Work

SLCMV ‐Encoded BC1 Protein Suppresses Photosynthesis by Disrupting Chloroplast Structure and Gene Expression

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) is a highly destructive plant virus that poses a significant threat to cassava cultivation. It causes severe symptoms, including distinctive leaf mosaic patterns and stunted plant growth. Here, transcriptome sequencing revealed that SLCMV infection induced widespread transcriptional reprogramming, with 10,164 differentially expressed genes-6910 up-regulated and 3254 down-regulated. Notably, the down-regulated genes were primarily associated with plant chloroplast components and photosynthesis pathways. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis confirmed the suppression of key genes involved in photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). Further investigation revealed that SLCMV infection disrupted chloroplast ultrastructure and reduced total chlorophyll content, thereby inhibiting photosynthetic capacity in Nicotiana plants. Importantly, our findings highlighted the critical role of the SLCMV-encoded BC1 protein in repressing photosynthesis-related gene expression and attenuating overall photosynthetic activity. SLCMV-encoded movement protein BC1 down-regulates the expression of photosynthesis-related genes and disrupts chloroplast structure, ultimately leading to reduced photosynthetic activity.

Source: Molecular Plant Pathology

DOI: 10.1111/mpp.70302

Authors: Yu‐Jiao Ma, Chao Zheng, Jian‐Ping Chen, Xiao‐Wei Wang, Ping Li

Institutions: Ningbo University, Zhejiang University

Language: English

Topic: Plant Virus Research Studies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,330