Proteomic analysis of mycelial exudate of Ustilaginoidea virens

Rice false smut (RFS) is a kind of fungal disease transforming panicles and spikelets into greenish spore balls, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens. During artificial cultivation process, macroscopic exudates could be observed, which is a common feature in many kinds of fungi. We characterized the proteome of exudate associated with this plant pathogen. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was used to identify proteins in the pathogen exudate. A total of 685 proteins comprising 3,949 peptides were identified from the exudate. This study regarded the biological characteristics of U. virens as an entry point. By studying the protein components of the exudates of U. virens, it is helpful to better understand the occurrence and pathogenic mechanism of pathogen and provide a theoretical basis for the control of RFS.