251
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Yin C, Ramachandran SR, Zhai Y, Bu C, Pappu HR, Hulbert SH. A novel fungal effector from Puccinia graminis suppressing RNA silencing and plant defense responses. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 222:1561-1572. [PMID: 30623449 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Fungal plant pathogens, like rust-causing biotrophic fungi, secrete hundreds of effectors into plant cells to subvert host immunity and promote pathogenicity on their host plants by manipulating specific physiological processes or signal pathways, but the actual function has been demonstrated for very few of these proteins. Here, we show that the PgtSR1 effector proteins, encoded by two allelic genes (PgtSR1-a and PgtSR1-b), from the wheat stem rust pathogen Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), suppress RNA silencing in plants and impede plant defenses by altering the abundance of small RNAs that serve as defense regulators. Expression of the PgtSR1s in plants revealed that the PgtSR1s promote susceptibility to multiple pathogens and partially suppress cell death triggered by multiple R proteins. Overall, our study provides the first evidence that the filamentous fungus P. graminis has evolved to produce fungal suppressors of RNA silencing and indicates that PgtSR1s suppress both basal defenses and effector triggered immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuntao Yin
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-6430, USA
| | - Sowmya R Ramachandran
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-6430, USA
| | - Ying Zhai
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-6430, USA
| | - Chunya Bu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Hanu R Pappu
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-6430, USA
| | - Scot H Hulbert
- Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-6430, USA
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252
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Song X, Li Y, Cao X, Qi Y. MicroRNAs and Their Regulatory Roles in Plant-Environment Interactions. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 70:489-525. [PMID: 30848930 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-050718-100334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 20-24 nucleotide noncoding RNAs abundant in plants and animals. The biogenesis of plant miRNAs involves transcription of miRNA genes, processing of primary miRNA transcripts by DICER-LIKE proteins into mature miRNAs, and loading of mature miRNAs into ARGONAUTE proteins to form miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC). By targeting complementary sequences, miRISC negatively regulates gene expression, thereby coordinating plant development and plant-environment interactions. In this review, we present and discuss recent updates on the mechanisms and regulation of miRNA biogenesis, miRISC assembly and actions as well as the regulatory roles of miRNAs in plant developmental plasticity, abiotic/biotic responses, and symbiotic/parasitic interactions. Finally, we suggest future directions for plant miRNA research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Yan Li
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaofeng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Center for Plant Gene Research, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Yijun Qi
- Center for Plant Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
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253
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Cross-Kingdom Small RNAs Among Animals, Plants and Microbes. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040371. [PMID: 31018602 PMCID: PMC6523504 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNAs), a class of regulatory non-coding RNAs around 20~30-nt long, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are critical regulators of gene expression. Recently, accumulating evidence indicates that sRNAs can be transferred not only within cells and tissues of individual organisms, but also across different eukaryotic species, serving as a bond connecting the animal, plant, and microbial worlds. In this review, we summarize the results from recent studies on cross-kingdom sRNA communication. We not only review the horizontal transfer of sRNAs among animals, plants and microbes, but also discuss the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) signal transmission via cross-kingdom sRNAs. We also compare the advantages of host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) and spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) technology and look forward to their applicable prospects in controlling fungal diseases.
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254
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de Vries S, de Vries J, Rose LE. The Elaboration of miRNA Regulation and Gene Regulatory Networks in Plant⁻Microbe Interactions. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10040310. [PMID: 31010062 PMCID: PMC6523410 DOI: 10.3390/genes10040310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are exposed to diverse abiotic and biotic stimuli. These require fast and specific integrated responses. Such responses are coordinated at the protein and transcript levels and are incorporated into larger regulatory networks. Here, we focus on the evolution of transcriptional regulatory networks involved in plant–pathogen interactions. We discuss the evolution of regulatory networks and their role in fine-tuning plant defense responses. Based on the observation that many of the cornerstones of immune signaling in angiosperms are also present in streptophyte algae, it is likely that some regulatory components also predate the origin of land plants. The degree of functional conservation of many of these ancient components has not been elucidated. However, ongoing functional analyses in bryophytes show that some components are conserved. Hence, some of these regulatory components and how they are wired may also trace back to the last common ancestor of land plants or earlier. Of course, an understanding of the similarities and differences during the evolution of plant defense networks cannot ignore the lineage-specific coevolution between plants and their pathogens. In this review, we specifically focus on the small RNA regulatory networks involved in fine-tuning of the strength and timing of defense responses and highlight examples of pathogen exploitation of the host RNA silencing system. These examples illustrate well how pathogens frequently target gene regulation and thereby alter immune responses on a larger scale. That this is effective is demonstrated by the diversity of pathogens from distinct kingdoms capable of manipulating the same gene regulatory networks, such as the RNA silencing machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie de Vries
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Jan de Vries
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
- Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Laura E Rose
- Institute of Population Genetics, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
- CEPLAS-Cluster of Excellence in Plant Sciences, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany.
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255
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Kang L. Overview: biotic signalling for smart pest management. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180306. [PMID: 30967024 PMCID: PMC6367148 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biotic signalling refers to species or phylogenetic-clade-specific signals that elicit adaptive and acceptable responses within and among organisms. It is not only the molecular basis of the ecological relationships among different species, such as parasitism, symbiosis and predation, but also serves as ideal targets that can be used to manipulate these ecological relationships. This concept was proposed by a group of scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and actively pursued in a five-year research project in 2014 funded by the CAS ($40 million), entitled 'Decoding biotic interactions and mechanism for target management of agricultural pests'. The multi-disciplinary project aimed at a systematic investigation of the intra-species and inter-species and interactions via biotic signalling, with the ultimate goal being the development of novel methods to manage the pest insects and diseases. We hereby propose a topic 'Biotic signalling sheds light on smart pest control' as a theme issue for the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. It contains a total of 18 reviews and research articles under the topic of signalling manipulation for pest management. Unravelling these complex interactions among plants, microbial pathogens and insects holds promise for developing novel strategies to protect crop plants without compromising agricultural productivity and environmental health. This article is part of the theme issue 'Biotic signalling sheds light on smart pest management'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Kang
- State Key Laboratory for Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, People's Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding City 071002, Hebei, People's Republic of China
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256
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RNAi-mediated protection against banana diseases and pests. 3 Biotech 2019; 9:112. [PMID: 30863696 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-1650-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pests and pathogens restrict the production potential of many crop plants. The losses incurred due to pests and diseases are huge threatening food security. Management strategies include use of chemical pesticides which can be detrimental to human health and environment and other physical and biological methods which have serious limitations. An alternative would be to utilize the advanced technology such as RNA interference (RNAi) to engineer disease resistance in crop plants. The phenomenon of RNAi is very well studied in organisms across genera and found to be conserved. Taking advantage of this, dsRNAs have been delivered into pests and pathogens and showed significant growth inhibition. Banana is susceptible to various groups of pathogens which results in poor yield. The proof-of-principle studies using RNAi technology have already been demonstrated in banana to develop resistance to two important groups of pathogens. Transgenic banana plants expressing small interfering RNA targeting BBTV and Fusarium pathogen have shown high level of resistance. In this review, we summarize and discuss the studies utilizing RNAi as a strategy to develop resistance to major banana diseases and encourage further research in exploiting RNAi-based resistance in other crop plants.
