In a groundbreaking study published in ‘Cell Communication and Signaling’, researchers led by Jing Wang from the State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products and the Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology at Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences have uncovered a fascinating link between plant and animal pathogenic fungi. The study, which delves into the intricate world of ABC transporters, offers a new perspective on how these fungi develop resistance to multiple drugs and maintain their pathogenicity.
The research team identified a new ABCG-1 gene, MoCDR1, in the rice-blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. ABC transporters are known for their role in multidrug resistance in fungi, but their functions in animal pathogenic fungi and the connections between plant and animal pathogenic fungi have remained largely unexplored. “We found that MoCDR1 disruption caused hypersensitivity to multidrugs and impaired conidiation, appressorium formation, and pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae,” said Wang. This discovery hinted at the broader implications of ABC transporters in fungal diseases.
To further understand these implications, the researchers systematically retrieved ABC proteins in the animal pathogenic fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes and identified TmCdr1, a homologue to MoCdr1. TmCDR1 effectively rescued the drug sensitivity and virulence of ΔMocdr1 and mediated drug resistance and animal skin infection in T. mentagrophytes. This cross-functional rescue indicates that MoCdr1 and TmCdr1 are conserved in structures and functions, both involved in drug resistance and pathogenicity by analogously regulating gene expression levels related to transporter activity, MAPK signaling pathway, and metabolic processes.
Wang’s team also found that MoCDR1 rescued the defects in drug sensitivity and virulence of ΔTmcdr1, highlighting the functional correlation between homologous ABC genes in plant and animal pathogenic fungi. This research represents the first comprehensive characterization of ABC genes in T. mentagrophytes, bridging the gap between plant and animal fungal pathogens.
The implications of this research are vast. Understanding the mechanisms by which fungi develop multidrug resistance and maintain their pathogenicity can lead to the development of more effective antifungal treatments. This could have significant commercial impacts, particularly in the energy sector, where fungal infections can cause substantial damage to crops and livestock, affecting the overall yield and economic stability.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by fungal diseases, this research offers a glimmer of hope. By unraveling the mysteries of ABC transporters, scientists are one step closer to developing targeted therapies that can combat these resilient pathogens. The findings published in ‘Cell Communication and Signaling’ by Jing Wang and her team are a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and its potential to shape future developments in the field of agritech and beyond.