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VdPAT1 encoding a pantothenate transporter protein is required for fungal growth, mycelial penetration and pathogenicity of Verticillium dahliae

Summary

Verticillium dahliae is a destructive fungus that causes a wilting disease in cotton crops. Researchers found that a specific protein (VdPAT1) that helps the fungus absorb vitamin B5 is critical for its survival and ability to infect cotton plants. When they disabled this protein, the fungus grew poorly, couldn’t penetrate plant tissues effectively, and became much less virulent, suggesting this protein could be a target for controlling the disease.

Background

Verticillium dahliae is a soil-borne phytopathogenic fungus causing Verticillium wilt in cotton, a major economic crop. Vitamin transporters are essential for pathogenic fungi to obtain nutrients from host plants. A pantothenate transporter gene (VdPAT1) in V. dahliae was previously found to be upregulated by root exudates from susceptible cotton varieties.

Objective

To characterize the functional role of VdPAT1, a pantothenate transporter gene, in the growth, development, and pathogenicity of Verticillium dahliae through gene deletion and complementation studies.

Results

VdPAT1 deletion mutants showed reduced colony growth, melanin production, spore yield, germination rate, and abnormal mycelial branching with decreased penetration ability. RNA-seq revealed downregulation of amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways affecting chitin synthesis. Mutants had significantly lower chitin but higher β-1,3-glucan content, increased sensitivity to external stresses, and reduced pathogenicity on cotton.

Conclusion

VdPAT1 is essential for fungal growth, development, mycelial penetration, stress resistance, and pathogenicity of V. dahliae. The gene’s deletion impairs cell wall integrity through altered chitin-to-β-1,3-glucan ratios, leading to abnormal morphogenesis and reduced virulence. These findings provide molecular insights for managing Verticillium wilt in cotton.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39895932, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1508765
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