The Role of the FTF2 Transcription Factor in Host Colonization and Virulence in Common Bean Plants ( L.).

The () gene family is composed of two members ( and ) with high-sequence homology that encode transcription factors involved in the modulation of virulence in the species complex (FOSC). While is a multicopy gene exclusive of highly virulent strains of FOSC and is located in the accessory genome, is a single-copy gene, located in the core genome, and well-conserved in all filamentous ascomycete fungi, except yeast. The involvement of in the colonization of the vascular system and regulation of the expression of SIX effectors has been stablished.

-Mediated Transformation of NHEJ Mutant Conidia: An Efficient Tool for Targeted Gene Recombination Using Selectable Nutritional Markers.

Protoplast transformation for the introduction of recombinant DNA into is technically demanding and dependant on the availability and batch variability of commercial enzyme preparations. Given the success of -mediated transformation (ATMT) in diverse pathogenic fungi, we have adapted this method to facilitate transformation of . Using suitably engineered binary vectors, gene-targeted ATMT of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) mutant conidia has been carried out for the first time by complementation of a nutritional requirement (uridine/uracil auxotrophy).

In Planta Gene Expression Analysis and Colonization of Fusarium oxysporum.

In planta gene expression analysis and GFP-based confocal microscopy are two powerful techniques that may be coupled to assess the extent and dynamics of plant colonization by a fungal pathogen. Here we describe methods to prepare common bean plants for inoculation with a highly virulent strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.

Specific tissue proteins 1 and 6 are involved in root biology during normal development and under symbiotic and pathogenic interactions in Medicago truncatula.

ST1 and ST6 are possibly involved in primary and lateral root and symbiotic nodule development, but only ST6 participates in the interaction with hemibiotrophic fungi. Specific tissue (ST) proteins have been shown to be involved in several processes related to plant nutritional status, development, and responses to biotic agents. In particular, ST1 and ST6 are mainly expressed in roots throughout plant development.

The FTF gene family regulates virulence and expression of SIX effectors in Fusarium oxysporum.

The FTF (Fusarium transcription factor) gene family comprises a single copy gene, FTF2, which is present in all the filamentous ascomycetes analysed, and several copies of a close relative, FTF1, which is exclusive to Fusarium oxysporum. An RNA-mediated gene silencing system was developed to target mRNA produced by all the FTF genes, and tested in two formae speciales: F. oxysporum f.

Gene expression patterns and dynamics of the colonization of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by highly virulent and weakly virulent strains of Fusarium oxysporum.

The dynamics of root and hypocotyl colonization, and the gene expression patterns of several fungal virulence factors and plant defense factors have been analyzed and compared in the interaction of two Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli strains displaying clear differences in virulence, with a susceptible common bean cultivar.