Characterization of the chorismate mutase effector (SsCm1) from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a filamentous fungus (mold) that causes plant disease. It has an extremely wide range of hosts (>400 species) and causes considerable damage (annual multimillion dollar losses) in economically important crops. It has proven difficult to control (culturally or chemically) and host resistance to this fungus has generally been inadequate. It is believed that this fungus occurs in almost every country. Virulence of this aggressive pathogen is bolstered by a wide array of plant cell wall degrading enzymes and various compounds (secondary metabolites) produced by the fungus. It is well established that plant pathogenic fungi secrete proteins and small molecules that interact with host cells and play a critical role in disease development. Such secreted proteins have been collectively designated as “effectors”. Plant resistance against some pathogens can be mediated by recognition of such effectors. Alternatively, effectors can interfere with plant defense. Some such effectors are recognized by the host plant and can culminate in a programmed cell death (PCD) resistant response. During the course of this study, we analyzed an effector in Sclerotiniasclerotiorum. This specific effector, SsCM1 is the protein chorismatemutase, which is an enzyme involved in a pathway which is important in the production of important amino acids, such a Tryptophan. We have characterized the Sclerotiniaeffector, SsCM1, and have shown that inactivation of Sscm1 does not affect fungal vegetative growth, development or production of oxalic acid (one of this fungus’ secondary metabolites associated with disease) production. However, yhis does result in reduced fungal virulence. We show that, unexpectedly, the SsCM1 protein translocates to the host chloroplast, and demonstrated that this process is required for full fungal virulence. We have also determined that the fungal SsCM1 protein can interact with similar proteins produced by the host. In addition, we have shown that the fungal SsCM1 is able to suppress at least some of the effects imposed by reactive oxygen species which are produced as a defense mechanism by the host. Last, but not least, the results of our studies have provided evidence contradicting the current dogma on at least some of the mechanist aspects of how this pathogen infects the host. Contrary to previousons, indicating that this pathogen kills its host by use of metabolites and enzymes that degrade the host tissue (a process called necrotrophy), we now know that at least in the early phases of infection, the fungus interacts with live host tissue (a phenomenon known as biotrophy). Taken together, the results of our studies provide novel insights concerning the mechanistic aspects of Sclerotinia-host interactions. We hope this information will be used to interfere with the disease cycle in a manner that will protect plants from this devastating fungus.