FpCBS is important for H2S production and plant infection in Fusarium
pseudograminearum
Abstract
Crown rot caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum remains a
significant global challenge to wheat production. In this study, the
role of FpCBS in F. pseudograminearum were investigated by
creating deletion mutants and assessing their impacts on hydrogen
sulfide (H 2S) production, oxidative stress adaptation,
and pathogenicity, supported by transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses.
Deletion of FpCBS resulted in a significant reduction in H
2S production, accompanied by increased levels of
homocysteine and cysteine, suggesting the importance of FpCBS for H
2S biosynthesis. Furthermore, Δ Fpcbs mutants
displayed diminished pathogenicity and decreased resistance to H
2O 2. Also, Δ Fpcbs mutants
correlated with reduced catalase activity. Transcriptomic data revealed
altered gene expression related to oxidative stress and virulence,
including genes encoding cell wall-degrading enzymes, mycotoxins, and
polyketides. Altogether, we proposed that F. pseudograminearum
uses CBS-dependent H 2S production to facilitate host
infection, adaptation to host-induced oxidative stress, and synthesis of
virulence factors. These findings highlight the potential of FpCBS as a
novel target for developing strategies to control wheat crown rot.