Global Gene Regulation by Fusarium Transcription Factors Tri6 and Tri10 Reveals Adaptations for Toxin Biosynthesis

Authors: SEONG, KYE-YONG - University Of Minnesota; PASQUALI, MATIAS - University Of Minnesota; ZHOU, XIAOYING - Purdue University; SONG, JONGWOO - Ewha Woman'S University; Broz, Karen; McCormick, Susan; DONG, YANHONG - University Of Minnesota; XU, JIN-RONG - Purdue University; Kistler, Harold

Submitted to: Fungal Genetics Newsletter
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/17/2009
Publication Date: 3/17/2009
Citation: Seong, K., Pasquali, M., Zhou, X., Song, J., Hilburn, K.L., Mccormick, S.P., Dong, Y., Xu, J., Kistler, H.C. 2009. Global Gene Regulation by Fusarium Transcription Factors Tri6 and Tri10 Reveals Adaptations for Toxin Biosynthesis. Fungal Genetics Newsletter. 56:168.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Trichothecenes are isoprenoid mycotoxins in wheat infected with the filamentous fungus Fusarium graminearum. Some fungal genes for trichothecene biosynthesis (Tri genes) are known to be under control of transcription factors encoded by Tri6 and Tri10. Tri6 and Tri10 deletion mutants were constructed in order to discover additional genes regulated by these factors in planta. Both mutants were greatly reduced in pathogenicity. Transcript levels for over 200 genes were altered two-fold for tri6 or tri10 mutants including nearly all known Tri genes. Also reduced were transcript levels for enzymes in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway leading to farnesyl pyrophosphate, the immediate molecular precursor of trichothecenes. DNA sequences 5' to isoprenoid biosynthetic genes were enriched for the Tri6p DNA binding motif, YNAGGCC, in F. graminearum but not in related species that do not produce trichothecenes. Differentially regulated genes will be targeted for functional analysis to discover additional factors involved in toxin biosynthesis, toxin resistance and pathogenesis.