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257
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Sanz-Carbonell A, Marques MC, Bustamante A, Fares MA, Rodrigo G, Gomez G. Inferring the regulatory network of the miRNA-mediated response to biotic and abiotic stress in melon. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 19:78. [PMID: 30777009 PMCID: PMC6379984 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-1679-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MiRNAs have emerged as key regulators of stress response in plants, suggesting their potential as candidates for knock-in/out to improve stress tolerance in agricultural crops. Although diverse assays have been performed, systematic and detailed studies of miRNA expression and function during exposure to multiple environments in crops are limited. RESULTS Here, we present such pioneering analysis in melon plants in response to seven biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Deep-sequencing and computational approaches have identified twenty-four known miRNAs whose expression was significantly altered under at least one stress condition, observing that down-regulation was preponderant. Additionally, miRNA function was characterized by high scale degradome assays and quantitative RNA measurements over the intended target mRNAs, providing mechanistic insight. Clustering analysis provided evidence that eight miRNAs showed a broad response range under the stress conditions analyzed, whereas another eight miRNAs displayed a narrow response range. Transcription factors were predominantly targeted by stress-responsive miRNAs in melon. Furthermore, our results show that the miRNAs that are down-regulated upon stress predominantly have as targets genes that are known to participate in the stress response by the plant, whereas the miRNAs that are up-regulated control genes linked to development. CONCLUSION Altogether, this high-resolution analysis of miRNA-target interactions, combining experimental and computational work, Illustrates the close interplay between miRNAs and the response to diverse environmental conditions, in melon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Sanz-Carbonell
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universitat de València (UV), Parc Científic, Cat. Agustín Escardino 9, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV), CPI 8E, Av. de los Naranjos s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Carmen Marques
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universitat de València (UV), Parc Científic, Cat. Agustín Escardino 9, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV), CPI 8E, Av. de los Naranjos s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Bustamante
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universitat de València (UV), Parc Científic, Cat. Agustín Escardino 9, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIAP), Estación Experimental Pichilingue, Km5 vía Quevedo El Empalme, Mocache, Ecuador
| | - Mario A. Fares
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universitat de València (UV), Parc Científic, Cat. Agustín Escardino 9, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV), CPI 8E, Av. de los Naranjos s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Guillermo Rodrigo
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universitat de València (UV), Parc Científic, Cat. Agustín Escardino 9, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV), CPI 8E, Av. de los Naranjos s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Gustavo Gomez
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universitat de València (UV), Parc Científic, Cat. Agustín Escardino 9, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas (IBMCP), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) - Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV), CPI 8E, Av. de los Naranjos s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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258
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The Catalase Gene Family in Cotton: Genome-Wide Characterization and Bioinformatics Analysis. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020086. [PMID: 30682777 PMCID: PMC6406514 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Catalases (CATs), which were coded by the catalase gene family, were a type notably distinguished ROS-metabolizing proteins implicated to perform various physiological functions in plant growth, development and stress responses. However, no systematical study has been performed in cotton. In the present study, we identified 7 and 7 CAT genes in the genome of Gossypium hirsutum L. Additionally, G. barbadense L., respectively. The results of the phylogenetic and synteny analysis showed that the CAT genes were divided into two groups, and whole-genome duplication (WGD) or polyploidy events contributed to the expansion of the GossypiumCAT gene family. Expression patterns analysis showed that the CAT gene family possessed temporal and spatial specificity and was induced by the Verticillium dahliae infection. In addition, we predicted the putative molecular regulatory mechanisms of the CAT gene family. Based on the analysis and preliminary verification results, we hypothesized that the CAT gene family, which might be regulated by transcription factors (TFs), alternative splicing (AS) events and miRNAs at different levels, played roles in cotton development and stress tolerance through modulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. This is the first report on the genome-scale analysis of the cotton CAT gene family, and these data will help further study the roles of CAT genes during stress responses, leading to crop improvement.
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259
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Evolution of Disease Defense Genes and Their Regulators in Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020335. [PMID: 30650550 PMCID: PMC6358896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Biotic stresses do damage to the growth and development of plants, and yield losses for some crops. Confronted with microbial infections, plants have evolved multiple defense mechanisms, which play important roles in the never-ending molecular arms race of plant–pathogen interactions. The complicated defense systems include pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) triggered immunity (PTI), effector triggered immunity (ETI), and the exosome-mediated cross-kingdom RNA interference (CKRI) system. Furthermore, plants have evolved a classical regulation system mediated by miRNAs to regulate these defense genes. Most of the genes/small RNAs or their regulators that involve in the defense pathways can have very rapid evolutionary rates in the longitudinal and horizontal co-evolution with pathogens. According to these internal defense mechanisms, some strategies such as molecular switch for the disease resistance genes, host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), and the new generation of RNA-based fungicides, have been developed to control multiple plant diseases. These broadly applicable new strategies by transgene or spraying ds/sRNA may lead to reduced application of pesticides and improved crop yield.
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260
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RNA Interference: A Natural Immune System of Plants to Counteract Biotic Stressors. Cells 2019; 8:cells8010038. [PMID: 30634662 PMCID: PMC6356646 DOI: 10.3390/cells8010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During plant-pathogen interactions, plants have to defend the living transposable elements from pathogens. In response to such elements, plants activate a variety of defense mechanisms to counteract the aggressiveness of biotic stressors. RNA interference (RNAi) is a key biological process in plants to inhibit gene expression both transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally, using three different groups of proteins to resist the virulence of pathogens. However, pathogens trigger an anti-silencing mechanism through the expression of suppressors to block host RNAi. The disruption of the silencing mechanism is a virulence strategy of pathogens to promote infection in the invaded hosts. In this review, we summarize the RNA silencing pathway, anti-silencing suppressors, and counter-defenses of plants to viral, fungal, and bacterial pathogens.
