Transcription factor UvMsn2 is important for vegetative growth, conidiogenesis, stress response, mitochondrial morphology and pathogenicity in the rice false smut fungus Ustilaginoidea virens

Abstract Transcription factors (TFs) play critical roles in the control of development and pathogenicity phytopathogens by directly or indirectly regulating expression downstream genes. Here, we identified characterized a zinc finger TF UvMsn2 Ustilaginoidea virens , homolog MoMsn2 from rice blast fungus. Heterogenous complementation assay revealed that fully restored defects ?Momsn2 mutant vegetative growth, conidiation pathogenicity. Deletion U. led to reduction pathogen aerial hyphae conidiation. Additionally, ?Uvmsn2 displayed conidial morphology germination, as well mitochondrial morphology. Pathogenicity toxicity assays was non-pathogenic less inhibitory seed germination. The showed different sensitivity various stresses. Further microscopic examination found localized both cytosol nucleus, translocated nucleus under treatment NaCl. Our results demonstrate is regulates conidiogenesis, stress response, virulence false smut