The Transcription Factor SsSR Mediates Ergosterol Biosynthesis and Virulence in <i>Sclerotinia sclerotiorum</i>

The Transcription Factor SsSR Mediates Ergosterol Biosynthesis and Virulence in <i>Sclerotinia sclerotiorum</i>

<i>Sclerotinia sclerotiorum</i>, known as a typical necrotrophic pathogenic fungus, exhibits a complex pathogenic mechanism. Research on <i>S. sclerotiorum</i> has primarily focused on oxalic acid, pathogenicity-related enzymes, and secreted proteins. In this study, we identi...

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Main Authors: Huihui Zhao, Xiaofan Liu, Jintao Jiang, Jiatao Xie, Yanping Fu, Yang Lin, Tao Chen, Bo Li, Xiao Yu, Xueqiong Xiao, Xueliang Lyu, Weidong Chen, Daohong Jiang, Jiasen Cheng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of Fungi
Subjects:
<i>Sclerotinia sclerotiorum</i>
transcription factor
virulence
ergosterol
stress tolerance
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/7/509
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Summary:<i>Sclerotinia sclerotiorum</i>, known as a typical necrotrophic pathogenic fungus, exhibits a complex pathogenic mechanism. Research on <i>S. sclerotiorum</i> has primarily focused on oxalic acid, pathogenicity-related enzymes, and secreted proteins. In this study, we identified a transcription factor, SsSR (<i>S. sclerotiorum</i> Sterol-Related transcription factor), which regulates <i>S. sclerotiorum</i> infection by modulating virulence through ergosterol biosynthesis. We characterized the transcriptional activity of <i>SsSR</i> and its downstream target gene, <i>SsCYP51</i>. <i>SsSR</i> undergoes phosphorylation induced by the host plant, subsequently regulating the expression of <i>SsCYP51</i>. The deletion of <i>SsSR</i> or <i>SsCYP51</i> does not affect the growth or acid production of <i>S. sclerotiorum</i>, but it leads to a reduction in ergosterol, significantly diminishing virulence and impairing the stress tolerance of the hyphae. In summary, this study identifies a transcription factor, <i>SsSR</i>, that specifically regulates the virulence of <i>S. sclerotiorum</i>. <i>SsSR</i> upregulates the expression of <i>SsCYP51</i> through phosphorylation during the infection phase, leading to the synthesis of ergosterol, which enhances hyphal stress tolerance and thereby promotes infection.
ISSN:2309-608X

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