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261
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Hou Y, Zhai Y, Feng L, Karimi HZ, Rutter BD, Zeng L, Choi DS, Zhang B, Gu W, Chen X, Ye W, Innes RW, Zhai J, Ma W. A Phytophthora Effector Suppresses Trans-Kingdom RNAi to Promote Disease Susceptibility. Cell Host Microbe 2019; 25:153-165.e5. [PMID: 30595554 PMCID: PMC9208300 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RNA silencing (RNAi) has a well-established role in anti-viral immunity in plants. The destructive eukaryotic pathogen Phytophthora encodes suppressors of RNAi (PSRs), which enhance plant susceptibility. However, the role of small RNAs in defense against eukaryotic pathogens is unclear. Here, we show that Phytophthora infection of Arabidopsis leads to increased production of a diverse pool of secondary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Instead of regulating endogenous plant genes, these siRNAs are found in extracellular vesicles and likely silence target genes in Phytophthora during natural infection. Introduction of a plant siRNA in Phytophthora leads to developmental deficiency and abolishes virulence, while Arabidopsis mutants defective in secondary siRNA biogenesis are hypersusceptible. Notably, Phytophthora effector PSR2 specifically inhibits secondary siRNA biogenesis in Arabidopsis and promotes infection. These findings uncover the role of siRNAs as antimicrobial agents against eukaryotic pathogens and highlight a defense/counter-defense arms race centered on trans-kingdom gene silencing between hosts and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Hou
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Yi Zhai
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Li Feng
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hana Z Karimi
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Brian D Rutter
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Liping Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Du Seok Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Bailong Zhang
- Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Botany and Plant Science, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Weifeng Gu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Botany and Plant Science, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Wenwu Ye
- Department of Plant Pathology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Roger W Innes
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Jixian Zhai
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenbo Ma
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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262
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Šečić E, Zanini S, Kogel KH. Further Elucidation of the Argonaute and Dicer Protein Families in the Model Grass Species Brachypodium distachyon. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1332. [PMID: 31708948 PMCID: PMC6822278 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which small RNAs regulate gene silencing at the transcriptional or posttranscriptional level. The trigger for gene silencing is double-stranded RNA generated from an endogenous genomic locus or a foreign source, such as a transgene or virus. In addition to regulating endogenous gene expression, RNAi provides the mechanistic basis for small RNA-mediated communication between plant hosts and interacting pathogenic microbes, known as cross-kingdom RNAi. Two core protein components, Argonaute (AGO) and Dicer (DCL), are central to the RNAi machinery of eukaryotes. Plants encode for several copies of AGO and DCL genes; in Arabidopsis thaliana, the AGO protein family contains 10 members, and the DCL family contains four. Little is known about the conservation and specific roles of these proteins in monocotyledonous plants, which account for the most important food staples. Here, we utilized in silico tools to investigate the structure and related functions of AGO and DCL proteins from the model grass Brachypodium distachyon. Based on the presence of characteristic domains, 16 BdAGO- and 6 BdDCL-predicted proteins were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both protein families were expanded in Brachypodium as compared with Arabidopsis. For BdDCL proteins, both plant species contain a single copy of DCL1 and DCL4; however, Brachypodium contains two copies each of DCL2 and DCL3. Members of the BdAGO family were placed in all three functional clades of AGO proteins previously described in Arabidopsis. The greatest expansion occurred in the AtAGO1/5/10 clade, which contains nine BdAGOs (BdAGO5/6/7/9/10/11/12/15/16). The catalytic tetrad of the AGO P-element-induced wimpy testis domain (PIWI), which is required for endonuclease activity, is conserved in most BdAGOs, with the exception of BdAGO1, which lacks the last D/H residue. Three-dimensional modeling of BdAGO proteins using tertiary structure prediction software supported the phylogenetic classification. We also predicted a provisional interactome network for BdAGOs, their localization within the cell, and organ/tissue-specific expression. Exploring the specifics of RNAi machinery proteins in a model grass species can serve as a proxy for agronomically important cereals such as barley and wheat, where the development of RNAi-based plant protection strategies is of great interest.
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263
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Rose LE, Overdijk EJR, van Damme M. Small RNA molecules and their role in plant disease. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLANT PATHOLOGY 2019; 153:1-14. [PMID: 30880875 PMCID: PMC6394340 DOI: 10.1007/s10658-018-01614-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
All plant species are subject to disease. Plant diseases are caused by parasites, e.g. viruses, bacteria, oomycetes, parasitic plants, fungi, or nematodes. In all organisms, gene expression is tightly regulated and underpins essential functions and physiology. The coordination and regulation of both host and pathogen gene expression is essential for pathogens to infect and cause disease. One mode of gene regulation is RNA silencing. This biological process is widespread in the natural world, present in plants, animals and several pathogens. In RNA silencing, small (20-40 nucleotides) non-coding RNAs (small-RNAs, sRNAs) accumulate and regulate gene expression transcriptionally or post-transcriptionally in a sequence-specific manner. Regulation of sRNA molecules provides a fast mode to alter gene activity of multiple gene transcripts. RNA silencing is an ancient mechanism that protects the most sensitive part of an organism: its genetic code. sRNA molecules emerged as regulators of plant development, growth and plant immunity. sRNA based RNA silencing functions both within and between organisms. Here we present the described sRNAs from plants and pathogens and discuss how they regulate host immunity and pathogen virulence. We speculate on how sRNA molecules can be exploited to develop disease resistant plants. Finally, the activity of sRNA molecules can be prevented by proteins that suppress RNA silencing. This counter silencing response completes the dialog between plants and pathogens controlling plant disease or resistance outcome on the RNA (controlling gene expression) and protein level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Rose
- Institut für Populationsgenetik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elysa J. R. Overdijk
- Laboratory of Phytopathology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, Wageningen, 6700 AA The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 633, Wageningen, 6700 AP The Netherlands
| | - Mireille van Damme
- Laboratory of Phytopathology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, Wageningen, 6700 AA The Netherlands
- Keygene N.V, Agro Business Park 90, 6708 PW Wageningen, The Netherlands
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264
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Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Hao L, Wang S, Wang S, Zhang W, Xu C, Yu Y, Li T. A novel miRNA negatively regulates resistance to Glomerella leaf spot by suppressing expression of an NBS gene in apple. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2019; 6:93. [PMID: 31645951 PMCID: PMC6804642 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-019-0175-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) of apple (Malus×domestica Borkh.), caused by Glomerella cingulata, is an emerging fungal epidemic threatening the apple industry. Little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying resistance to this devastating fungus. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in GLS resistance in apple. We focused on miRNAs that target genes related to disease and found that expression of a novel miRNA, Md-miRln20, was higher in susceptible apple varieties than in resistant ones. Furthermore, its target gene Md-TN1-GLS exhibited the opposite expression pattern, which suggested that the expression levels of Md-miRln20 and its target gene are closely related to apple resistance to GLS. Furthermore, downregulation of Md-miRln20 in susceptible apple leaves resulted in upregulation of Md-TN1-GLS and reduced the disease incidence. Conversely, overexpression of Md-miRln20 in resistant apple leaves suppressed Md-TN1-GLS expression, with increased disease incidence. We demonstrated that Md-miRln20 negatively regulates resistance to GLS by suppressing Md-TN1-GLS expression and showed, for the first time, a crucial role for miRNA in response to GLS in apple.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Qiulei Zhang
