Temporal proteome profiling of Botrytis cinerea reveals proteins involved in plant invasion and survival

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen that poses a significant threat to many crops. Understanding the proteome dynamics of phytopathogens during infection can help combat plant diseases. However, most proteomics studies in phytopathogens face interference from abundant host proteins. Here, we optimized a solid media that better mimics in-planta conditions and used it to perform the temporal protein dynamics in Botrytis cinerea. An agar media with 20% tomato fruit extract and 2% deproteinised leaf extract was utilized for label-free quantitative proteomics at 12, 36, 72 and 120 hpi. Out of 3244 quantified proteins, 2045 showed differential regulation. Glycosyl hydrolases, pectin esterases, stress protein DDR48, RhoGEF and essential transcription factors were found to be upregulated during the early phase, highlighting their role in fungal virulence. Meanwhile, pathways such as macromolecule synthesis, purine, and carbohydrate metabolism were upregulated in the late-growth phase. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of proteome dynamics during Botrytis infection.