Morphology of Four Strains of Phellinoid Agaricomycetes and Microstructural and Physiological Properties of Their Exudates.

To study and compare the morphology of the phellinoid Agaricomycetes strains and find other strategies to improve Phellinus spp. growth and metabolism. In this study, the morphological characteristics of four Phellinus igniarius strains (phellinoid Agaricomycetes) were observed under a light microscope. The exudates from these fungi were observed using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The exudates were initially transparent with a water-like appearance, and became darker with time at neutral pH. Microscopy of air-dried exudates revealed regular shapes and crystals. Cl- (chloride) and K+ were the two key elements analyzed using EDS. Polyphenol oxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and laccase activities were detected in mycelia from each of the four Phellinus strains. The K+ content of the three strains was higher than that of the wild strain. Cl- content correlated negatively with that of K+. Laccase activities associated with each mycelia and its corresponding media differed under cold and contaminated conditions.

Identification of stripe rust resistance gene YrBDT in Chinese landrace wheat Baidatou using BSE-seq and BSR-seq.

KEY MESSAGE: A new stripe rust resistance gene YrBDT in Chinese landrace wheat Baidatou was mapped to a 943.6-kb interval on chromosome arm 6DS and co-segregated with a marker CAPS3 developed from candidate gene TraesCS6D03G0027300. Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is a devastating foliar disease of wheat. Chinese landrace wheat Baidatou has shown high resistance to a broad spectrum of Pst races at both the seedling and adult-plant stages for decades in the Longnan region of Gansu province, a hot spot for stripe rust epidemics. Here, we report fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of stripe rust resistance gene YrBDT in Baidatou. Analysis of F1, F2 plants and F2:3 lines indicated that resistance in Baidatou to Pst race CYR31 was conferred by a single dominant gene, temporarily designated YrBDT. Bulked segregant exome capture sequencing (BSE-seq) analysis revealed 61 high-confidence polymorphic SNPs concentrated in a 5.4-Mb interval at the distal of chromosome arm 6DS. Several SNPs and InDels were also identified by genome mining of DNA sampled from the parents and contrasting bulks. The YrBDT locus was mapped to a 943.6-kb (4,658,322-5,601,880 bp) genomic region spanned by markers STS2 and STS3 based on IWGSC RefSeq v2.1, including five putative disease resistance genes. There was high collinearity of the target interval among Chinese Spring RefSeq v2.1, Ae. tauschii AL8/78 and Fielder genomes. The expression level of TraesCS6D03G0027300 showed significant association with Pst infection, and a gene-specific marker CAPS3 developed from TraesCS6D03G0027300 co-segregated with YrBDT suggesting this gene as a candidate of YrBDT. The resistance gene and flanking markers can be used in marker-assisted selection for improvement of stripe rust resistance.

Allelic variability in the Rpp1 locus conferring resistance to Asian soybean rust revealed by genome-wide association.

Soybean is a crucial crop for the Brazilian economy, but it faces challenges from the biotrophic fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, which causes Asian Soybean Rust (ASR). In this study, we aimed to identify SNPs associated with resistance within the Rpp1 locus, which is effective against Brazilian ASR populations. We employed GWAS and re-sequencing analyzes to pinpoint SNP markers capable of differentiating between soybean accessions harboring the Rpp1, Rpp1-b and other alternative alleles in the Rpp1 locus and from susceptible soybean cultivars. Seven SNP markers were found to be associated with ASR resistance through GWAS, with three of them defining haplotypes that efficiently distinguished the accessions based on their ASR resistance and source of the Rpp gene. These haplotypes were subsequently validated using a bi-parental population and a diverse set of Rpp sources, demonstrating that the GWAS markers co-segregate with ASR resistance. We then examined the presence of these haplotypes in a diverse set of soybean genomes worldwide, finding a few new potential sources of Rpp1/Rpp1-b. Further genomic sequence analysis revealed nucleotide differences within the genes present in the Rpp1 locus, including the ULP1-NBS-LRR genes, which are potential R gene candidates. These results provide valuable insights into ASR resistance in soybean, thus helping the development of resistant soybean varieties through genetic breeding programs.

