Research Keyword: RNA-seq analysis

CWI-MAPKs Regulate the Formation of Hyphopodia Required for Virulence in Ceratocystis fimbriata

Black rot disease in sweet potatoes is caused by a fungus that uses specialized infection structures called hyphopodia to penetrate plant cells. This study reveals that a cellular signaling pathway involving specific proteins (MAPKs) controls the formation of these infection structures and regulates how the fungus spreads through plants. Understanding this mechanism could help develop new ways to prevent sweet potato infections.

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Post-Harvest Quality Changes and Molecular Responses of Epidermal Wax in ‘Munage’ Grapes with Botrytis cinerea Infection

‘Munage’ grapes from Xinjiang are susceptible to a fungus called Botrytis cinerea that causes gray mold during storage. The fungus dissolves the protective waxy coating on the grape surface, leading to faster deterioration. The study identified specific genes and proteins that control wax production, which could help scientists develop better storage methods and disease prevention strategies to keep grapes fresher longer.

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Early changes in microRNA expression in Arabidopsis plants infected with the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum

Researchers studied how Arabidopsis plants respond to infection by the fungus Fusarium graminearum by examining changes in small RNA molecules called microRNAs. They found that the plant activates specific microRNAs early in infection, even before visible disease symptoms appear. Two particularly important microRNAs, miR855 and miR826a, were identified as potential key regulators of the plant’s defense response. These findings could help scientists develop crop varieties with improved resistance to fungal diseases that cause significant agricultural losses worldwide.

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Unusual genome expansion and transcription suppression in ectomycorrhizal Tricholoma matsutake by insertions of transposable elements

Scientists sequenced the genome of the prized matsutake mushroom and discovered it has an unusually large genome packed with transposable elements (jumping DNA sequences). These transposable elements act like genetic ‘parasites’ that accumulate over time and actually silence many neighboring genes by preventing them from being expressed. The research shows how mushrooms evolved specialized mechanisms to control these genetic parasites while adapting to living symbiotically with pine tree roots.

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Arsenic Stress Resistance in the Endophytic Fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides: Physiological and Transcriptomic Insights into Heavy Metal Detoxification

Researchers discovered a special fungus called Cladosporium cladosporioides living inside the roots of Gentiana yunnanensis, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. This fungus is remarkably good at tolerating and neutralizing arsenic, a toxic heavy metal found in contaminated soils. The fungus uses multiple strategies to protect itself from arsenic damage, including moving the arsenic to its cell walls, converting it into less toxic forms, and activating protective defense systems.

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