Genetics of Dothistromin Biosynthesis in the Peanut Pathogen Passalora arachidicola
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Shuguang, Guo Yanan, Bradshaw Rosie E.
Primary Institution: Bio-Protection Research Centre, Institute of Molecular BioSciences, Massey University
Hypothesis
Dothistromin is produced during a period of rapid fungal growth that occurs after release of nutrients from plant cells.
Conclusion
The study found that dothistromin biosynthesis in Passalora arachidicola is similar to that in Dothistroma septosporum, suggesting a conserved regulation pattern.
Supporting Evidence
- Dothistromin biosynthesis is very similar in Passalora arachidicola and Dothistroma septosporum regarding gene sequence and synteny.
- Functional complementation of D. septosporum mutants with P. arachidicola dothistromin genes was successful.
- P. arachidicola produced dothistromin at an early growth stage in culture.
Takeaway
This study shows that a fungus that affects peanuts makes a toxin called dothistromin, just like another fungus that affects pine trees, and they both make it early in their growth.
Methodology
The study involved isolating genomic DNA, PCR amplification of dothistromin genes, and functional complementation in Dothistroma septosporum mutants.
Limitations
The biological role of dothistromin in the peanut host is not fully understood, and the timing of its production in planta is unknown.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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