Science: Pathogenic fungi exploit plant phosphate sensing via Nudix hydrolase effectors

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) homeostasis in plants is regulated by inositol pyrophosphates (PP-InsPs), which mediate phosphate starvation responses. While beneficial microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, contribute to phosphate uptake, pathogenic fungi often exploit phosphate metabolism to enhance virulence. However, the exact mechanisms by which pathogens manipulate plant phosphate signaling remain largely unknown. Here, we highlight a recent study by Ulrich Schaffrath and colleagues (Science, 2025) revealing that plant pathogenic fungi deploy conserved Nudix hydrolase effectors to hydrolyze PP-InsPs, thereby mimicking phosphate starvation and suppressing host immunity. These findings not only expand our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions, but also open new avenues for crop protection and resistance breeding. • Conserved Nudix hydrolases in pathogenic fungi hydrolyze PP-InsPs to mimic plant phosphate starvation. • Mechanistic insight: Nudix effectors disrupt SPX-PHR, triggering phosphate starvation and suppressing immunity. • Findings offer novel targets for low-risk agrochemicals and resistance breeding to combat crop diseases sustainably.