AUTHOR=Zhao Li , Liao Zhiwen , Feng Liping , An Bang , He Chaozu , Wang Qiannan , Luo Hongli 

TITLE=Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Cg2LysM contributed to virulence toward rubber tree through affecting invasive structure and inhibiting chitin-triggered plant immunity

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1129101

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2023.1129101

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>Fungal chitin, as a typical microorganism-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), was recognized by plant LysM-containing protein to induce immunity called pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). To successfully infect host plant, fungal pathogens secreted LysM-containing effectors to inhibit chitin-induced plant immunity. Filamentous fungus <italic>Colletotrichum gloeosporioides</italic> caused rubber tree anthracnose which resulted in serious loss of natural rubber production worldwide. However, little is known about the pathogenesis mediated by LysM effector of <italic>C. gloeosporioide</italic>. In this study, we identified a two LysM-containing effector in <italic>C. gloeosporioide</italic> and named as Cg2LysM. Cg2LysM was involved not only in conidiation, appressorium formation, invasion growth and the virulence to rubber tree, but also in melanin synthesis of <italic>C. gloeosporioides</italic>. Moreover, Cg2LysM showed chitin-binding activity and suppression of chitin-triggered immunity of rubber tree such as ROS production and the expression of defense relative genes <italic>HbPR1</italic>, <italic>HbPR5</italic>, <italic>HbNPR1</italic> and <italic>HbPAD4</italic>. This work suggested that Cg2LysM effector facilitate infection of <italic>C. gloeosporioides</italic> to rubber tree through affecting invasive structure and inhibiting chitin-triggered plant immunity.</p>