Author
MALMIERCA, M - University Of Leon | |
McCormick, Susan | |
CARDOZA, R - University Of Leon | |
Alexander, Nancy | |
HERMOSA, R - University Of Salamanca | |
MONTE, E - University Of Salamanca | |
GUTIERREZ, S - University Of Leon |
Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 3/27/2014 Publication Date: 3/27/2014 Citation: Malmierca, M.G., McCormick, S.P., Cardoza, R.E., Alexander, N.J., Hermosa, R., Monte, E., Gutierrez, S. 2014. Heterologous expression of tri5 gene in Trichoderma harzianum: Effect of trichodiene production on Trichoderma environmental interactions [abstract]. European Conference on Fungal Genetics. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Terpenes form a large class of compounds that have a variety of roles in mediating antagonistic and beneficial interactions among organisms. The trichothecenes are phytotoxic sesquiterpenoid compounds that have been extensively studied, mainly in the genus Fusarium, that can act as virulence factors in plant diseases caused by these fungi. One interesting exception is harzianum A (HA), a non-phytotoxic trichothecene produced by T. arundinaceum strains. The first step in the biosynthesis of HA is the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate to trichodiene, catalyzed by a terpene synthase encoded by the tri5 gene. Heterologous expression of tri5 gene in the well-characterized biocontrol strain T. harzianum CECT 2413 resulted in production of trichodiene and a reduction in the level of ergosterol produced. In addition, trichodiene from this strain affected the expression of tomato defense related genes and Botrytis cinerea 05.10 virulence genes. Together, these results suggest that trichodiene has a signaling role in interactions between Trichoderma and plants and microorganisms in its environment. |