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

Abstract

Background 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. 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.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-017-1085-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa promotes differential proteomic modulation of cacao genotypes with contrasting resistance to witches´ broom disease

“…The two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) followed by mass spectrometry was already used in studies involving M. perniciosa , such as the proteomic analyses of in vitro basidiospores germination [24], protein networks of basidiospores [25] and evaluation of M. perniciosa isolates differing in virulence on cacao seedlings [26]. Similarly, cacao proteomic studies such as protocol optimization to protein extraction [27], somatic and zygotic embryogenesis evaluation [28], seeds development and fruit ripening [29] and phylloplane protein identification in different genotypes of cacao [30] were also carried out.…”

State of the Art of the Molecular Biology of the Interaction between Cocoa and Witches’ Broom Disease: A Systematic Review

“…Since then, several other studies have been published analyzing how biotrophy is maintained for so long in M. perniciosa , what the molecular mechanisms involved in the necrotrophic phase are, and the participation of hosts in signaling the end of these fungal phases [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

Optimisation of Sporosori Purification and Protein Extraction Techniques for the Biotrophic Protozoan Plant Pathogen Spongospora subterranea

“…Mappa et al [ 36 ] assessed the ratio of Bacillus atrophaeus spores and vegetative cells by shotgun proteomics and identified 602 proteins. The number of proteins identified in other proteomic studies of the spores included 319 in Moniliophthora perniciosa , 118 in Botrytis cinerea spores and 148 conidial surface proteins in Aspergillus fumigatus [ 20 , 37 , 38 ]. Thus, the present study has identified a comparable number of proteins from the resting spores of S. subterranea .…”