SRA

Hyphopichia pseudoburtonii, is considered as promising biological control agents due to its large spectrum of antifungal activity. H.pseudoburtonii strain Y963 isolated from grape must in Stellenbosch, possesses significant antifungal activity against B. cinerea, the causal agent of grey mould, a significant disease affecting grapes world-wide. Several modes of action, like competition for nutrients and space, production of extracellular lytic enzymes and volatile organic compounds, have been demonstrated for the biological control activity exhibited by H. pseudoburtonii through which it inhibits B. cinerea. To reveal the underlying antifungal genetic mechanisms, this study examined the changes in gene expression of H. pseudoburtonii when exposed to B. cinerea over 24, 48, and 120 h using RNA sequencing. The results show that H. pseudoburtonii undergoes a responsive reaction upon encountering B. cinerea, leading to increased production of nucleotides and proteins. Subsequently, a period followed during which various forms of stress were induced. This led to increased signaling and cell communication, as well as the activation of genes responsible for pseudohyphal growth. In later stages, vigorous growth and competition for nutrients became apparent. Up-regulation of genes associated with transmembrane functions, iron homeostasis, zinc homeostasis, hydrolases, and glycosyl hydrolases was observed at 120 h. This research offers new insights into H.pseudoburtonii transcriptomic response to B.cinerea and illuminates the adaptive strategies and molecular mechanisms behind its antifungal activity. Overall design: H. pseudoburtonii was co-cultured with B. cinerea, and RNA was extracted to evaluate the molecular mechanisms by which this yeast inhibits B. cinerea.