G. van den Berg

A single Verticillium dahliae effector determines pathogenicity on tomato by targeting auxin response factors

A highly polymorphic effector protein promotes fungal virulence through suppression of plant-associated Actinobacteria

This study identifies a polymorphic effector protein in the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae that suppresses plant-associated Actinobacteria to promote disease.

SARS-CoV-2 BA.4 infection triggers more cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies than BA.1

This study compares the neutralizing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 BA.4 and BA.1, finding BA.4 induces more cross-reactive antibodies, suggesting potential benefits for next-generation vaccines.

Fc effector activity and neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 BA.4 is compromised in convalescent sera, regardless of the infecting variant

This study shows that convalescent sera and post-vaccination breakthrough infections have reduced neutralization and ADCC activity against SARS-CoV-2 BA.4, despite prior infection with different variants.

An ancient antimicrobial protein co-opted by a fungal plant pathogen for in planta mycobiome manipulation

This paper shows that the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae uses an ancient antimicrobial protein, VdAMP3, to manipulate fungal microbiota during plant colonization.

The interspecific fungal hybrid Verticillium longisporum displays sub-genome-specific gene expression

This study examines the genomic and transcriptomic dynamics of the fungal hybrid Verticillium longisporum, revealing sub-genome-specific gene expression patterns and evolutionary adaptations.

DNA methylation in Verticillium dahliae requires only one of three putative DNA methyltransferases, yet is dispensable for growth, development and virulence

This study identifies Dim2 as the primary DNA methyltransferase in Verticillium dahliae, showing that DNA methylation is dispensable for growth, development, and virulence.

Three LysM effectors of Zymoseptoria tritici collectively disarm chitin-triggered plant immunity

This study identifies three LysM effectors in Zymoseptoria tritici that suppress chitin-triggered wheat immunity by binding chitin, inhibiting ROS production, and protecting fungal hyphae from chitinase.

Evolution within the fungal genus Verticillium is characterized by chromosomal rearrangement and gene loss

The paper sequenced nine Verticillium species genomes to study their evolution, finding frequent chromosomal rearrangements and gene loss, with few species-specific genes.

A previously established divergent lineage of the hybrid fungal pathogen Verticillium longisporum emerges as stem striping pathogen in British oilseed rape

The paper identifies a previously unknown genetic division within Verticillium longisporum causing stem striping in UK oilseed rape, showing its genetic diversity exceeds that of other populations.

Verticillium dahliae LysM effectors differentially contribute to virulence on plant hosts

The paper identifies a lineage-specific LysM effector in Verticillium dahliae that contributes to virulence on tomato but not on Arabidopsis or Nicotiana benthamiana.