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Zymoseptoria tritici white-collar complex integrates light, temperature and plant cues to initiate dimorphism and pathogenesis

Author

Listed:
  • Sreedhar Kilaru

    (University of Exeter)

  • Elena Fantozzi

    (University of Exeter)

  • Stuart Cannon

    (University of Exeter)

  • Martin Schuster

    (University of Exeter)

  • Thomas M. Chaloner

    (University of Exeter)

  • Celia Guiu-Aragones

    (University of Exeter)

  • Sarah J. Gurr

    (University of Exeter
    University of Utrecht)

  • Gero Steinberg

    (University of Exeter
    University of Utrecht)

Abstract

Transitioning from spores to hyphae is pivotal to host invasion by the plant pathogenic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. This dimorphic switch can be initiated by high temperature in vitro (~27 °C); however, such a condition may induce cellular heat stress, questioning its relevance to field infections. Here, we study the regulation of the dimorphic switch by temperature and other factors. Climate data from wheat-growing areas indicate that the pathogen sporadically experiences high temperatures such as 27 °C during summer months. However, using a fluorescent dimorphic switch reporter (FDR1) in four wild-type strains, we show that dimorphic switching already initiates at 15–18 °C, and is enhanced by wheat leaf surface compounds. Transcriptomics reveals 1261 genes that are up- or down-regulated in hyphae of all strains. These pan-strain core dimorphism genes (PCDGs) encode known effectors, dimorphism and transcription factors, and light-responsive proteins (velvet factors, opsins, putative blue light receptors). An FDR1-based genetic screen reveals a crucial role for the white-collar complex (WCC) in dimorphism and virulence, mediated by control of PCDG expression. Thus, WCC integrates light with biotic and abiotic cues to orchestrate Z. tritici infection.

Suggested Citation

  • Sreedhar Kilaru & Elena Fantozzi & Stuart Cannon & Martin Schuster & Thomas M. Chaloner & Celia Guiu-Aragones & Sarah J. Gurr & Gero Steinberg, 2022. "Zymoseptoria tritici white-collar complex integrates light, temperature and plant cues to initiate dimorphism and pathogenesis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-33183-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33183-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gero Steinberg & Martin Schuster & Sarah J. Gurr & Tina A. Schrader & Michael Schrader & Mark Wood & Andy Early & Sreedhar Kilaru, 2020. "A lipophilic cation protects crops against fungal pathogens by multiple modes of action," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-19, December.
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