Genome-scale analysis of ABC transporter genes and characterization of the ABCC type transporter genes in Magnaporthe oryzae

• A total of 50 ABC transporter genes are present in the rice blast fungus.
• Phylogenetic analysis divided them into nine subfamily groups.
• The genes are involved in pathogenicity and stress response.

Rapid adaptation to various environmental stresses is a prerequisite for successful infection in fungal pathogens. ABC transporters are responsible for regulating intracellular levels of cytotoxic or xenobiotic compounds, suggesting a crucial role in pathogenesis. Here, we report genome-scale identification of putative ABC transporter genes in Magnaporthe oryzae. A total of 50 ABC transporter genes were predicted and phylogenetic analysis divided them into 11 subfamily groups: ABCA, ABCB, ABCC-1, ABCC-2, ABCD, ABCE, ABCF, ABCG-1, ABCG-2, ABCI, and YDR061W-like. In the 11 ABCC subfamily genes, the transcript levels were elevated during infection stages and after exposure to various abiotic stresses. Based on expression pattern, three representative genes, MoABC5, MoABC6 and MoABC7, were selected. Functional analysis of MoABC5, MoABC6 and MoABC7 revealed that the genes may be responsible for virulence, abiotic stress tolerance, and conidiation, respectively. Our data will be providing valuable information to examine the role of ABC transporter genes in M. oryzae.