Molecular characterization of pectin lyase and endopolygalacturonase from Fusarium commune, causing wilting of Lathyrus sativus L.

Fusarium commune [1] is an emerging fungal pathogen known to cause severe plant diseases, with its pathogenicity largely attributed to cell-wall-degrading enzymes. This study presents the first report on the molecular characterization, 2D and 3D structural prediction, and validation of two key pectinolytic enzymes, pectin lyase and endopolygalacturonase, produced by F. commune. The genes encoding these enzymes were identified and analyzed using bioinformatics tools to predict their physicochemical properties, domain architecture, and functional motifs. Secondary and tertiary structural models were generated and validated to assess their stability. The molecular modeling revealed conserved catalytic residues essential for enzymatic function, suggesting their involvement in host tissue degradation. These enzymes likely play a significant role in the virulence of F. commune by facilitating host penetration and colonization through pectin degradation. Understanding their structural and functional properties provides insights into their role in fungal pathogenicity. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of fungal infection mechanisms and offer potential targets for disease management strategies.