MoMkt1, a member of XPG/RAD2 nuclease family, regulates development and pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae

XPG/RAD2 nuclease family plays a crucial role in DNA damage repair to maintain genomic integrity. However, the biological function Mkt1, a member of XPG/RAD2 nuclease family, is still unclear in M. oryzae. Here, we identified and characterized the biological functions of MoMkt1. Our results demonstrated that MoMkt1 is involved in hyphal growth, conidiation, normal appressorium development, degradation of glycogen and lipid droplets, responses to cell wall stress and pathogenicity in M. oryzae. Additionally, MoMkt1 is required for scavenging host-derived ROS and response to DNA replicative stress. Further investigation revealed that MoMkt1 interacts with the TFIIH core subunit MoTfb2. Overexpression of MoTFB2 slightly affected virulence of M. oryzae. Transcriptome data revealed that MoMKT1 regulates metabolic pathways, cell wall, oxidation-reduction process and DNA repair. Our study provides insights into the MoMkt1-mediated development and pathogenicity in M. oryzae.