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Li Hao
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Shengyuan Wang
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Wenna Zhang
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Chaoran Xu
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Yunfei Yu
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Tianzhong Li
- Laboratory of Fruit Cell and Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
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265
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Mamode Cassim A, Gouguet P, Gronnier J, Laurent N, Germain V, Grison M, Boutté Y, Gerbeau-Pissot P, Simon-Plas F, Mongrand S. Plant lipids: Key players of plasma membrane organization and function. Prog Lipid Res 2018; 73:1-27. [PMID: 30465788 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The plasma membrane (PM) is the biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside. The PM is constituted of a huge diversity of proteins and lipids. In this review, we will update the diversity of molecular species of lipids found in plant PM. We will further discuss how lipids govern global properties of the plant PM, explaining that plant lipids are unevenly distributed and are able to organize PM in domains. From that observation, it emerges a complex picture showing a spatial and multiscale segregation of PM components. Finally, we will discuss how lipids are key players in the function of PM in plants, with a particular focus on plant-microbe interaction, transport and hormone signaling, abiotic stress responses, plasmodesmata function. The last chapter is dedicated to the methods that the plant membrane biology community needs to develop to get a comprehensive understanding of membrane organization in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adiilah Mamode Cassim
- Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire (LBM), CNRS, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5200, F-33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Paul Gouguet
- Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire (LBM), CNRS, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5200, F-33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Julien Gronnier
- Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire (LBM), CNRS, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5200, F-33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Nelson Laurent
- Agroécologie, AgroSup Dijon, INRA, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, ERL 6003 CNRS, Dijon, France
| | - Véronique Germain
- Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire (LBM), CNRS, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5200, F-33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Magali Grison
- Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire (LBM), CNRS, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5200, F-33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Yohann Boutté
- Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire (LBM), CNRS, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5200, F-33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France
| | - Patricia Gerbeau-Pissot
- Agroécologie, AgroSup Dijon, INRA, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, ERL 6003 CNRS, Dijon, France
| | - Françoise Simon-Plas
- Agroécologie, AgroSup Dijon, INRA, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, ERL 6003 CNRS, Dijon, France.
| | - Sébastien Mongrand
- Laboratoire de Biogenèse Membranaire (LBM), CNRS, University of Bordeaux, UMR 5200, F-33882 Villenave d'Ornon, France.
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266
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Liu L, Chen X. Intercellular and systemic trafficking of RNAs in plants. NATURE PLANTS 2018; 4:869-878. [PMID: 30390090 PMCID: PMC7155933 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-018-0288-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved dynamic and complex networks of cell-to-cell communication to coordinate and adapt their growth and development to a variety of environmental changes. In addition to small molecules, such as metabolites and phytohormones, macromolecules such as proteins and RNAs also act as signalling agents in plants. As information molecules, RNAs can move locally between cells through plasmodesmata, and over long distances through phloem. Non-cell-autonomous RNAs may act as mobile signals to regulate plant development, nutrient allocation, gene silencing, antiviral defence, stress responses and many other physiological processes in plants. Recent work has shed light on mobile RNAs and, in some cases, uncovered their roles in intercellular and systemic signalling networks. This review summarizes the current knowledge of local and systemic RNA movement, and discusses the potential regulatory mechanisms and biological significance of RNA trafficking in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Longhua Bioindustry and Innovation Research Institute, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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267
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Abstract
Plants and pathogenic microbes are engaged in constant attacks and counterattacks at the interface of the interacting organisms. Much of the molecular warfare involves cross-kingdom trafficking of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites that act as toxins, inhibitors, lytic enzymes, and signaling molecules. How various molecules are transported across the boundaries of plants and pathogens has remained largely unknown until now. Extracellular vesicles have emerged as likely carriers of molecular ammunition for both plants and pathogens. Recent advances are beginning to show how extracellular vesicles serve as powerful vehicles that transfer small RNAs from plants to fungal cells to diminish pathogen virulence and from fungi to plant cells to dampen host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangxiu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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268
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Kusch S, Frantzeskakis L, Thieron H, Panstruga R. Small RNAs from cereal powdery mildew pathogens may target host plant genes. Fungal Biol 2018; 122:1050-1063. [PMID: 30342621 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNAs) play a key role in eukaryotic gene regulation, for example by gene silencing via RNA interference (RNAi). The biogenesis of sRNAs depends on proteins that are generally conserved in all eukaryotic lineages, yet some species that lack part or all the components of the mechanism exist. Here we explored the presence of the RNAi machinery and its expression as well as the occurrence of sRNA candidates and their putative endogenous as well as host targets in phytopathogenic powdery mildew fungi. We focused on the species Blumeria graminis, which occurs in various specialized forms (formae speciales) that each have a strictly limited host range. B. graminis f. sp. hordei and B. graminis f. sp. tritici, colonizing barley and wheat, respectively, have genomes that are characterized by extensive gene loss. Nonetheless, we find that the RNAi machinery appears to be largely complete and expressed during infection. sRNA sequencing data enabled the identification of putative sRNAs in both pathogens. While a considerable part of the sRNA candidates have predicted target sites in endogenous genes and transposable elements, a small proportion appears to have targets in planta, suggesting potential cross-kingdom RNA transfer between powdery mildew fungi and their respective plant hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kusch
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, D-52056 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lamprinos Frantzeskakis
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, D-52056 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Hannah Thieron
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, D-52056 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Ralph Panstruga
- Unit of Plant Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Biology I, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, D-52056 Aachen, Germany.
