Current progress on pathogenicity-related genes in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4

Abstract Vascular wilt, a disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4), is highly destructive to bananas. Identifying genes that contribute to the fungus's virulence is crucial for understanding its pathogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research on genes involved in various aspects of Foc TR4's pathogenic process. These include signal recognition and transduction, the formation of cellular structures, regulation through microRNA and epigenetic mechanisms, effector secretion, and toxin secretion. We place a particular emphasis on discussing effectors that either facilitate virulence or serve as elicitors of host defense responses. Given the limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Foc TR4 pathogenesis, summarizing the research on these functional genes is necessary and timely. Our integrative information will facilitate research on identification of more key genes involved in the invasiveness of Foc TR4, contributing to more systemic understanding of pathogenesis of this important pathogen. These findings will, in turn, offer potential targets for the development of effective fungicides or soil disinfectants to combat this devastating disease.