Identification of candidate interactors and global response pathways activated by Sporisorium scitamineum effectors

Abstract

Sugarcane smut is a worldwide distributed disease recognized as one of the major threats for sugarcane production. The disease is caused by the biotrophic basidiomycete fungus Sporisorium scitamineum. Cane-smut interaction has been studied by our research group during the past few years in their various aspects, considering both fungal pathogenesis and global host responses. The aim of this project is to study the interactome of candidate effector proteins of this pathosystem. Effectors are essential to modulate host metabolism in favor of pathogen colonization. An overview of effector interactions may assist the recognition of candidate and pathways relevant for genetic breeding programs. Potential effectors were selected based on S. scitamineum complete genome sequence and differential expression data obtained by RNAseq. The interactome of candidates will be analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation assay, BiFC technique and through a protoplast screening platform to capture protein complexes and evaluate the pathways they influence. These results will enable future researches considering virulence level of different isolates and also help decision making in plant breeding programs for more resistant varieties. (AU)