Characterization of three cysteine-rich proteins and an elongation factor from the secretome of Fusarium graminearum
Date
2020
Authors
Eranthodi, Anas
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract
Fusarium graminearum is one of the primary causal agents of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in cereals. Most proteins in the secretome of this pathogen are uncharacterized and their role in FHB is undefined. This study was aimed at elucidating the roles of four secreted proteins in F. graminearum growth and aggressiveness; a cerato-platanin, FgCPP1, two CFEM-containing proteins, FgCFEM1 and FgCFEM2 and the elongation factor 1A (FgEF1A). Characterization of gene disruption and in locus overexpression (OX) transformants for these proteins showed that CPP1-OX produced more DON in culture and also caused higher initial infection in different wheat cultivars. CFEM1-OX accumulated less DON in culture but showed increased disease spread in a moderately susceptible wheat cultivar. FgEF1A overexpression did not lead to substantially higher FgEF1A expression; nevertheless, a reduction in fitness and aggressiveness was observed. This study provides some basic insights into the roles of these secreted proteins in F. graminearum aggressiveness.
Description
Keywords
Fusarium graminearum , Fusarium head blight , cysteine-rich proteins , plant-fungal interactions , deoxynivalenol , DON , fungal aggressiveness factor , gene knockout mutants , Fusarium -- Research , Fusarium diseases of plants -- Research , Wheat -- Diseases and pests -- Research , Dissertations, Academic