Proteomic analysis during of spore germination of Moniliophthora perniciosa, the causal agent of witches\u2019 broom disease in cacao

Joise Hander Mares,Karina Peres Gramacho,Carlos Priminho Pirovani,Fátima Cerqueira Alvim,André Da Silva Santiago,Juliano Oliveira Santana,Everton Cruz Santos,Aurizângela Oliveira De Sousa

doi:10.1186/s12866-017-1085-4

Abstract

BackgroundMoniliophthora perniciosa is a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for witches’ broom disease of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao L.). Understanding the molecular events during germination of the pathogen may enable the development of strategies for disease control in these economically important plants. In this study, we determined a comparative proteomic profile of M. perniciosa basidiospores during germination by two-dimensional SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry.ResultsA total of 316 proteins were identified. Molecular changes during the development of the germinative tube were identified by a hierarchical clustering analysis based on the differential accumulation of proteins. Proteins associated with fungal filamentation, such as septin and kinesin, were detected only 4 h after germination (hag). A transcription factor related to biosynthesis of the secondary metabolite fumagillin, which can form hybrids with polyketides, was induced 2 hag, and polyketide synthase was observed 4 hag. The accumulation of ATP synthase, binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), and catalase was validated by western blotting.ConclusionsIn this study, we showed variations in protein expression during the early germination stages of fungus M. perniciosa. Proteins associated with fungal filamentation, and consequently with virulence, were detected in basidiospores 4 hag., for example, septin and kinesin. We discuss these results and propose a model of the germination of fungus M. perniciosa. This research can help elucidate the mechanisms underlying basic processes of host invasion and to develop strategies for control of the disease.

Highlights

Moniliophthora perniciosa is a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for witches’ broom disease of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao L.)
The protein profile according to 2D SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) Previously, we established a reference map for proteins in nongerminated M. perniciosa spores [20]
A total of 141 proteins were identified by mass spectrometry, totaling 319 when combined with those identified by Mares and colleagues [20]

Summary

Introduction

Moniliophthora perniciosa is a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for witches’ broom disease of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao L.). Understanding the molecular events during germination of the pathogen may enable the development of strategies for disease control in these economically important plants. Moniliophthora perniciosa is a phytopathogenic fungus that belongs to class Basidiomycetes, order Agaricales, family Marasmiaceae [1] This fungus causes witches’ broom disease of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao L.) and caused the loss of ~90% of cacao harvest in Central and South America in 1990 [2]. M. perniciosa is classified as hemibiotrophic, having two stages in its life cycle, the biotrophic (parasitic) phase with monokaryotic hyphae, Mares et al BMC Microbiology (2017) 17:176 During this infection phase, the fungus induces drastic physiological and morphological changes in the plant [7, 8]. Some studies have focused on molecular analysis of the germination of conidia and other types of phytopathogenic-fungi spores. Few studies have been conducted to characterize and identify proteins involved in the germination of phytopathogenic fungi such as M. perniciosa

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Conclusion