ClNOX1/ClNOXR-mediated MAPK and cAMP-PKA signalling pathways and ROS metabolism are involved in Curvularia lunata sexual reproduction and host infection

NADPH oxidases (NOXs) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are involved in physiological and pathological processes, and cell fate decisions in organisms. However, regulatory mechanism of NOXs and the role of H2O2 on fungal sexual reproduction and host infection remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified ROS metabolic genes and key signalling genes of MAPK and cAMP-PKA pathways in Curvularia lunata, which were NOX ClNOX1 and ClNOXR, superoxide dismutase ClSOD1 and catalase ClCAT4, redox-regulated transcription factor ClAP1, Ras small GTPases Clg2P, pheromone-response MAPK ClK1 and cAMP-PKA ClSCHA, and characterized the functions of these genes. The results showed that ClNOX1 localized to the plasma membrane. ClNOX1 and ClNOXR were involved in sexual reproduction and host infection via ClNOX1/ClNOXR-derived H2O2 as well as MAPK and cAMP-PKA signalling pathways. H2O2 acted as a signalling molecule to regulate sexual reproduction and host infection in C. lunata.

Automated summary

Research identified the involvement of ROS metabolic genes and key signaling genes of MAPK and cAMP-PKA pathways in cell fate decisions, sexual reproduction, and host infection in Curvularia lunata. H2O2 acts as a signaling molecule regulating these processes.