Research Keyword: effector proteins

Intraspecies sequence-graph analysis of the Phytophthora theobromicola genome reveals a dynamic structure and variable effector repertoires

Researchers sequenced the genome of Phytophthora theobromicola, a newly discovered fungal pathogen that causes serious cacao plant disease. They found the pathogen’s genome is highly variable among different isolates and contains many genes that help it attack cacao plants. By studying which of these harmful genes are active during infection, they identified specific virulence factors unique to this cacao pathogen that could be important targets for future disease control strategies.

Read More »

Rhizoctonia solani Secretes RsCAP3 to Target Nb14–3–3b, Interfering with Hormone-Mediated Resistance in Tobacco

A fungal disease that damages tobacco plants produces a protein called RsCAP3 that helps it evade plant immune defenses. This protein hijacks a plant defense regulator, causing the plant to activate the wrong defense pathway while suppressing another crucial defense mechanism. By manipulating these natural plant defenses, the fungus can infect the tobacco more easily, leading to disease.

Read More »

Complete genome sequence analysis of Boeremia exigua, a fungal pathogen causing leaf spot disease of Panax notoginseng

Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of Boeremia exigua, a fungus that causes leaf spot disease on Panax notoginseng (a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant). The study identified important genes related to how the fungus degrades plant cell walls, produces toxins, and causes disease. This genetic information will help researchers better understand how the pathogen works and develop more effective ways to protect the plants from infection.

Read More »

Plant–Fungi Mutualism, Alternative Splicing, and Defense Responses: Balancing Symbiosis and Immunity

Fungi form beneficial partnerships with plant roots, helping plants absorb nutrients and resist stress. A key process called alternative splicing allows cells to make different versions of proteins from the same genes, fine-tuning how plants and fungi cooperate. This review explains how alternative splicing acts like a molecular switch that balances the plant’s immune system with accepting the beneficial fungus, and how understanding this could help farmers grow healthier crops with less chemical fertilizers.

Read More »

Genome sequencing and analysis of isolates of Cytospora sorbicola and Cytospora plurivora associated with almond and peach canker

This study provides genetic blueprints for two dangerous fungal pathogens that damage almond and peach orchards by causing canker diseases. Scientists sequenced the complete genomes of these fungi and identified genes responsible for their ability to infect plants, finding that they’ve evolved special abilities to survive in nutrient-poor bark tissue. This genetic information could help farmers develop fruit trees resistant to these infections. The research also clarifies the identity of a newly described fungal species, showing it’s actually the same as a previously known species.

Read More »

Complete genome sequence analysis of Boeremia exigua, a fungal pathogen causing leaf spot disease of Panax notoginseng

Panax notoginseng, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant, has been affected by a fungal leaf spot disease caused by Boeremia exigua. Researchers sequenced the complete genome of this fungal pathogen for the first time, discovering important genes responsible for its ability to infect plants, including enzymes that break down plant cell walls and proteins that help it evade plant defenses. This genetic information provides a foundation for developing better strategies to protect these valuable medicinal plants from disease.

Read More »

The cysteine-rich virulence factor NipA of Arthrobotrys flagrans interferes with cuticle integrity of Caenorhabditis elegans

Researchers discovered how a predatory fungus attacks roundworms by producing a special protein called NipA that weakens the worm’s protective outer layer. This cysteine-rich protein causes blister-like formations in the worm’s skin and disrupts the genes responsible for maintaining the protective barrier. Understanding this mechanism helps scientists learn how fungi infect organisms and could lead to better control methods for parasitic nematodes.

Read More »

Plant Pathogenic Fungi Special Issue: Genetics and Genomics

This scientific review discusses how modern genetics and genomics tools are helping researchers better understand and manage plant diseases caused by fungi. Seven research studies are presented covering topics like identifying different fungal species, understanding how fungi attack plants, and finding natural alternatives to chemical fungicides. The research emphasizes the importance of monitoring fungal diseases and developing crops that resist infection to protect global food production.

Read More »

Complete genome sequence analysis of Boeremia exigua, a fungal pathogen causing leaf spot disease of Panax notoginseng

Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of a fungus called Boeremia exigua that causes leaf spot disease on Panax notoginseng, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The fungus has a toolkit of genes that help it break down plant cell walls and infect the plant. By understanding the fungus’s genetic makeup, researchers hope to develop better ways to prevent or control this disease and protect P. notoginseng crops.

Read More »

Inhibition of RNase to Attenuate Fungal-Manipulated Rhizosphere Microbiome and Diseases

Fusarium fungi cause major crop diseases by using a protein called Fg12 that kills helpful bacteria in plant roots, making it easier for the fungus to infect crops. Scientists discovered that a compound called GMP blocks Fg12’s harmful activity and restores beneficial bacteria, reducing disease symptoms in soybeans and alfalfa by 47-75%. This discovery offers a new chemical strategy to protect crops from fungal infections by disarming this key fungal weapon.

Read More »
Scroll to Top