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Unravelling the Function of the Sesquiterpene Cyclase STC3 in the Lifecycle of Botrytis cinerea

Authors :
Víctor Coca-Ruiz
Ivonne Suárez
Josefina Aleu
Jesús M. Cantoral
Celedonio González
Carlos Garrido
Nélida Brito
Isidro G. Collado
Source :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Vol 25, Iss 10, p 5125 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

The genome sequencing of Botrytis cinerea supplies a general overview of the map of genes involved in secondary metabolite synthesis. B. cinerea genomic data reveals that this phytopathogenic fungus has seven sesquiterpene cyclase (Bcstc) genes that encode proteins involved in the farnesyl diphosphate cyclization. Three sesquiterpene cyclases (BcStc1, BcStc5 and BcStc7) are characterized, related to the biosynthesis of botrydial, abscisic acid and (+)-4-epi-eremophilenol, respectively. However, the role of the other four sesquiterpene cyclases (BcStc2, BcStc3, BcStc4 and BcStc6) remains unknown. BcStc3 is a well-conserved protein with homologues in many fungal species, and here, we undertake its functional characterization in the lifecycle of the fungus. A null mutant ΔBcstc3 and an overexpressed–Bcstc3 transformant (OvBcstc3) are generated, and both strains show the deregulation of those other sesquiterpene cyclase-encoding genes (Bcstc1, Bcstc5 and Bcstc7). These results suggest a co-regulation of the expression of the sesquiterpene cyclase gene family in B. cinerea. The phenotypic characterization of both transformants reveals that BcStc3 is involved in oxidative stress tolerance, the production of reactive oxygen species and virulence. The metabolomic analysis allows the isolation of characteristic polyketides and eremophilenols from the secondary metabolism of B. cinerea, although no sesquiterpenes different from those already described are identified.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14220067 and 16616596
Volume :
25
Issue :
10
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.4b869f0812c247aa9bffc1222b93b4f6
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105125