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Diterpene Synthases of the Rice Blast Fungus: Phylogenetic Analysis and Biochemical Characterization
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3320-8700
Access Type
Open Access Thesis
Document Type
thesis
Degree Program
Plant Biology
Degree Type
Master of Science (M.S.)
Year Degree Awarded
2022
Month Degree Awarded
May
Abstract
Plant-pathogenic fungi harbor various specialized metabolites including diterpenoids that function as hormones and virulence factors. The fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is the causal agent of rice blast disease and can infect over 50 grass species. We demonstrate that the rice blast fungus encodes two diterpene synthases that produce normal pimara-8,15-diene and manoyl oxide scaffolds. Phylogenetic analysis of diterpene synthases among rice blast pathotypes showed functional conservation of the two core diterpene synthases amongst all pathotypes and suggests further expansion in select grass species. These insights into the blast fungal terpenome may inform efforts to counteract deleterious phytopathogens in crucial food crops.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/27625540
First Advisor
Sibongile Mafu
Second Advisor
Li Jun Ma
Third Advisor
John Gibbons
Fourth Advisor
Rob Wick
Recommended Citation
Shahi, Ayousha, "Diterpene Synthases of the Rice Blast Fungus: Phylogenetic Analysis and Biochemical Characterization" (2022). Masters Theses. 1223.
https://doi.org/10.7275/27625540
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/masters_theses_2/1223