Isolation, genome analysis and tissue localization of Ceratobasidium theobromae, a new encounter pathogen of cassava in Southeast Asia.

In Southeast Asia (SEA) fastidious fungi of the Ceratobasidium genus are associated with proliferation of sprouts and vascular necrosis in cacao and cassava, crops that were introduced from the tropical Americas to this region. Here, we report the isolation and in vitro culture of a Ceratobasidium sp. isolated from cassava with symptoms of witches' broom disease (CWBD), a devastating disease of this crop in SEA. The genome characterization using a hybrid assembly strategy identifies the fungus as an isolate of the species C. theobromae, the causal agent of vascular streak dieback of cacao in SEA. Both fungi have a genome size > 31 Mb (G+C content 49%), share > 98% nucleotide identity of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and > 94% in genes used for species-level identification. Using RNAscope® we traced the pathogen and confirmed its irregular distribution in the xylem and epidermis along the cassava stem, which explains the obtention of healthy planting material from symptom-free parts of a diseased plant. These results are essential for understanding the epidemiology of CWBD, as a basis for disease management including measures to prevent further spread and minimize the risk of introducing C. theobromae via long-distance movement of cassava materials to Africa and the Americas.

Ecological niche modeling of Lactarius deliciosus using kuenm R package: Insights into habitat preferences.

Understanding species habitat preferences is essential for conservation and management efforts, as it enables the identification of areas with a higher likelihood of species presence. Lactarius deliciosus (L.) Gray, an economically important edible mushroom, is influenced by various environmental variables, yet information regarding its ecological niche remains elusive. Therefore, in this study, we aim to address this gap by modeling the fundamental niche of L. deliciosus. Specifically, we explore its distribution patterns in response to large-scale environmental factors, including long-term temperature averages and topography. We employed 242 presence-only georeferenced points in Europe obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Utilizing the Kuenm R package, we constructed 210 models incorporating five sets of environmental variables, 14 regularization multiplier values, and three feature class combinations. Evaluation metrics included statistical significance, predictive power, and model complexity. The final model was transferred to Turkiye, with careful consideration of extrapolation risk using MESS (multivariate similarity surface) and MoD (most dissimilar variable) metrics. In alignment with all three evaluation criteria, the algorithm implemented in Kuenm identified the best model as the linear-quadratic combination with a regularization multiplier of 0.2, based on variables selected by the contribution importance method. Results underscore temperature-related variables as critical determinants of L. deliciosus habitat preferences within the calibration area, with solar radiation also playing a significant role in the final model. These results underscored the effectiveness of ecological niche modeling (ENM) in understanding how climatic patterns may alter the distribution of species like L. deliciosus. The findings contribute to the development of informed conservation strategies and decision-making in dynamic environments. Emphasizing a comprehensive approach to ecological modeling is crucial for promoting sustainable forest management.

X-ray fluorescence and XANES spectroscopy revealed diverse potassium chemistries and colocalization with phosphorus in the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus ammoniavirescens.

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi play a major role in forest ecosystems and managed tree plantations. Particularly, they facilitate mineral weathering and nutrient transfer towards colonized roots. Among nutrients provided by these fungi, potassium (K) has been understudied compared to phosphorus (P) or nitrogen (N). The ECM fungus Paxillus ammoniavirescens is a generalist species that interacts with the root of many trees and can directly transfer K to them, including loblolly pine. However, the forms of K that ECM fungi can store is still unknown. Here, we used synchrotron potassium X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and K-edge X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy on P. ammoniavirescens growing in axenic conditions to investigate the K chemistries accumulating in the center and the edge of the mycelium. We observed that various K forms accumulated in different part of the mycelium, including K-nitrate (KNO3), K-C-O compounds (such as K-tartrate K2(C4H4O6) and K-oxalate (K2C2O4)), K-S and K-P compounds. Saprotrophic fungi have been shown to excrete carboxylic acids, which in turn play a role in soil mineral weathering. Our finding of several K counter-ions to carboxylic acids may suggest that, besides their direct transfer to colonized roots, K ions can also be involved in the production of compounds necessary for sourcing nutrients from their surrounding environment by ECM fungi. Additionally, this work reveals that XANES spectroscopy can be used to identify the various forms of K accumulating in biological systems.

