Differential gene expression in ripe mango fruit (Mangifera indica L. cv. Azucar) that favors the pathogenicity of the endophyte Colletotrichum tropical

In this work, we investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the lifestyle transition of Colletotrichum tropicale, an endophyte reported as a causal agent of anthracnose in ripe mango fruits. Using RNA-seq at early stages of infection (0 and 12 hpi), we identified 5,435 differentially expressed host genes and found that the pathogen establishes infection by suppressing oxidative burst-related pathways, while activating host stress- and defense-associated signaling. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular interplay between mango fruits and C. tropicale, shedding light on how endophytes transition to pathogenic lifestyles in economically important crops. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on plant-fungal interactions and may be of particular interest to readers focused on host-pathogen interactions, fungal pathogenicity, molecular plant immunity, and fruit crop protection.