Functional analysis of ABC transporter genes from Botrytis cinerea identifies BcatrB as a transporter of eugenol

H. Schoonbeek, J.G.M. van Nistelrooy, M.A. de Waard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The role of multiple ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter genes from the plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea in protection against natural fungitoxic compounds was studied by expression analysis and phenotyping of gene-replacement mutants. The expression of 11 ABC (BcatrA-BcatrK) and three MFS genes (Bcmfs1, Bcmfs2 and Bcmfs4) was studied. All genes showed a low basal level of expression, but were differentially induced by treatment with cycloheximide and the plant defence compounds camptothecin, eugenol, psoralen, resveratrol and rishitin. The latter compounds induced expression of BcatrB at a high level. Eugenol was more toxic to BcatrB gene-replacement mutants than to the control isolates. Eugenol also caused an instantaneous increase in mycelial accumulation of the fungicide fludioxonil, a known substrate of BcatrB. However, there was no difference in virulence between the wild-type and BcatrB gene-replacement mutants on Ocimum basilicum, a plant known to contain eugenol. The results indicate that BcatrB is a transporter of lipophilic compounds, such as eugenol, but its role in virulence remains uncertain.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1003-1011
JournalEuropean Journal of Plant Pathology
Volume109
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003

Keywords

  • atp-binding cassette
  • fungus penicillium-digitatum
  • multidrug-resistance
  • toxic compounds
  • efflux pump
  • sensitivity
  • fungicides
  • pathogenicity
  • accumulation
  • resveratrol

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Functional analysis of ABC transporter genes from Botrytis cinerea identifies BcatrB as a transporter of eugenol'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this