Serendipita indica Drives Sulfur-Related Microbiota in Enhancing Growth of Hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii and Facilitating Soil Cadmium Remediation.

Endophytic fungus Serendipita indica can bolster plant growth and confer protection against various biotic and abiotic stresses. However, S. indica-reshaped rhizosphere microecology interactions and root-soil interface processes in situ at the submicrometer scale remain poorly understood. We combined amplicon sequencing and high-resolution nano X-ray fluorescence (nano-XRF) imaging of the root-soil interface to reveal cadmium (Cd) rhizosphere processes. S. indica can successfully colonize the roots of Sedum alfredii Hance, which induces a remarkable increase in shoot biomass by 211.32% and Cd accumulation by 235.72%. Nano-XRF images showed that S. indica colonization altered the Cd distribution in the rhizosphere and facilitated the proximity of more Cd and sulfur (S) to enter the roots and transport to the shoot. Furthermore, the rhizosphere-enriched microbiota demonstrated a more stable network structure after the S. indica inoculation. Keystone species were strongly associated with growth promotion and Cd absorption. For example, Comamonadaceae are closely related to the organic acid cycle and S bioavailability, which could facilitate Cd and S accumulation in plants. Meanwhile, Sphingomonadaceae could release auxin and boost plant biomass. In summary, we construct a mutualism system for beneficial fungi and hyperaccumulation plants, which facilitates high-efficient remediation of Cd-contaminated soils by restructuring the rhizosphere microbiota.

Fine-mapping of LrN3B on wheat chromosome arm 3BS, one of the two complementary genes for adult-plant leaf rust resistance.

The common wheat line 4N0461 showed adult-plant resistance to leaf rust. 4N0461 was crossed with susceptible cultivars Nongda4503 and Shi4185 to map the causal resistance gene(s). Segregation of leaf rust response in F2 populations from both crosses was 9 resistant:7 susceptible, indicative of two complementary dominant resistance genes. The genes were located on chromosome arms 3BS and 4BL and temporarily named LrN3B and LrN4B, respectively. Subpopulations from 4N0461 × Nongda4503 with LrN3B segregating as a single allele were used to fine-map LrN3B locus. LrN3B was delineated in a genetic interval of 0.07 cM, corresponding to 106 kb based on the Chinese Spring reference genome (IWGSC RefSeq v1.1). Four genes were annotated in this region, among which TraesCS3B02G014800 and TraesCS3B02G014900 differed between resistant and susceptible genotypes, and both were required for LrN3B resistance in virus-induced gene silencing experiments. Diagnostic markers developed for checking the polymorphism of each candidate gene, can be used for marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs.

Nitrogen removal performance and mechanism in constructed wetlands under saline conditions: Role of Canna indica inoculated with Piriformospora indica.

The phytopromotional root endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica was introduced into the wetland plant Canna indica L. to explore its impact on nitrogen (N) removal in constructed wetlands (CWs) to treat normal and saline (0.9 % NaCl) wastewater. P. indica colonization increased total nitrogen, NH4+-N, and NO3--N removal efficiencies under normal and saline conditions, with NO3--N removal rates significantly increasing by 17.5 % under saline conditions (P<0.05). N removal by plant uptake improved by 26.1 % and 27.7 % under normal and saline conditions due to P. indica-mediated growth-promoting effects. Salt-tolerant denitrifiers and nitrifiers guaranteed the dominant role of microbial degradation in N removal under saline conditions. P. indica inoculation considerably improved the contribution of Nocardioides and Nitrosomnas to dissimilatory/assimilatory nitrate reduction and nitrification genes, respectively. These findings elucidate the mechanisms and potential applications of P. indica-mediated phytoremediation in practical wastewater treatment under varying salty conditions.

Biochemical characterization of a high affinity phosphate transporter (PiPT) from root endophyte fungus Piriformospora indica.

