Validation of unique metabolic features of C rosea contributing to its biocontrol of F graminearum

Citation

Abstract Book of the 9th Canadian Workshop on Fusarium Head Blight & 4th Canadian Wheat Symposium, p. 49-50, https://www.cwfhb-cws.com/hotel-1/

Abstract

Clonostachys rosea strain ACM941 is patented as a biocontrol agent against the Fusarium Head Blight causative agent Fusarium graminearum. Although the molecular and biochemical basis are not yet fully resolved, previous studies have suggested that C. rosea secretes Fusarium growth inhibitors when grown in liquid medium. To gain insight into the genetic and metabolic factors contributing to this, we are investigating ACM941’s responses under a variety of different conditions that mimic natural environments. These include treatment with deoxynivalenol (DON) or Fusarium-spent media, plate confrontation and in comparison to other less potent strains of C. rosea. We are currently applying transcriptomic (RNAseq), metabolomic (HR-MS) profiling methods as well in vivo and in vitro functional characterization to identify and validate target genes, gene clusters, pathways and metabolites of interest. Notably, we have obtained new metabolomics data confirming accumulation of TMC151 metabolites in a C. rosea vs. F. graminearum plate confrontation assay, consistent with our prior identification of a potential biosynthetic gene cluster for this anti-fungal metabolite. An update on our production and testing of C. rosea lines with select genes from the putative TMC151 gene cluster knocked out will be presented.

Publication date

2019-11-19