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269
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Rosa C, Kuo YW, Wuriyanghan H, Falk BW. RNA Interference Mechanisms and Applications in Plant Pathology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2018; 56:581-610. [PMID: 29979927 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-080417-050044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The origin of RNA interference (RNAi), the cell sentinel system widely shared among eukaryotes that recognizes RNAs and specifically degrades or prevents their translation in cells, is suggested to predate the last eukaryote common ancestor ( 138 ). Of particular relevance to plant pathology is that in plants, but also in some fungi, insects, and lower eukaryotes, RNAi is a primary and effective antiviral defense, and recent studies have revealed that small RNAs (sRNAs) involved in RNAi play important roles in other plant diseases, including those caused by cellular plant pathogens. Because of this, and because RNAi can be manipulated to interfere with the expression of endogenous genes in an intra- or interspecific manner, RNAi has been used as a tool in studies of gene function but also for plant protection. Here, we review the discovery of RNAi, canonical mechanisms, experimental and translational applications, and new RNA-based technologies of importance to plant pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rosa
- Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Yen-Wen Kuo
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA;
| | - Hada Wuriyanghan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010021, China
| | - Bryce W Falk
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA;
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270
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Zanini S, Šečić E, Jelonek L, Kogel KH. A Bioinformatics Pipeline for the Analysis and Target Prediction of RNA Effectors in Bidirectional Communication During Plant-Microbe Interactions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1212. [PMID: 30177942 PMCID: PMC6109766 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Small RNA (sRNA) molecules are key factors in the communication between hosts and their interacting pathogens, where they function as effectors that can modulate both host defense and microbial virulence/pathogenicity through a mechanism termed cross-kingdom RNA interference (ck-RNAi). Consistent with this recent knowledge, sRNAs and their double-stranded RNA precursor have been adopted to control diseases in crop plants, demonstrating a straight forward application of the new findings to approach agricultural problems. Despite the great interest in natural ck-RNAi, it is astonishing to find just a few additional examples in the literature since the first report was published in 2013. One reason might be that the identification of sRNA effectors is hampered both by technical challenges and lack of routine bioinformatics application strategies. Here, we suggest a practical procedure to find, characterize, and validate sRNA effectors in plant-microbe interaction. The aim of this review is not to present and discuss all possible tools, but to give guidelines toward the best established software available for the analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Zanini
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ena Šečić
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lukas Jelonek
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Kogel
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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271
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Rutter BD, Innes RW. Extracellular vesicles as key mediators of plant-microbe interactions. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 44:16-22. [PMID: 29452903 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid compartments capable of trafficking proteins, lipids, RNA and metabolites between cells. Plant cells have been shown to secrete EVs during immune responses, but virtually nothing is known about their formation, contents or ultimate function. Recently developed methods for isolating plant EVs have revealed that these EVs are enriched in stress response proteins and signaling lipids, and appear to display antifungal activity. Comparison to work on animal EVs, and the observation that host-derived small interfering RNAs and microRNAs can silence fungal genes, suggests that plant EVs may also mediate trans-kingdom RNA interference. Many fundamental questions remain, however, regarding how plant EVs are produced, how they move, and if and how they are taken up by target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Rutter
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Roger W Innes
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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272
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Plant MicroRNAs in Cross-Kingdom Regulation of Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072007. [PMID: 29996470 PMCID: PMC6073133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding small RNAs, which play a crucial role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Recently, various reports revealed that miRNAs could be transmitted between species to mediate cross-kingdom regulation by integrating into a specific target gene-mediated regulatory pathway to exert relevant biological functions. Some scholars and researchers have observed this as an attractive hypothesis that may provide a foundation for novel approaches in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease. Meanwhile, others deem the mentioned results were obtained from a “false positive effect” of performed experiments. Here, we focus on several current studies concerning plant miRNA-mediated cross-kingdom regulation (from both fronts) and discuss the existing issues that need further consideration. We also discuss possible miRNA horizontal transfer mechanisms from one species to another and analyze the relationship between miRNA-mediated cross-kingdom regulation and coevolution during a long-term specific host–pathogen interaction.
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273
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Cai Q, Qiao L, Wang M, He B, Lin FM, Palmquist J, Huang SD, Jin H. Plants send small RNAs in extracellular vesicles to fungal pathogen to silence virulence genes. Science 2018; 360:1126-1129. [PMID: 29773668 DOI: 10.1126/science.aar4142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 578] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Some pathogens and pests deliver small RNAs (sRNAs) into host cells to suppress host immunity. Conversely, hosts also transfer sRNAs into pathogens and pests to inhibit their virulence. Although sRNA trafficking has been observed in a wide variety of interactions, how sRNAs are transferred, especially from hosts to pathogens and pests, is still unknown. Here, we show that host Arabidopsis cells secrete exosome-like extracellular vesicles to deliver sRNAs into fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea These sRNA-containing vesicles accumulate at the infection sites and are taken up by the fungal cells. Transferred host sRNAs induce silencing of fungal genes critical for pathogenicity. Thus, Arabidopsis has adapted exosome-mediated cross-kingdom RNA interference as part of its immune responses during the evolutionary arms race with the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Lulu Qiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.,Department of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Baoye He
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Feng-Mao Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan
| | - Jared Palmquist
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Sienna-Da Huang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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274
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Cai Q, He B, Kogel KH, Jin H. Cross-kingdom RNA trafficking and environmental RNAi-nature's blueprint for modern crop protection strategies. Curr Opin Microbiol 2018; 46:58-64. [PMID: 29549797 PMCID: PMC6499079 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In plants, small RNA (sRNA)-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) is critical for regulating host immunity against bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, viruses, and pests. Similarly, sRNAs from pathogens and pests also play an important role in modulating their virulence. Strikingly, recent evidence supports that some sRNAs can travel between interacting organisms and induce gene silencing in the counter party, a mechanism termed cross-kingdom RNAi. Exploiting this new knowledge, host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) by transgenic expression of pathogen gene-targeting double-stranded (ds)RNA has the potential to become an important disease-control method. To circumvent transgenic approaches, direct application of dsRNAs or sRNAs (environmental RNAi) onto host plants or post-harvest products leads to silencing of the target microbe/pest gene (referred to spray-induced gene silencing, SIGS) and confers efficient disease control. This review summarizes the current understanding of cross-kingdom RNA trafficking and environmental RNAi and how these findings can be developed into novel effective strategies to fight diseases caused by microbial pathogens and pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Baoye He
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Karl-Heinz Kogel
- Department of Phytopathology, Interdisciplinary Research Center for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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275
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Hua C, Zhao JH, Guo HS. Trans-Kingdom RNA Silencing in Plant-Fungal Pathogen Interactions. MOLECULAR PLANT 2018; 11:235-244. [PMID: 29229568 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens represent a major group of plant invaders that are the causative agents of many notorious plant diseases. Large quantities of RNAs, especially small RNAs involved in gene silencing, have been found to transmit bidirectionally between fungal pathogens and their hosts. Although host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) technology has been developed and applied to protect crops from fungal infections, the mechanisms of RNA transmission, especially small RNAs regulating trans-kingdom RNA silencing in plant immunity, are largely unknown. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent important findings regarding trans-kingdom sRNAs and RNA silencing in plant-fungal pathogen interactions compared with the well-known RNAi mechanisms in plants and fungi. We focus on the interactions between plant and fungal pathogens with broad hosts, represented by the vascular pathogen Verticillium dahliae and non-vascular pathogen Botrytis cinerea, and discuss the known instances of natural RNAi transmission between fungal pathogens and host plants. Given that HIGS has been developed and recently applied in controlling Verticillium wilt diseases, we propose an ideal research system exploiting plant vasculature-Verticillium interaction to further study trans-kingdom RNA silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlei Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Hua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China; College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China.