We have functionally characterized the high-affinity phosphate transporter (PiPT) from the root endophyte fungus Piriformospora indica. PiPT belongs to the major facilitator superfamily (MFS). PiPT protein was purified by affinity chromatography (Ni-NTA) and Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). The functionality of solubilized PiPT was determined in detergent-solubilized state by fluorescence quenching and in proteoliposomes. In the fluorescence quenching assay, PiPT exhibited a saturation concentration of approximately 2 µM, at a pH of 4.5. Proteoliposomes of size 121.6 nm radius, showed transportation of radioactive phosphate. Vmax was measured to be 232.2 ± 11 pmol/min/mg protein. We have found Km to be 45.8 ± 6.2 µM suggesting high affinity towards phosphate.

Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities of Crude Extracts of Four Phellinus Species and Coltricia fragilissima (Agaricomycetes) from Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Antifungal and antibacterial activities of crude extracts of Phellinus extensus, Ph. gilvus, Ph. pachyphloeus, Ph. senex and Coltricia fragilissima were investigated on eleven species of bacteria and three fungal human pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the microdilution method. The results of this study reveal that for the eleven strains of bacteria tested, including Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella aerogenes, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia choli, the MIC of the crude extract of the four species of Phellinus as well as that of C. fragilissima ranged from 3.13 to 12.50 mg/mL. For the three strains of fungi tested including Candida albicans, Aspergillus ochraceus and A. fumigetus, the MIC of the crude extracts of the same four species of Phellinus as well as that of C. fragilissima ranged from 0.39 to 3.13 mg/mL. These data reveal that the antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of Phellinus and Coltricia species is stronger on pathogenic fungi than on bacteria. C. fragilissima being of the same family as Phellinus and having recorded the values of MIC eminently close to those of the latter may potentially be used for medicinal purposes like the investigated Phellinus species. Being highly represented in the sub-Saharan regions and owing to the above-mentioned results, these species could now be considered as part of the non-exhaustive list of medicinal mushrooms in these regions and may constitute a new source of natural molecules that may be more active than synthetic products against certain fungal and bacterial borne diseases.

Fine mapping of stem rust resistance derived from soft red winter wheat cultivar AGS2000 to an NLR gene cluster on chromosome 6D.

The Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) Ug99-emerging virulent races present a major challenge to global wheat production. To meet present and future needs, new sources of resistance must be found. Identification of markers that allow tracking of resistance genes is needed for deployment strategies to combat highly virulent pathogen races. Field evaluation of a DH population located a QTL for stem rust (Sr) resistance, QSr.nc-6D from the breeding line MD01W28-08-11 to the distal region of chromosome arm 6DS where Sr resistance genes Sr42, SrCad, and SrTmp have been identified. A locus for seedling resistance to Pgt race TTKSK was identified in a DH population and an RIL population derived from the cross AGS2000 × LA95135. The resistant cultivar AGS2000 is in the pedigree of MD01W28-08-11 and our results suggest that it is the source of Sr resistance in this breeding line. We exploited published markers and exome capture data to enrich marker density in a 10 Mb region flanking QSr.nc-6D. Our fine mapping in heterozygous inbred families identified three markers co-segregating with resistance and delimited QSr.nc-6D to a 1.3 Mb region. We further exploited information from other genome assemblies and identified collinear regions of 6DS harboring clusters of NLR genes. Evaluation of KASP assays corresponding to our co-segregating SNP suggests that they can be used to track this Sr resistance in breeding programs. However, our results also underscore the challenges posed in identifying genes underlying resistance in such complex regions in the absence of genome sequence from the resistant genotypes.

Evaluation of effectiveness resistance genes in wheat genotypes using marker-assisted selection for stripe rust resistance breeding".

