Selectively targeting UDP-glucose 4-epimerase MoUGE1 for controlling rice blast disease

Our findings emphasize the significance of MoUGE1 in fungal cell wall integrity, appressorium function, and virulence in M. oryzae. Identifying MoUGE1 as a target for antifungal intervention provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of rice blast pathogenesis and paves the way for developing innovative strategies against this major agricultural disease. The potential MoUGE1 inhibitor, lig122132, is a promising starting point for the development of novel fungicides to control rice blast.