[Lay-Sun Ma] A specialized function effector Vp1 of Ustilago maydis processes in maize apoplast to promote virulence
POST:U. maydis rely on delivering a large arsenal of effectors to cause smut disease in maize. The molecular mechanisms of most effectors are unknown which significantly hamper our understanding of fungal virulence mechanisms. One of the novel effectors, Vp1 acquires a specialized function via sequence divergence to support fungal colonization and virulence in host plants. It is not clear why this effector requires a C-terminal processing in plant apoplast. However, the processing determines its virulence function and is likely essential for the plant nucleus localization of Vp1 proteins.