Stripe rust, induced by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is the most harmful and prevalent disease in temperate regions worldwide, affecting wheat production areas globally. An effective strategy for controlling the disease involves enhancing genetic resistance against stripe rust, achieved through Egyptian breeding efforts not previously conducted on wheat genotypes. The resistance level to stripe rust in thirty-eight wheat genotypes was assessed using marker-assisted selection methods. The investigation suggests that wheat breeding programs can utilize slow-rusting Yr genes, which are effective resistance genes, to develop novel genotypes with stripe rust resistance through marker-assisted breeding. Based on the four disease responses of the wheat genotypes under investigation, the results categorized the genotypes into three groups. The first group included resistant genotypes, the second group exhibited a slow-rusting character with the lowest disease symptom rates, and the last group displayed the highest disease characteristics rates throughout the three seasons, comprising fast-rusting genotypes. The rust-resistant genes identified were Yr5, Yr9, Yr10, Yr15, Yr17, Yr18, Yr26, Yr29, Yr30, and Yr36. Genes Yr26, Yr30, and Yr36 were present in all genotypes. Genotypes Misr3, Misr4, Giza168, Giza167, Giza170, Giza171, Gemmeiza9, and Gemmeiza10 carried the Yr9 gene. Only one genotype, Sids13, was found to have the Yr17 gene. Genes Yr18 and Yr29 were identified in Sids14, Giza168, Giza170, Gemmeiza9, and Gemmeiza10. However, none of the wheat genotypes showed the presence of Yr5, Yr10, or Yr15. Several backcrossing generations were conducted to introduce the Yr5 and Yr10 genes into susceptible genotypes (Misr1, Misr2, and Gemmeiza11). These genotypes are cultivated globally and are known for producing high-quality flour, making them of great importance to farmers. The study demonstrates significant potential for enhancing wheat genotypes for stripe rust resistance and increased production.

Molecular decoding a meat-like aroma generated from Laetiporus sulphureus-mediated fermentation of onion (Allium cepa L.).

The organoleptic properties of plant-based meat alternatives do not meet consumer expectations due to the lack of characteristic flavors resembling meat. To address this challenge, a fermentation system utilizing Laetiporussulphureus was developed to generate a meat-like and fatty flavor from a vegetable source, onion. By means of multiple stir bar sorptive extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry, an unsaturated aldehyde, (E,Z)-2,4-decadienal, which imparts a tallow-like and fatty odor, and a sulfurous compound benzothiazole, with a broth-like odor were identified, which well contributed to the characteristic odor of the supernatant. (E,Z)-2,4-Decadienal as the most important odorant (odor activity value = 206) was biosynthesized by transformation of linoleic acid with L.sulphureus, as revealed by isotopic tracing experiments. For the first time in Basidiomycota, the biogenetic pathway of (E,Z)-2,4-decadienal from linoleic acid was proposed.

Evasion of wheat resistance gene Lr15 recognition by the leaf rust fungus is attributed to the coincidence of natural mutations and deletion in AvrLr15 gene.

Employing race-specific resistance genes remains an effective strategy to protect wheat from leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina (Pt) worldwide, while the newly emerged Pt races, owing to rapid genetic evolution, frequently overcome the immune response delivered by race-specific resistance genes. The molecular mechanisms underlying the newly evolved virulence Pt pathogen remain unknown. Here, we identified an avirulence protein AvrLr15 from Pt that induced Lr15-dependent immune responses. Heterologously produced AvrLr15 triggered pronounced cell death in Lr15-isogenic wheat leaves. AvrLr15 contains a functional signal peptide, localized to the plant nucleus and cytosol and can suppress BAX-induced cell death. Evasion of Lr15-mediated resistance in wheat was associated with a deletion and point mutations of amino acids in AvrLr15 rather than AvrLr15 gene loss in the Lr15-breaking Pt races, implying that AvrLr15 is required for the virulence function of Pt. Our findings identified the first molecular determinant of wheat race-specific immunity and facilitated the identification of the first AVR/R gene pair in the Pt-wheat pathosystem, which will provide a molecular marker to monitor natural Pt populations and guide the deployment of Lr15-resistant wheat cultivars in the field.

Genome wide association study of seedling and adult plant leaf rust resistance in two subsets of barley genetic resources.

