A comparative genomic analysis of cell wall degrading enzymes encoded proteins in Magnaporthe oryzae and Aspergillus nidulans

In order to attack plant cells, phytopathogenic fungi must secrete enzymes to break down the cell wall, which is considered the first protective layer of plants. A large number of CWDEs encoded proteins involved in plant cell wall decomposition, have been previously identified and demonstrated in the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae but little information is available on CWDEs in filamentous fungi, particularly in Aspergillus spp. In this study, comparative genomic analysis of CWDEs encoded proteins in Magnaporthe oryzae and Aspergillus nidulans has been made. Based on our BLAST and phylogenetic analysies, 178 and 165 CWDEs encoded proteins of which 12 and 97% were classified and identified in M. oryzae and A. nidulans, respectively. The identification of functional homologs of CWDEs in A. nidulans and M. oryzae provides the essential data for understanding systemically CWDEs involved in the breakdown of plant cell walls and the pathogenicity of fungal pathogens by using genetic approaches.