Fig. 1: Phylogenetic distribution and functional characterization of PsXEG1 and its paralog PsXLP1 in relation to their orthologs across Phytophthora clades.

a Distribution and quantity of GH12 family proteins in oomycetes infecting plants and animals. Distinct genera are represented by distinct colors. The outer circle indicates the quantity of the presence and absence of signal peptides in GH12 family proteins across various oomycetes, while the inner circle represents the host range diversity of Phytophthora pathogens, with four colors denoting distinct host ranges. The number of homologous proteins without signal peptides of Peronospora effusa is indicated by numbers. Icons depict representative host plants or animals infected by these pathogens. b Phylogenetic tree of GH12 family proteins across oomycetes, fungi, and bacteria. The phylogeny was constructed using sequences from selected species within these groups. Subclades containing PsXEG1 and PsXLP1 are highlighted, showing that these proteins form a well-supported clade within the Phytophthora genus. Detailed protein information and phylogenetic tree data are available in Supplementary Data 1, 2 and Source Data. c Evolutionary analysis of the XEG1/XLP1 subclades. The purifying selection rates (ω) for each clade were estimated based on the nonsynonymous to synonymous ratio (ω < 1), indicating purifying selection. d Phenotypic characterization of Phytophthora XEG1 and XLP1 in Nicotiana benthamiana. Multiple phenotype assays were conducted to evaluate the functional effects of XEG1 and XLP1 in different Phytophthora species in Nicotiana benthamiana. Electrolyte leakage, indicative of cell death, was quantified 48 h post-infiltration. Each point represents the average of nine biological replicates (n = 9) from three experiments for one gene. Reducing sugar production levels in the apoplastic fluid were measured for Phytophthora XEG1 and XLP1 about 20 h in N. benthamiana. Each point represents the average of nine biological replicates (n = 9) from three experiments for one gene. Relative expression levels of total defense marker genes were assessed 24 h after infiltration using qRT-PCR. Each point represents the average of seven marker genes from three biological replicates (n = 3) of three experiments for one gene. In the box plots, dots represent min-to-max value of individual data points, the line indicates the median, and the box boundaries indicate the 25th and 75th percentiles. Statistical significance was determined using a two-sided t-test. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.