Leaf rust (LR) caused by Puccinia hordei is a serious disease of barley worldwide, causing significant yield losses and reduced grain quality. Discovery and incorporation of new sources of resistance from gene bank accessions into barley breeding programs is essential for the development of leaf rust resistant varieties. To identify Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) conferring LR resistance in the two barley subsets, the Generation Challenge Program (GCP) reference set of 142 accessions and the leaf rust subset constructed using the Focused Identification of Germplasm Strategy (FIGS) of 76 barley accessions, were genotyped to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The results revealed a total of 59 QTL in the 218 accessions phenotyped against barley leaf rust at the seedling stage using two P. hordei isolates (ISO-SAT and ISO-MRC), and at the adult plant stage in four environments in Morocco. Out of these 59 QTL, 10 QTL were associated with the seedling resistance (SR) and 49 QTL were associated with the adult plant resistance (APR). Four QTL showed stable effects in at least two environments for APR, whereas two common QTL associated with SR and APR were detected on chromosomes 2H and 7H. Furthermore, 39 QTL identified in this study were potentially novel. Interestingly, the sequences of 27 SNP markers encoded the candidate genes (CGs) with predicted protein functions in plant disease resistance. These results will provide new perspectives on the diversity of leaf rust resistance loci for fine mapping, isolation of resistance genes, and for marker-assisted selection for the LR resistance in barley breeding programs worldwide.

5-mC methylation study of sORFs in 3'UTR of transcription factor JUNGBRUNNEN 1-like during leaf rust pathogenesis in wheat.

BACKGROUND: JUB1, a NAC domain containing hydrogen peroxide-induced transcription factor, plays a critical role in plant immunity. Little is known about how JUB1 responds to leaf rust disease in wheat. Recent discoveries in genomics have also unveiled a multitude of sORFs often assumed to be non-functional, to argue for the necessity of including them as potential regulatory players of translation. However, whether methylation on sORFs spanning the 3'UTR of regulatory genes like JUB1 modulate gene expression, remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, we identified the methylation states of two sORFs in 3'UTR of a homologous gene of JUB1 in wheat, TaJUB1-L, at cytosine residues in CpG, CHH and CHG sites at different time points of disease progression in two near-isogenic lines of wheat (HD2329), with and without Lr24 gene during leaf rust pathogenesis. Here, we report a significant demethylation of the CpG dinucleotides occurring in the sORFs of the 3'UTR in the resistant isolines after 24 h post-infection. Also, the up-regulated gene expression observed through RT-qPCR was directly proportional to the demethylation of the CpG sites in the sORFs. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that TaJUB1-L might be a positive regulator in providing tolerance during leaf rust pathogenesis and cytosine methylation at 3'UTR might act as a switch for its expression control. These results enrich the potential benefit of conventional methylation assay techniques for unraveling the unexplored enigma in epigenetics during plant-pathogen interaction in a cost-effective and confidentially conclusive manner.

Exploring the Health Benefits of Boletus aereus Polysaccharides: Extraction, Structural Characterization, and Antiproliferative Properties against Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHLs).

Boletus aereus Fr. ex Bull. stands out as a delectable edible mushroom with high nutritional and medicinal values, featuring polysaccharides as its primary nutrient composition. In our continuous exploration of its beneficial substances, a novel polysaccharide (BAPN-1) with a molecular weight of 2279 kDa was prepared. It was identified as a glucan with a backbone composed of the residues →4)-α-Glcp-(1→ and →4,6)-α-Glcp-(1→ connected in a proportion of 5:1 and a ß-Glcp-(1→ side residue attached at C6 of the →4,6)-α-Glcp-(1→ residue. Biologically, BAPN-1 exhibited broad-spectrum antiproliferative activities against various NHL cells, including HuT-78, OCI-LY1, OCI-LY18, Jurkat, RL, and Karpas-299, with IC50 values of 0.73, 1.21, 3.18, 1.52, 3.34, and 4.25 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, BAPN-1 significantly induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and caused apoptosis of NHL cells. Mechanistically, bulk RNA sequencing and Western blot analysis revealed that BAPN-1 could upregulate cyclin B1 and enhance cleaved caspase-9 expression through the inhibition of FGFR3 and RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathways. This work supports the improved utilization of B. aereus in high-value health products.