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276
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Jin Y, Zhao P, Fang YY, Gao F, Guo HS, Zhao JH. Genome-wide profiling of sRNAs in the Verticillium dahliae-infected Arabidopsis roots. Mycology 2018; 9:155-165. [PMID: 30181922 PMCID: PMC6115885 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2018.1426062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNAs, including small interfering RNAs [siRNAs] and micro RNAs [miRNAs]) are key mediators of RNA silencing (or RNA interference), which play important roles in plant development and response to biotic and abiotic stimulation. Verticillium wilt is a plant vascular disease caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogens, such as Verticillium dahliae. We previously reported that V. dahliae infection increased two plant endogenous miRNAs that were exported to fungal cell to silence virulence genes. To investigate plant sRNAs in genome-wide response to V. dahliae infection, in this study, we constructed two sRNA libraries from Arabidopsis roots with and without V. dahliae infection, respectively. In total, 31 conserved miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed during the early stage of infection with V. dahliae using sRNA sequencing. Among these, the expression levels of miR160, miR164, miR166, miR167, miR390 and miR156h were confirmed by northern blot. Reverse transcription quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction results showed that the induction of miRNAs (miR160, miR164, miR166 and miR167) upon V. dahliae infection downregulated the expression of their targeted genes (ARF10, NAC1, PHV and ARF6), respectively. In addition, we identified specific phased siRNAs generated from distinct regions of two libraries. Profiling of these miRNAs and sRNAs lay the foundation for further understanding and utilising the host-induced gene silencing strategy to control plant vascular pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeijingChina
| | - Pan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeijingChina
| | - Yuan-Yuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeijingChina
| | - Feng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeijingChina.,College of Agriculture, Shihezi University and Key Laboratory at Universities of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resource Utilization, Shihezi, China
| | - Hui-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeijingChina.,College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Hua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeijingChina
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277
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Shahid S, Kim G, Johnson NR, Wafula E, Wang F, Coruh C, Bernal-Galeano V, Phifer T, dePamphilis CW, Westwood JH, Axtell MJ. MicroRNAs from the parasitic plant Cuscuta campestris target host messenger RNAs. Nature 2018; 553:82-85. [PMID: 29300014 DOI: 10.1038/nature25027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dodders (Cuscuta spp.) are obligate parasitic plants that obtain water and nutrients from the stems of host plants via specialized feeding structures called haustoria. Dodder haustoria facilitate bidirectional movement of viruses, proteins and mRNAs between host and parasite, but the functional effects of these movements are not known. Here we show that Cuscuta campestris haustoria accumulate high levels of many novel microRNAs (miRNAs) while parasitizing Arabidopsis thaliana. Many of these miRNAs are 22 nucleotides in length. Plant miRNAs of this length are uncommon, and are associated with amplification of target silencing through secondary short interfering RNA (siRNA) production. Several A. thaliana mRNAs are targeted by 22-nucleotide C. campestris miRNAs during parasitism, resulting in mRNA cleavage, secondary siRNA production, and decreased mRNA accumulation. Hosts with mutations in two of the loci that encode target mRNAs supported significantly higher growth of C. campestris. The same miRNAs that are expressed and active when C. campestris parasitizes A. thaliana are also expressed and active when it infects Nicotiana benthamiana. Homologues of target mRNAs from many other plant species also contain the predicted target sites for the induced C. campestris miRNAs. These data show that C. campestris miRNAs act as trans-species regulators of host-gene expression, and suggest that they may act as virulence factors during parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Shahid
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Gunjune Kim
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
| | - Nathan R Johnson
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Eric Wafula
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Feng Wang
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Ceyda Coruh
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Vivian Bernal-Galeano
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
| | | | - Claude W dePamphilis
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - James H Westwood
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA
| | - Michael J Axtell
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
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278
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Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) can be transferred across species for interkingdom communication. In addition to the artificial transgene-derived small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) can also influence interacting organisms to execute a regulatory function. For instance, we have recently found that, in response to infection with Verticillium dahliae (V. dahliae), cotton plants increase accumulation of miR166 and miR159, which can be exported to the fungal hyphae for specific silencing of virulence genes. These findings suggest a great potential for applying interkingdom mobile miRNAs for crop protection against fungal pathogens. The methods described here provide an approach to identify plant miRNAs and their potential targets in invading fungal pathogens, which will help in revealing the underlying mechanisms of these crosstalk phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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279
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Kachroo A, Vincelli P, Kachroo P. Signaling Mechanisms Underlying Resistance Responses: What Have We Learned, and How Is It Being Applied? PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2017; 107:1452-1461. [PMID: 28609156 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-04-17-0130-rvw] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Plants have evolved highly specific mechanisms to resist pathogens including preformed barriers and the induction of elaborate signaling pathways. Induced signaling requires recognition of the pathogen either via conserved pathogen-derived factors or specific pathogen-encoded proteins called effectors. Recognition of these factors by host encoded receptor proteins can result in the elicitation of different tiers of resistance at the site of pathogen infection. In addition, plants induce a type of systemic immunity which is effective at the whole plant level and protects against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Advances in our understanding of pathogen-recognition mechanisms, identification of the underlying molecular components, and their significant conservation across diverse plant species has enabled the development of novel strategies to combat plant diseases. This review discusses key advances in plant defense signaling that have been adapted or have the potential to be adapted for plant protection against microbial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aardra Kachroo
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546
| | - Paul Vincelli
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546
| | - Pradeep Kachroo
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40546
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280
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Wu Z, Yang Y, Huang G, Lin J, Xia Y, Zhu Y. Cotton functional genomics reveals global insight into genome evolution and fiber development. J Genet Genomics 2017; 44:511-518. [PMID: 29169921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Due to the economic value of natural textile fiber, cotton has attracted much research attention, which has led to the publication of two diploid genomes and two tetraploid genomes. These big data facilitate functional genomic study in cotton, and allow researchers to investigate cotton genome structure, gene expression, and protein function on the global scale using high-throughput methods. In this review, we summarized recent studies of cotton genomes. Population genomic analyses revealed the domestication history of cultivated upland cotton and the roles of transposable elements in cotton genome evolution. Alternative splicing of cotton transcriptomes was evaluated genome-widely. Several important gene families like MYC, NAC, Sus and GhPLDα1 were systematically identified and classified based on genetic structure and biological function. High-throughput proteomics also unraveled the key functional proteins correlated with fiber development. Functional genomic studies have provided unprecedented insights into global-scale methods for cotton research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Gai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jing Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuying Xia
