Transcriptomic analysis of the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa) during colonization of date palm reveals distinct temporal transcriptional trajectories and uncovers novel candidate effectors
4 affiliations
- 1Agrobiosciences Program, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
- 2Laboratory for Agricultural Productions Improvement, Biotechnology and Environment (LAPABE), Faculty of Sciences, University Mohammed First
- 3Unit of Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences, and Environment (BIOMAGE)-CNRST Labeled Research Unit, Laboratory of Water Sciences, Microbial Biotechnologies, and Natural Resources Sustainability (AQUABIOTECH), Faculty of Sciences-Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University (UCA)
- 4Biosciences Division, UM6P CoreLabs, Mohammed 6 Polytechnic University
Abstract
Background: Bayoud disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa), represents a major threat to date palm cultivation and oasis ecosystems. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Foa infection is essential for developing effective control strategies.
Methods: In this study, we performed a temporal transcriptomic analysis of three Foa isolates (FoaER10, FoaER20, and FoaZG10) during colonization of date palm roots at four infection stages (0, 8, 16, and 24 days post-inoculation).
Results: Differential gene expression analysis revealed extensive and stage-dependent transcriptional reprogramming, with the number of significant differentially expressed genes ranging from 4,914 to 6,895 per isolate, and 8,453 unique genes significantly differentially expressed across the three isolates. Comparative analysis identified a core set of 1,079 consistently up-regulated and 123 down-regulated genes, alongside 2,376 genes showing opposite regulation directions between isolates. Functional annotation highlighted carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), MFS membrane transporters, and candidate effectors including necrosis-inducing-like proteins (NLPs), Hce2/Ecp2, and SIX proteins.
Discussion: This study provides a comprehensive transcriptomic resource for understanding Foa-date palm interactions and establishes a foundation for targeted disease management strategies.
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BibTeX
@article{mbaye2026transcriptomic,
title = {{Transcriptomic analysis of the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa) during colonization of date palm reveals distinct temporal transcriptional trajectories and uncovers novel candidate effectors}},
author = {Abdou Lahat Mbaye and Aliou Moussa Diouf and Maimouna Deh and Mohammed Aziz El Houmaizi and Mustapha Barakate and Zineb Rchiad},
journal = {Frontiers in Plant Science},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpls.2026.1954982},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2026.1954982/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Transcriptomic analysis of the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa) during colonization of date palm reveals distinct temporal transcriptional trajectories and uncovers novel candidate effectors
AU - Abdou Lahat Mbaye
AU - Aliou Moussa Diouf
AU - Maimouna Deh
AU - Mohammed Aziz El Houmaizi
AU - Mustapha Barakate
AU - Zineb Rchiad
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/21
JO - Frontiers in Plant Science
DO - 10.3389/fpls.2026.1954982
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2026.1954982/full
AB - Background: Bayoud disease, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa), represents a major threat to date palm cultivation and oasis ecosystems. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Foa infection is essential for developing effective control strategies. Methods: In this study, we performed a temporal transcriptomic analysis of three Foa isolates (FoaER10, FoaER20, and FoaZG10) during colonization of date palm roots at four infection stages (0, 8, 16, and 24 days post-inoculation). Results: Differential gene expression analysis revealed extensive and stage-dependent transcriptional reprogramming, with the number of significant differentially expressed genes ranging from 4,914 to 6,895 per isolate, and 8,453 unique genes significantly differentially expressed across the three isolates. Comparative analysis identified a core set of 1,079 consistently up-regulated and 123 down-regulated genes, alongside 2,376 genes showing opposite regulation directions between isolates. Functional annotation highlighted carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), MFS membrane transporters, and candidate effectors including necrosis-inducing-like proteins (NLPs), Hce2/Ecp2, and SIX proteins. Discussion: This study provides a comprehensive transcriptomic resource for understanding Foa-date palm interactions and establishes a foundation for targeted disease management strategies.
SN - 1664-462X
ER -