Image Credit: Kathryn Bushley
Within the framework of JGI Community Sequencing Project “Defensive Mutualism of Fungal Root Endophytes of Soybean”, we are investigating the potential role of fungal endophytes isolated from soybean roots in protecting against two root pathogens: 1) the root rot fungus causing Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome (Fusarium virguliforme) and the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines). These fungi were screened for either anti-fungal or anti-nematode activity in-vitro and genome, transcriptome, and metabolome sequencing will address possible mechanisms of antagonism against these pathogens.
Fusarium is a large genus of filamentous fungi with diverse lifestyles, ranging from pathogens or endophytes of plants, to opportunistic human pathogens, to insect pathogens and mutualists [1, 2]. F. dimerum can infect immunocompromised individuals, causing skin infections, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), and more severe systemic infections in immunocompromised patients [3-5]. Fusarium species, including F. dimerum, are commonly found in the environment in soil, plants, and water. While F. dimerum is generally not implicated as a plant pathogen, it has been isolated as an endophyte from various plant species [6, 7]. This genome was isolated as an endophyte from soybean roots.
Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI (Dr. Kathryn Bushley) and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master paper(s).
References:
- Hill, R., et al., Lifestyle Transitions in Fusarioid Fungi are Frequent and Lack Clear Genomic Signatures. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 2022. 39(4): p. 19.
- Nikitin, D.A., et al., Diversity, Ecological Characteristics and Identification of Some Problematic Phytopathogenic Fusarium in Soil: A Review. Diversity-Basel, 2023. 15(1): p. 18.
- Bigley, V.H., et al., Fusarium dimerum infection in a stem cell transplant recipient treated successfully with voriconazole. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2004. 34(9): p. 815-817.
- Collado, C., et al., Cutaneous fusariosis by a species of the Fusarium dimerum species complex in a patient with acute mieloblastic leukemia. Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia, 2013. 30(2): p. 119-121.
- Vismer, H.F., et al., Fusarium dimerum as a cause of human eye infections. Medical Mycology, 2002. 40(4): p. 399-406.
- Firáková, S., et al., Enniatins produced by Fusarium dimerum, an endophytic fungal strain. Pharmazie, 2008. 63(7): p. 539-541.
- Gherbawy, Y.A. and R.M. Gashgari, Molecular characterization of fungal endophytes from Calotropis procera plants in Taif region (Saudi Arabia) and their antifungal activities. Plant Biosystems, 2014. 148(6): p. 1085-1092.