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yuxian Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Institute for Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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281
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Deng W, Gibson KE. Interaction of microorganisms within leafy green phyllospheres: Where do human noroviruses fit in? Int J Food Microbiol 2017; 258:28-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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282
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Liu SR, Zhou JJ, Hu CG, Wei CL, Zhang JZ. MicroRNA-Mediated Gene Silencing in Plant Defense and Viral Counter-Defense. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1801. [PMID: 28979248 PMCID: PMC5611411 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs of approximately 20–24 nucleotides in length that serve as central regulators of eukaryotic gene expression by targeting mRNAs for cleavage or translational repression. In plants, miRNAs are associated with numerous regulatory pathways in growth and development processes, and defensive responses in plant–pathogen interactions. Recently, significant progress has been made in understanding miRNA-mediated gene silencing and how viruses counter this defense mechanism. Here, we summarize the current knowledge and recent advances in understanding the roles of miRNAs involved in the plant defense against viruses and viral counter-defense. We also document the application of miRNAs in plant antiviral defense. This review discusses the current understanding of the mechanisms of miRNA-mediated gene silencing and provides insights on the never-ending arms race between plants and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural UniversityHefei, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhou
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Chun-Gen Hu
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Chao-Ling Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Tea Plant Biology and Utilization, Anhui Agricultural UniversityHefei, China
| | - Jin-Zhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (Ministry of Education), College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
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283
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Wang M, Thomas N, Jin H. Cross-kingdom RNA trafficking and environmental RNAi for powerful innovative pre- and post-harvest plant protection. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 38:133-141. [PMID: 28570950 PMCID: PMC5720367 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Small RNA (sRNA) induces RNA interference (RNAi) in almost all eukaryotes. While sRNAs can move within an organism, they can also move between interacting organisms to induce gene silencing, a phenomenon called 'cross-kingdom RNAi'. Some sRNAs from pathogens or pests move into host cells and suppress host immunity in both plants and animals; whereas some host sRNAs travel into pathogen/pest cells to inhibit their virulence. Moreover, uptake of exogenous RNAs from the environment was recently discovered in certain fungal pathogens, which makes it possible to suppress fungal diseases by directly applying pathogen-targeting RNAs on crops and post-harvest products. This new-generation of RNA-based fungicides is powerful, environmentally friendly, and can be easily adapted to control multiple diseases simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0122, United States
| | - Nicholas Thomas
- Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0122, United States
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521-0122, United States.
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284
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Wang B, Sun Y, Song N, Zhao M, Liu R, Feng H, Wang X, Kang Z. Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici microRNA-like RNA 1 (Pst-milR1), an important pathogenicity factor of Pst, impairs wheat resistance to Pst by suppressing the wheat pathogenesis-related 2 gene. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2017; 215:338-350. [PMID: 28464281 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNAs), an important type of pathogenicity factor, contribute to impairing host immune responses. However, little is known about sRNAs in Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), one of the most destructive pathogens of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Here, we report a novel microRNA-like RNA (milRNA) from Pst termed microRNA-like RNA 1 (Pst-milR1), which suppresses wheat defenses during wheat-Pst interactions. We identified Pst-milR1 as a novel milRNA in Pst. Biological prediction and co-transformation showed that Pst-milR1 takes part in cross-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi) events by binding the wheat pathogenesis-related 2 (PR2) gene. Silencing of the Pst-milR1 precursor resulted in increased wheat resistance to the virulent Pst isolate CYR31. PR2 knock-down plants increased the susceptibility of wheat to the avirulent Pst isolate CYR23. This suggests that Pst-milR1 represses the plant immune response by suppressing the expression of PR2. Taking our findings together, we postulate that Pst-milR1 is an important pathogenicity factor in Pst, which acts as an effector to suppress host immunity. Our results provide significant new insights into the pathogenicity of the stripe rust pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yanfei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Na Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Mengxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Hao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhensheng Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, No. 3 Taicheng Road, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
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285
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Tang J, Chu C. MicroRNAs in crop improvement: fine-tuners for complex traits. NATURE PLANTS 2017; 3:17077. [PMID: 28665396 DOI: 10.1038/nplants.2017.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
One of the most common challenges for both conventional and modern crop improvement is that the appearance of one desirable trait in a new crop variety is always balanced by the impairment of one or more other beneficial characteristics. The best way to overcome this problem is the flexible utilization of regulatory genes, especially genes that provide more efficient and precise regulation in a targeted manner. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a type of short non-coding RNA, are promising candidates in this area due to their role as master modulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, targeting messenger RNAs for cleavage or directing translational inhibition in eukaryotes. We herein highlight the current understanding of the biological role of miRNAs in orchestrating distinct agriculturally important traits by summarizing recent functional analyses of 65 miRNAs in 9 major crops worldwide. The integration of current miRNA knowledge with conventional and modern crop improvement strategies is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuyou Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Centre for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chengcai Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics and National Centre for Plant Gene Research (Beijing), Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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286
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Torres-Martínez S, Ruiz-Vázquez RM. The RNAi Universe in Fungi: A Varied Landscape of Small RNAs and Biological Functions. Annu Rev Microbiol 2017; 71:371-391. [PMID: 28657888 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-090816-093352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved eukaryotic mechanism that uses small RNA molecules to suppress gene expression through sequence-specific messenger RNA degradation, translational repression, or transcriptional inhibition. In filamentous fungi, the protective function of RNAi in the maintenance of genome integrity is well known. However, knowledge of the regulatory role of RNAi in fungi has had to wait until the recent identification of different endogenous small RNA classes, which are generated by distinct RNAi pathways. In addition, RNAi research on new fungal models has uncovered the role of small RNAs and RNAi pathways in the regulation of diverse biological functions. In this review, we give an up-to-date overview of the different classes of small RNAs and RNAi pathways in fungi and their roles in the defense of genome integrity and regulation of fungal physiology and development, as well as in the interaction of fungi with biotic and abiotic environments.
