Inhibition of photosynthesis and modification of the wheat leaf proteome by Ptr ToxB: a host-specific toxin from the fungal pathogen Pyrenophora tritici-repentis.

Tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is an important foliar disease of wheat. The fungus produces the host-specific, chlorosis-inducing toxin Ptr ToxB. To better understand toxin action, we examined the effects of Ptr ToxB on sensitive wheat. Photosynthesis, as measured by infrared gas analysis, declined significantly within 12 h of toxin treatment, prior to the development of chlorosis at 48-72 h. Analysis by 2-DE revealed a total of 102 protein spots with significantly altered intensities 12-36 h after toxin treatment, of which 66 were more abundant and 36 were less abundant than in the buffer-treated control. The identities of 47 of these spots were established by MS/MS, and included proteins involved in the light reactions of photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle, and the stress/defense response. Based on the declines in photosynthesis and the identities of the differentially abundant proteins, we hypothesize that Ptr ToxB causes a rapid disruption in the photosynthetic processes of sensitive wheat, leading to the generation of ROS and oxidative stress. Although the photoprotective and repair mechanisms of the host appear to initially still be functional, they are probably overwhelmed by the continued production of ROS, leading to chlorophyll photooxidation and the development of chlorosis.