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Histone acetylation is a crucial epigenetic modification, one that holds the key to regulating gene expression by meticulously modulating the conformation of chromatin. Most histone acetylation enzymes (HATs) and deacetylation enzymes (HDACs) in fungi were originally discovered in yeast. The functions and mechanisms of HATs and HDACs in yeast that have been documented offer us an excellent entry point for gaining insights into these two types of enzymes. In the interaction between plants and pathogenic fungi, histone acetylation assumes a critical role, governing fungal pathogenicity and plant immunity. This review paper delves deep into the recent advancements in understanding how histone acetylation shapes the interaction between plants and fungi. It explores how this epigenetic modification influences the intricate balance of power between these two kingdoms of life, highlighting the intricate network of interactions and the subtle shifts in these interactions that can lead to either mutual coexistence or hostile confrontation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LncRNAs have gained increasing attention owing to their important regulatory roles on growth and stress responses of plants. However, the mechanisms underlying the functions of lncRNAs in fruit‐pathogen interaction are still largely unknown. In this study, a total of 273 lncRNAs responding to Botrytis cinerea infection were identified in tomato fruit, among which a higher percentage of antisense lncRNAs were targeted to the genes enriched in hydrolase activity. To ascertain the roles of these lncRNAs, seven hydrolase‐related transcripts were transiently knocked‐down by virus‐induced gene silencing. Silencing of lncRNACXE20 reduced the expression level of a carboxylesterase gene, further enhancing the resistance of tomato to B. cinerea. In contrast, silencing of lncRNACHI, lncRNAMMP, lncRNASBT1.9 and lncRNAPME1.9 impaired the resistance to B. cinerea, respectively. Further RT‐qPCR assay and enzymatic activity detection displayed that the attenuated resistance of lncRNAMMP and lncRNASBT1.9‐silenced plants was associated with the inhibition on the expression of JA‐related genes, while the decreased resistance of lncRNACHI‐silenced plants resulted in reduced chitinase activity. Collectively, these results may provide references for deciphering the mechanisms underlying specific lncRNAs to interfere with B. cinerea infection by regulating the expression of defence‐related genes or affecting hydrolase activity. Summary Statement: To add more references to the mechanisms underlying the interaction between fruit—Botrytis cinerea interaction, the lncRNAs induced by B. cinerea in tomato fruit were identified and their roles were preliminarily investigated. The results revealed that specific lncRNAs are involved in fruit—B. cinerea interaction by regulating the expression of defence‐related genes or affecting hydrolase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botrytis cinerea is one of the most destructive plant pathogens, causing great economic losses in a wide variety of crops. It is difficult to control the pathogen because of its flexible mode of infection, high reproduction, genetic plasticity and strong stress resistance. There are more than 400 genes encoding transcription factors in the genome of B. cinerea, among which Zn(II)2Cys6(C6) transcription factors constitute the largest family. However, the mechanisms of Zn(II)2Cys6(C6) transcription factors regulating the development and pathogenicity of B. cinerea are largely unknown. In this study, we identified an important C6 transcription factor BcDIC that regulates the asexual reproduction and pathogenicity of B. cinerea. The virulence of the knockout mutant ΔBcDIC was reduced on various hosts. Especially, ΔBcDIC completely lost the ability of conidiation. By analyzing the transcriptome data, we found that deletion of ΔBcDIC enhanced the expression of pectinesterase family genes in B. cinerea. Furthermore, the results of yeast-one-hybrid and dual-LUC reporter assay suggested that BcDIC could bind to the promoter of two pectinesterase genes and suppress their expression. In this work, we identified a C6 transcription factor involved in the pathogenesis and asexual reproduction of B. cinerea, and the results implied that the capacity of pectin degradation was closely related with the reproduction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]