The cyclase-associated protein UvCap1 is required for mycelial growth and pathogenicity in the rice false smut fungus

Abstract Rice false smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens is one of the widespread rice diseases across globe in recent years, however, we know little about its molecular mechanism infection. The cAMP signaling pathway functions directly development and formation infectious structures to regulate infection process many pathogenic fungi. In order investigate role U. , UvCap1, a cyclase-associated-protein homologous Saccharomyces cerevisiae Srv2 was identified. Three targeted deletion mutants UvCAP1 gene were obtained with replacement strategy assisted CRISPR-Cas9 system. showed defects mycelial growth conidial production. Inoculation experiments demonstrated that Δ Uvcap1 exhibited pathogenicity. Compared wild-type strain, decreased tolerance sorbitol H 2 O increased NaCl, CFW SDS, intracellular level significantly reduced . Yeast two-hybrid assay identified interactions UvCap1 UvAc1 (adenylase cyclase), two Ras proteins (UvRas1 UvRas2) UvSte50. Taken together, as component pathway, plays important roles pathogenicity