bZIP Transcription Factor UvATF21 Mediates Vegetative Growth, Conidiation, Stress Tolerance and Is Required for Full Virulence of Rice False Smut Fungus Ustilaginoidea virens

• DOI: 10.1016/j.rsci.2022.12.001
• Publication Date: 2023-01-04T04:26:55Z
• Authors: Liu Yueran; Qu Jinsong; Wang Yufu; Yin Weixiao; Luo Chaoxi
• Keywords: Conidiation

bZIP proteins are widely distributed in eukaryotic organisms and regulate a diverse range of physiological processes. Several have previously been identified Ustilaginoidea virens. However, the biological roles these this pathogen still unknown. Here, one protein coding genes, UvATF21, was functionally characterized. Targeted deletion UvATF21 resulted reduced conidiation pathogenicity despite increased vegetative growth. The mutants also significantly decreased sensitivity to osmotic oxidative stresses. Interestingly, exhibited different performances cell wall integrity stress. These results indicated that played crucial growth, conidiation, stress response, full virulence U.