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287
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Zhou G, Zhou Y, Chen X. New Insight into Inter-kingdom Communication: Horizontal Transfer of Mobile Small RNAs. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:768. [PMID: 28507539 PMCID: PMC5410588 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs (sRNAs), including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are conventionally regarded as critical molecular regulators of various intracellular processes. However, recent accumulating evidence indicates that sRNAs can be transferred within cells and tissues and even across species. In plants, nematodes and microbes, these mobile sRNAs can mediate inter-kingdom communication, environmental sensing, gene expression regulation, host-parasite defense and many other biological functions. Strikingly, a recent study by our group suggested that ingested plant miRNAs are transferred to blood, accumulate in tissues and regulate transcripts in consuming animals. While our and other independent groups’ subsequent studies further explored the emerging field of sRNA-mediated crosstalk between species, some groups reported negative results and questioned its general applicability. Thus, further studies carefully evaluating the horizontal transfer of exogenous sRNAs and its potential biological functions are urgently required. Here, we review the current state of knowledge in the field of the horizontal transfer of mobile sRNAs, suggest its future directions and key points for examination and discuss its potential mechanisms and application prospects in nutrition, agriculture and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geyu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing UniversityNanjing, China
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288
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Zhao YL, Zhang T, Guo HS. Penetration Assays, Fungal Recovery and Pathogenicity Assays for Verticillium dahliae. Bio Protoc 2017; 7:e2133. [PMID: 34458454 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.2133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Verticillium dahliae is a soil-borne phytopathogenic fungus that infects host roots and proliferates in vascular tissues. The great loss of economically important crop caused by V. dahliae has raised worldwide concern, however, little is known about the mechanism of its pathogenicity ( Klosterman et al., 2011 ; Yadeta and Thomma, 2013). Our recent work has shown that V. dahliae develops hyphopodium as an infection structure to breach plant root cell wall ( Zhao et al., 2016 ). Here, we provide a detailed protocol to analyze the penetration ability and the pathogenicity of V. dahliae as well as recover fungal hyphae from infected cotton stems developed from our previous studies ( Zhang et al., 2016a and 2016b; Zhao et al., 2016 ). Cellophane membrane has been used in inducing appressorium development of foliar pathogens but not root pathogens (Bourett and Howard, 1990). We adopted the method of using the cellophane membrane to induce and assess the development of hyphopodium. Hopefully, it will greatly promote the research of molecular events involved in recognition of the host that regulate infectious development. This protocol is also helpful to identify the key component controlling the pathogenicity of V. dahliae and widen our understanding of the mechanism of plant-microbe interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Long Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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289
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Khalid A, Zhang Q, Yasir M, Li F. Small RNA Based Genetic Engineering for Plant Viral Resistance: Application in Crop Protection. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:43. [PMID: 28167936 PMCID: PMC5253543 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Small RNAs regulate a large set of gene expression in all plants and constitute a natural immunity against viruses. Small RNA based genetic engineering (SRGE) technology had been explored for crop protection against viruses for nearly 30 years. Viral resistance has been developed in diverse crops with SRGE technology and a few viral resistant crops have been approved for commercial release. In this review we summarized the efforts generating viral resistance with SRGE in different crops, analyzed the evolution of the technology, its efficacy in different crops for different viruses and its application status in different crops. The challenge and potential solution for application of SRGE in crop protection are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
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290
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Gopal M, Gupta A. Microbiome Selection Could Spur Next-Generation Plant Breeding Strategies. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1971. [PMID: 28003808 PMCID: PMC5141590 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
“No plant is an island too…” Plants, though sessile, have developed a unique strategy to counter biotic and abiotic stresses by symbiotically co-evolving with microorganisms and tapping into their genome for this purpose. Soil is the bank of microbial diversity from which a plant selectively sources its microbiome to suit its needs. Besides soil, seeds, which carry the genetic blueprint of plants during trans-generational propagation, are home to diverse microbiota that acts as the principal source of microbial inoculum in crop cultivation. Overall, a plant is ensconced both on the outside and inside with a diverse assemblage of microbiota. Together, the plant genome and the genes of the microbiota that the plant harbors in different plant tissues, i.e., the ‘plant microbiome,’ form the holobiome which is now considered as unit of selection: ‘the holobiont.’ The ‘plant microbiome’ not only helps plants to remain fit but also offers critical genetic variability, hitherto, not employed in the breeding strategy by plant breeders, who traditionally have exploited the genetic variability of the host for developing high yielding or disease tolerant or drought resistant varieties. This fresh knowledge of the microbiome, particularly of the rhizosphere, offering genetic variability to plants, opens up new horizons for breeding that could usher in cultivation of next-generation crops depending less on inorganic inputs, resistant to insect pest and diseases and resilient to climatic perturbations. We surmise, from ever increasing evidences, that plants and their microbial symbionts need to be co-propagated as life-long partners in future strategies for plant breeding. In this perspective, we propose bottom–up approach to co-propagate the co-evolved, the plant along with the target microbiome, through – (i) reciprocal soil transplantation method, or (ii) artificial ecosystem selection method of synthetic microbiome inocula, or (iii) by exploration of microRNA transfer method – for realizing this next-generation plant breeding approach. Our aim, thus, is to bring closer the information accrued through the advanced nucleotide sequencing and bioinformatics in conjunction with conventional culture-dependent isolation method for practical application in plant breeding and overall agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Gopal
- Microbiology Section, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Kasaragod, India
| | - Alka Gupta
- Microbiology Section, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Kasaragod, India
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291
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Enlivening the barren leaves. NATURE PLANTS 2016; 2:16160. [PMID: 27701393 DOI: 10.1038/nplants.2016.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
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