A transcriptional activator effector of Ustilago maydis regulates hyperplasia in maize during pathogen-induced tumor formation.

ABSTRACT: Ustilago maydis causes common smut in maize, which is characterized by tumor formation in aerial parts of maize. Tumors result from the de novo cell division of highly developed bundle sheath and subsequent cell enlargement. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis are still largely unknown. Here, we characterize the U. maydis effector Sts2 (Small tumor on seedlings 2), which promotes the division of hyperplasia tumor cells. Upon infection, Sts2 is translocated into the maize cell nucleus, where it acts as a transcriptional activator, and the transactivation activity is crucial for its virulence function. Sts2 interacts with ZmNECAP1, a yet undescribed plant transcriptional activator, and it activates the expression of several leaf developmental regulators to potentiate t

SUBMITTER: Zuo W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10593772 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature