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Host Recognition by Pathogenic Fungi Through Plant Flavonoids

  • David Straney
  • Rana Khan
  • Reynold Tan
  • Savita Bagga
Chapter
Part of the Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology book series (AEMB, volume 505)

Abstract

A common characteristic among fungal pathogens of plants is that each specializes on a narrow range of specific plants as hosts. One adaptation to a specific host plant is the recognition of the host’s chemicals which can be used to trigger genes or developmental pathways needed for pathogenesis. The production of characteristic flavonoids by plants, particularly those exuded from roots by legumes, appear to be used as signals for various microbes, including symbionts as well as pathogens. Nectria haematococca MPVI (anamorph: Fusarium solavi) is a soil-borne pathogen of garden pea (Pisum sativum) which serves as a useful model in studying host flavonoid recognition. This fungus displays flavonoid induction of specific pathogenicity genes as well as stimulation of development needed for pathogenesis. Here, we summarize the study of flavonoid-inducible signal pathways which regulate these trait, through identification of transcription factors and regulatory components which control these responses. The characterization of the components a pathogen uses to specifically recognize its host provides insights into the host adaptation process at the molecular level.

Keywords

Root Exudate Spore Germination cAMP Pathway Host Recognition cAMP Phosphodiesterase 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2002

Authors and Affiliations

  • David Straney
    • 1
  • Rana Khan
  • Reynold Tan
  • Savita Bagga
  1. 1.Department of Cell Biology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkUSA

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