How does Fusarium musae adapt to human and banana hosts?

Fusarium musae Van Hove is a fungal pathogen responsible for crown rot in bananas and clinical infections in humans. Genome analysis of 18 strains from diverse geographic and host origins (banana and human patients) revealed gene and genome variations. Two reference genomes from strains isolated from human and banana were assembled and annotated by implementing RNAseq data from different growth conditions. Mitochondrial haplotype analysis revealed genetic homogeneity among plant and human isolates, supporting potential cross-host transmission. Infection studies demonstrated the ability of F. musae to grow at both 24°C and 37°C, while strain-dependent pathogenicity was observed on banana fruits and in Galleria mellonella larvae used as a surrogate model for animal infection. RNA sequencing of a virulent strain on both hosts, grown on blood and banana peel media, identified a diverse effector repertoire, whereas RNAseq performed from G. mellonella infection highlighted specific effectors associated with animal colonisation by the fungal species. These findings underscore the trans-kingdom pathogenic potential of F. musae and its genomic adaptability. This adaptability is likely driven by active transposable elements, which drive overexpression of some key infection-related genes. This study offers a comprehensive framework for understanding novel fungal threats to human health and food security by integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and infection biology approaches, stressing the value of the One Health paradigm in framing research questions.