Molecular Microbiology
Molecular Microbiology
5 years ago

Three regulators of G protein signaling differentially affect mating, morphology and virulence in the smut fungus Ustilago maydis

Three regulators of G protein signaling differentially affect mating, morphology and virulence in the smut fungus Ustilago maydis
Hannes Link, Regine Kahmann, Marino Moretti, Lei Wang, Pierre Grognet, Daniel Lanver
Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins modulate heterotrimeric G protein signaling negatively. To broaden an understanding of the roles of RGS proteins in fungal pathogens, we functionally characterized the three RGS protein-encoding genes (rgs1, rgs2 and rgs3) in the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis. It was found that RGS proteins played distinct roles in the regulation of development and virulence. rgs1 had a minor role in virulence when deleted in a solopathogenic strain. In crosses, rgs1 was dispensable for mating and filamentation, but was required for teliospore production. Haploid rgs2 mutants were affected in cell morphology, growth, mating and were unable to cause disease symptoms in crosses. However, virulence was unaffected when rgs2 was deleted in a solopathogenic strain, suggesting an exclusive involvement in pre-fusion events. These rgs2 phenotypes are likely connected to elevated intracellular cAMP levels. rgs3 mutants were severely attenuated in mating, in their response to pheromone, virulence and formation of mature teliospores. The mating defect could be traced back to reduced expression of the transcription factor rop1. It was speculated that the distinct roles of the three U. maydis RGS proteins were achieved by direct modulation of the Gα subunit-activated signaling pathways as well as through Gα-independent functions. RGS proteins are important regulators of G protein signaling via their interaction with GTP-bound Gα subunits. Rgs1, Rgs2 and Rgs3 of the maize pathogen Ustilago maydis have been functionally characterized. We show that these RGS proteins have distinct functions in maintenance of cell shape, mating, teliospore development and virulence.

Publisher URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi

DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13745

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