Open AccessThe pep4 gene encoding proteinase A is involved in dimorphism and pathogenesis of U stilago maydis
Author(s) -
SoberanesGutiérrez Cinthia V.,
JuárezMontiel Margarita,
OlguínRodríguez Omar,
HernándezRodríguez César,
RuizHerrera José,
VillaTanaca Lourdes
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
molecular plant pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.945
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1364-3703
pISSN - 1464-6722
DOI - 10.1111/mpp.12240
Subject(s) - biology , mutant , complementation , virulence , proteases , gene , phenotype , microbiology and biotechnology , mycelium , vacuole , wild type , morphogenesis , protease , genetics , biochemistry , botany , cytoplasm , enzyme
Summary Vacuole proteases have important functions in different physiological processes in fungi. Taking this aspect into consideration, and as a continuation of our studies on the analysis of the proteolytic system of U stilago maydis , a phytopathogenic member of the Basidiomycota, we have analysed the role of the pep4 gene encoding the vacuolar acid proteinase PrA in the pathogenesis and morphogenesis of the fungus. After confirmation of the location of the protease in the vacuole using fluorescent probes, we obtained deletion mutants of the gene in sexually compatible strains of U . maydis ( FB1 and FB2 ), and analysed their phenotypes. It was observed that the yeast to mycelium dimorphic transition induced by a pH change in the medium, or the use of a fatty acid as sole carbon source, was severely reduced in Δ pep4 mutants. In addition, the virulence of the mutants in maize seedlings was reduced, as revealed by the lower proportion of plants infected and the reduction in size of the tumours induced by the pathogen, when compared with wild‐type strains. All of these phenotypic alterations were reversed by complementation of the mutant strains with the wild‐type gene. These results provide evidence of the importance of the pep4 gene for the morphogenesis and virulence of U . maydis .