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Concurrent Session

Session: Concurrent Session: Microbial infection strategies (pathogens & non-pathogens)

Molecular mechanisms underlying gall formation in the corn smut fungus Ustilago maydis

Monday, July 14, 2025
15:30 - 15:45  
Location: Confex Hall 1+2

    Presenting Author(s)

  • MK

    Mamoona Khan

    University of Bonn
    Bonn, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

    • Author(s)

  • NN

    Nithya Nagarjan

    INRES-Plant Pathology, University of Bonn

  • KS

    Kathrin Schneewolf

    INRES-Plant Pathology, University of Bonn

  • PY

    Peng Yu

    Prof.
    1Universität Bonn INRES - Root Functional Biology 3 TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Germany
    Freising, Bayern, Germany

  • DW

    Danning Wang

    INRES-Root Functional Biology, University of Bonn

  • AD

    Armin Djamei

    INRES- Plant Pathology, University of Bonn

Galls induced by biotrophic pathogens result from excessive cell enlargement and division, forming specialized sink tissues that support pathogen proliferation. Ustilago maydis is a biotrophic smut fungus that infects maize (Zea mays L.) and teosinte. U. maydis facilitates host colonization by suppressing plant defenses, altering metabolism, and manipulating the plant cell cycle to create a conducive environment for its proliferation, ultimately leading to gall formation on all above-ground plant parts. Gall development is highly specific, originating from particular cell types, while surrounding cells remain non-proliferative. In maize flowers, U. maydis selectively colonizes immature anther cells, extending their meristematic activity to induce gall formation. In leaves, gall formation begins within days post-infection, as differentiated bundle sheath cells resume division and mesophyll cells enlarge. Despite recent insights, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain elusive. Here, we identify key molecular players involved in U. maydis-induced cellular dedifferentiation and gall formation. Our findings provide novel insights into how this gall-inducing fungus hijacks the plant developmental program for its benefit.