Research Keyword: virulence factor

FoCup, a secreted protein, is essential for virulence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum on cucumber

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Researchers identified a key protein called FoCup that helps a fungal pathogen infect cucumber plants and cause devastating wilt disease. By deleting this protein from the fungus, scientists significantly reduced its ability to cause disease and produce spores needed for spreading. This discovery could help develop new ways to protect cucumber crops by targeting this critical virulence factor.

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Aspartyl protease MfSAP2 is a key virulence factor in mycelial form of skin fungi Malassezia furfur

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Malassezia furfur is a common skin fungus that can change from round yeast cells to thread-like filaments. When it becomes thread-like, it produces a special enzyme called MfSAP2 that damages the proteins holding together the dead skin cells that form our skin’s protective barrier. This damage may be responsible for the patches and discoloration seen in pityriasis versicolor, a common skin condition.

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

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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.

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Discovery of a New Starship Transposon Driving the Horizontal Transfer of the ToxA Virulence Gene in Alternaria ventricosa

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Scientists discovered that a disease-causing gene called ToxA, previously found only in three wheat-infecting fungi, is also present in a fourth fungal species called Alternaria ventricosa. This gene travels between fungal species through special jumping DNA elements called Starships. The study reveals how fungi share dangerous genes through a process called horizontal gene transfer, which helps them become better at attacking crops. Understanding this process could help farmers and scientists develop better ways to prevent fungal diseases.

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

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A fungal pathogen that causes root rot in soybeans and other crops uses a toxic protein called Fg12 to kill beneficial bacteria in the soil that would otherwise protect plants. Scientists discovered that guanosine monophosphate (GMP), a simple chemical compound, can block this toxic protein. When applied to soil, GMP protects plants by allowing beneficial bacteria to survive and fight the fungal infection.

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The Egh16-like virulence factor TrsA of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys flagrans facilitates intrusion into its host Caenorhabditis elegans

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Researchers discovered how a soil fungus that traps worms produces a special protein called TrsA to break down the worm’s protective outer layer. This protein acts like molecular scissors that weakens the worm’s skin and helps the fungus invade and spread throughout the worm’s body. The findings reveal a clever infection strategy used by predatory fungi and could help understand how similar fungi attack other organisms.

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