Moniliophthora perniciosa development: key genes involved in stress-mediated cell wall organization and autophagy.

Moniliophthora perniciosa is a basidiomycete responsible for the witches' broom disease in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). Chitin synthase (CHS), chitinase (CHIT) and autophagy (ATG) genes have been associated to stress response preceding the formation of basidiocarp.

Mycelial development preceding basidioma formation in Moniliophthora perniciosa is associated to chitin, sugar and nutrient metabolism alterations involving autophagy.

We identified and characterized two chitinases, named MpCHIT1 and MpCHIT2, from the fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa - the etiologic agent of witches' broom disease in cacao tree (Theobroma cacao L.) - during its development, mainly in the mycelia phases preceding the basidioma formation. The expression of MpCHIT1 and MpCHIT2, together with MpCHS and MpATG8 (chitin synthase and autophagy genes, respectively), was analyzed during the M.