A broadly conserved fungal chorismate mutase targets the plant shikimate pathway to regulate salicylic acid production and other secondary metabolites.

ABSTRACT: The molecular dynamics of plant-pathogen interactions are complex, involving a constant defense race between host plants and pathogens. Plants deploy antimicrobial metabolites and physiological responses to inhibit pathogens, while pathogens counteract these defenses using secreted proteinaceous effectors. Chorismate mutases (CMs) are effectors largely studied in biotrophic fungi and nematodes for their ability to hijack the host shikimate pathway by diverting chorismate from salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis, subsequently undermining SA-mediated defenses against biotrophic infection. While CMs have been primarily linked to biotrophy, we identified a novel bifunctional CM from the broad host range and predominantly necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and demonstrate that o

SUBMITTER: Shao D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12607891 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature