K. Hiruma

A fungal transcription factor BOT6 facilitates the transition of a beneficial root fungus into an adapted anthracnose pathogen

This study identifies CtBOT6, a transcription factor in the fungus Colletotrichum tofieldiae, as critical for transitioning from a beneficial root associate to a pathogen capable of overcoming nonhost resistance.

Defense-related callose synthase PMR4 promotes root hair callose deposition and adaptation to phosphate deficiency in Arabidopsis thaliana

This study identifies PMR4 callose synthase as essential for root hair callose deposition under phosphate deficiency, improving Pi acquisition and plant growth.

A fungal secondary metabolism gene cluster enables mutualist-pathogen transition in root endophyte Colletotrichum tofieldiae

The paper identifies a fungal gene cluster in Colletotrichum tofieldiae that enables lifestyle transition between mutualism and pathogenesis by modulating host nutrient uptake and ABA pathways.

Synergistic and offset effects of fungal species combinations on plant performance

The paper evaluates how combinations of fungal species affect plant performance, finding that synergistic and offset effects are common, and single-species inoculations may misrepresent microbial impacts in multi-species contexts.

Host-dependent fungus-fungus competition suppresses fungal pathogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana

The paper shows that a non-pathogenic fungus inhibits pathogenic fungi in Arabidopsis roots, depending on host phosphate status and defense mechanisms.