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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #345799
Title: The interactomic analysis reveals pathogenic protein networks in Phomopsis longicolla underlying seed decay of soybean

Author
item Li, Shuxian
item Musungu, Bryan
item LIGHTFOOT, DAVID - Southern Illinois University
item JI, PINGSHENG - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: Frontiers in Genetics
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2018
Publication Date: 4/3/2018
Citation: Li, S., Musungu, B.M., Lightfoot, D., Ji, P. 2018. The interactomic analysis reveals pathogenic protein networks in Phomopsis longicolla underlying seed decay of soybean. Frontiers in Genetics. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2018.00104.

Interpretive Summary: Phomopsis seed decay is one of the most economically important diseases causing poor seed quality of soybean. The causal agent of the disease is a seed-borne fungus. Information on how the fungus causes Phomopsis seed decay is lacking. In this study, we used a molecular approach to analyze the protein-protein interactions of the fungus, as well as plant cell wall degrading enzymes which are important for the development and infection of fungi. A total of 1,414 pathogenicity genes were identified, and multiple plant cell wall degrading enzymes were also detected in the pathogen. This research enhances our knowledge of the biology and protein interactions involved in disease development and aids in developing improved disease management strategies for this important soybean disease.

Technical Abstract: Phomopsis longicolla T. W. Hobbs (syn. Diaporthe longicolla) is the primary cause of Phomopsis seed decay (PSD) in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill. This disease causes poor seed quality and is one of the most economically important diseases in soybean. The objectives of this study were to perform a genome-wide analysis and use orthologs to predict proteins interactome and to identify conserved global networks and pathogenicity subnetworks in P. longicolla. Using one-to-one interolog as a method of predicting interactions, 215,255 unique protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were determined from 3,868 proteins which were involved. There were multiple plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDE) detected within the genome. The network captured five different classes of carbohydrate degrading enzymes, including the auxiliary activities, carbohydrate esterases, glycoside hydrolases, glycosyl transferase, and carbohydrate binding molecule. The most predominant class of PCWDE was a group of 60 glycoside hydrolases proteins. A total of 1,414 pathogenicity genes in P. longicolla were also identified in the study. Similarity among orthologous proteins was found in ascomycetes, basidiomycetes and prokaryotes. Therefore, the PiPhom protein interactome generated in this study can lead to a better understanding of this important soybean pathogen. This research enhances our knowledge of the biology, pathogenicity, and protein interactions of P. longicolla and aids in developing improved disease management strategies for PSD.