Revisiting the Evolution and Function of NIP2 Paralogues in the Rhynchosporium Spp. Complex

• DOI: 10.1111/ppa.14111
• Publication Date: 2025-05-19T14:18:29Z
• Authors: Reynaldi Darma; Daniel S. Yu; Megan A. Outram; Ben Ovenden; Yi‐Chang Sung; Erin H. Hill; Daniel Croll; Simon J. Williams; Xuechen Zhang; Andrew Milgate; Peter S. Solomon; Megan C. McDonald

ABSTRACT The fungus Rhynchosporium commune , the causal agent of barley scald disease, contains a paralogous effector gene family called Necrosis‐Inducing Protein 2 ( NIP2 ) and NIP2‐like protein NLP ). However, function full genomic context these paralogues remain uncharacterised. Here we present highly contiguous long‐read assembly newly isolated Australian strain, R . WAI453, that is virulent on multiple cultivars. Using this assembly, show duplication families distributed throughout genome pre‐dates speciation from other species in genus. Some have subsequently been lost or are absent closely related species. diversity was examined global populations their expression analysed during planta vitro growth to evaluate importance genes infection. majority WAI453 were significantly upregulated plant infection suggesting harbour virulence roles. An attempt further characterise NIP2.1 by infiltrating purified into leaves did not induce necrosis, questioning its previously reported role as an inducer host cell death. Together results suggest does play barley; however, exact like many effectors, remains