Genome and transcriptome based comparative analysis of Tilletia indica to decipher the causal genes for pathogenicity of Karnal bunt in wheat.

Tilletia indica Mitra causes Karnal bunt (KB) in wheat by pathogenic dikaryophase. The present study is the first to provide the draft genomes of the dikaryon (PSWKBGD-3) and its two monosporidial lines (PSWKBGH-1 and 2) using Illumina and PacBio reads, their annotation and the comparative analyses among the three genomes by extracting polymorphic SSR markers. The trancriptome from infected wheat grains of the susceptible wheat cultivar WL711 at 24 h, 48h, and 7d after inoculation of PSWKBGH-1, 2 and PSWKBGD-3 were also isolated. Further, two transcriptome analyses were performed utilizing T. indica transcriptome to extract dikaryon genes responsible for pathogenesis, and wheat transcriptome to extract wheat genes affected by dikaryon involved in plant-pathogen interaction during progression of KB in wheat. A total of 54, 529, and 87 genes at 24hai, 48hai, and 7dai, respectively were upregulated in dikaryon stage while 21, 35, and 134 genes of T. indica at 24hai, 48hai, and 7dai, respectively, were activated only in dikaryon stage. While, a total of 23, 17, and 52 wheat genes at 24hai, 48hai, and 7dai, respectively were upregulated due to the presence of dikaryon stage only. The results obtained during this study have been compiled in a web resource called TiGeR ( http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/tiger/ ), which is the first genomic resource for T. indica cataloguing genes, genomic and polymorphic SSRs of the three T. indica lines, wheat and T. indica DEGs as well as wheat genes affected by T. indica dikaryon along with the pathogenecity related proteins of T. indica dikaryon during incidence of KB at different time points. The present study would be helpful to understand the role of dikaryon in plant-pathogen interaction during progression of KB, which would be helpful to manage KB in wheat, and to develop KB-resistant wheat varieties.

The addition of Psathyrostachys Huashanica Keng 6Ns large segment chromosomes has positive impact on stripe rust resistance and plant spikelet number of common wheat.

BACKGROUND: Developing novel germplasm by using wheat wild related species is an effective way to rebuild the wheat resource bank. The Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng (P. huashanica, 2n = 2x = 14, NsNs) is regarded as a superior species to improve wheat breeding because of its multi-resistance, early maturation and numerous tiller traits. Introducing genetic components of P. huashanica into the common wheat background is the most important step in achieving the effective use. Therefore, the cytogenetic characterization and influence of the introgressed P. huashanica large segment chromosomes in the wheat background is necessary to be explored. RESULTS: In this study, we characterized a novel derived line, named D88-2a, a progeny of the former characterized wheat-P. huashanica partial amphiploid line H8911 (2n = 7x = 49, AABBDDNs). Cytological identification showed that the chromosomal composition of D88-2a was 2n = 44 = 22II, indicating the addition of exogenous chromosomes. Genomic in situ hybridization demonstrated that the supernumerary chromosomes were a pair of homologues from the P. huashanica and could be stably inherited in the common wheat background. Molecular markers and 15 K SNP array indicated that the additional chromosomes were derived from the sixth homoeologous group (i.e., 6Ns) of P. huashanica. Based on the distribution of the heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphism sites and fluorescence in situ hybridization karyotype of each chromosome, this pair of additional chromosomes was confirmed as P. huashanica 6Ns large segment chromosomes, which contained the entire short arm and the proximal centromere portion of the long arm. In terms of the agronomic traits, the addition line D88-2a exhibited enhanced stripe rust resistance, improved spike characteristics and increased protein content than its wheat parent line 7182. CONCLUSIONS: The new wheat germplasm D88-2a is a novel cytogenetically stable wheat-P. huashanica 6Ns large segment addition line, and the introgressed large segment alien chromosome has positive impact on plant spikelet number and stripe rust resistance. Thus, this germplasm can be used for genetic improvement of cultivated wheat and the study of functional alien chromosome segment.