Transcriptomic and Ultrastructural Signatures of K(+)-Induced Aggregation in Phytophthora parasitica Zoospores

Most pathogenic oomycetes of the genus Phytophthora spread in water films as flagellated zoospores. Zoospores perceive and produce signals attracting other zoospores, resulting in autoaggregation in vitro or biofilm formation on plant surface. The mechanisms underlying intercellular communication and consequent attraction, adhesion and aggregation are largely unknown. In Phytophthora parasitica, the perception of a K(+) gradient induces coordinated motion and aggregation. To define cellular and molecular events associated with oomycete aggregation, we combined transcriptomic and ultrastructural analyses. Results indicate involvement of electroception in K(+) sensing. They establish that the transcriptome repertoire required for swimming and aggregation is already fully functional at zoospore release. At the time points analyzed, aggregates are mainly constituted of zoospores. They produce vesicular and fibrillary material discharged at cell-to-cell contacts. Consistently, the signature of transcriptome dynamics during transition to aggregates is an upregulation of genes potentially related to vesicular trafficking. Moreover, transcriptomic and functional analyses show a strong enhancement of carbonic anhydrase activity, indicating that pH homeostasis may contribute to aggregation by acting on both zoospore movement and adhesion. This study poses the molecular and cellular bases of aggregative behavior within oomycetes and expands the current knowledge of ion perception-mediated dissemination of propagules in the rhizosphere.