k) being highly expressed during the biotrophic interaction with cacao. Each MpPR-1 gene showed a specific expression profile, with some expressed uniformly across conditions while others showed stage-specific expression. Six MpPR-1 proteins contained all four conserved amino acids of the proposed active site, while five lacked the complete catalytic tetrad.

Conclusion

The findings suggest important roles for MpPR-1 proteins in fungal development and pathogenicity, particularly during the infection of cacao. The high expression of certain MpPR-1 genes during plant interaction indicates they may function as effectors in the disease process. The study provides strong evidence for the importance of PR-1-like genes in fungal virulence on plants.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Molecular Biology Research,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045929
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