The small GTPases FoRab5, FoRab7, and FoRab8 regulate vesicle transport to modulate vegetative development and pathogenicity in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans

Author: mycolabadmin
1/29/2025
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Summary

Scientists studied three proteins (Rab GTPases) in a fungal pathogen that causes cabbage wilt disease. These proteins act like traffic controllers, directing materials within fungal cells to support growth and disease spread. By removing these genes one at a time, researchers found that all three proteins are essential for the fungus to infect plants, produce spores, and survive stress conditions. This research could eventually help develop new ways to control this destructive crop disease.

Background

Rab GTPases play crucial roles in vesicle transport during fungal biogenesis. Limited understanding exists regarding the specific biological functions of Rab small GTPase elements within Fusarium oxysporum, particularly in relation to pathogenicity and development.

Objective

To examine the three Rab proteins FoRab5, FoRab7, and FoRab8 in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans and comprehensively investigate their functional roles in fungal development and pathogenicity using gene deletion and complementation approaches.

Results

FoRab5 localizes on vesicles and regulates multiple cellular processes; FoRab7 localizes on vacuolar membranes and nearly eliminates sporulation when deleted; FoRab8 localizes at mycelial tips and regulates polar growth. All three deletions significantly reduced growth rate, sporulation, pathogenicity, and ectoenzyme secretion while increasing stress sensitivity.

Conclusion

FoRab5, FoRab7, and FoRab8 regulate growth, sporulation, pathogenicity, and ectoenzyme secretion in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans, demonstrating that Rab family proteins are essential for fungal development and virulence through vesicle transport regulation.

Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
Study Type:Experimental Study,
Source: PMID: 39944649; DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1514092