Zymoseptoria tritici white-collar complex integrates light, temperature and plant cues to initiate dimorphism and pathogenesis

Sreedhar Kilaru, Elena Fantozzi, Stuart Cannon, Martin Schuster, Thomas M. Chaloner, Celia Guiu-Aragones, Sarah J. Gurr and Gero Steinberg ()
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Sreedhar Kilaru: University of Exeter
Elena Fantozzi: University of Exeter
Stuart Cannon: University of Exeter
Martin Schuster: University of Exeter
Thomas M. Chaloner: University of Exeter
Celia Guiu-Aragones: University of Exeter
Sarah J. Gurr: University of Exeter
Gero Steinberg: University of Exeter

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-21

Abstract: Abstract Transitioning from spores to hyphae is pivotal to host invasion by the plant pathogenic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. This dimorphic switch can be initiated by high temperature in vitro (~27 °C); however, such a condition may induce cellular heat stress, questioning its relevance to field infections. Here, we study the regulation of the dimorphic switch by temperature and other factors. Climate data from wheat-growing areas indicate that the pathogen sporadically experiences high temperatures such as 27 °C during summer months. However, using a fluorescent dimorphic switch reporter (FDR1) in four wild-type strains, we show that dimorphic switching already initiates at 15–18 °C, and is enhanced by wheat leaf surface compounds. Transcriptomics reveals 1261 genes that are up- or down-regulated in hyphae of all strains. These pan-strain core dimorphism genes (PCDGs) encode known effectors, dimorphism and transcription factors, and light-responsive proteins (velvet factors, opsins, putative blue light receptors). An FDR1-based genetic screen reveals a crucial role for the white-collar complex (WCC) in dimorphism and virulence, mediated by control of PCDG expression. Thus, WCC integrates light with biotic and abiotic cues to orchestrate Z. tritici infection.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33183-2

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