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Li H, Kalunke R, Tetorya M, Czymmek KJ, Shah DM. Modes of action and potential as a peptide-based biofungicide of a plant defensin MtDef4. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2024; 25:e13458. [PMID: 38619888 PMCID: PMC11018249 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Due to rapidly emerging resistance to single-site fungicides in fungal pathogens of plants, there is a burgeoning need for safe and multisite fungicides. Plant antifungal peptides with multisite modes of action (MoA) have potential as bioinspired fungicides. Medicago truncatula defensin MtDef4 was previously reported to exhibit potent antifungal activity against fungal pathogens. Its MoA involves plasma membrane disruption and binding to intracellular targets. However, specific biochemical processes inhibited by this defensin and causing cell death have not been determined. Here, we show that MtDef4 exhibited potent antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea. It induced severe plasma membrane and organelle irregularities in the germlings of this pathogen. It bound to fungal ribosomes and inhibited protein translation in vitro. A MtDef4 variant lacking antifungal activity exhibited greatly reduced protein translation inhibitory activity. A cation-tolerant MtDef4 variant was generated that bound to β-glucan of the fungal cell wall with higher affinity than MtDef4. It also conferred a greater reduction in the grey mould disease symptoms than MtDef4 when applied exogenously on Nicotiana benthamiana plants, tomato fruits and rose petals. Our findings revealed inhibition of protein synthesis as a likely target of MtDef4 and the potential of its cation-tolerant variant as a peptide-based fungicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | | | | | - Kirk J. Czymmek
- Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterSt. LouisMissouriUSA
- Advanced Bioimaging LaboratoryDonald Danforth Plant Science CenterSt. LouisMissouriUSA
| | - Dilip M. Shah
- Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterSt. LouisMissouriUSA
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Istomina EA, Korostyleva TV, Kovtun AS, Slezina MP, Odintsova TI. Transcriptome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Genes Encoding Defense-Related Peptides of Filipendula ulmaria in Response to Bipolaris sorokiniana Infection. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:258. [PMID: 38667929 PMCID: PMC11050963 DOI: 10.3390/jof10040258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptides play an essential role in plant development and immunity. Filipendula ulmaria, belonging to the Rosaceae family, is a medicinal plant which exhibits valuable pharmacological properties. F. ulmaria extracts in vitro inhibit the growth of a variety of plant and human pathogens. The role of peptides in defense against pathogens in F. ulmaria remains unknown. The objective of this study was to explore the repertoire of antimicrobial (AMPs) and defense-related signaling peptide genes expressed by F. ulmaria in response to infection with Bipolaris sorokiniana using RNA-seq. Transcriptomes of healthy and infected plants at two time points were sequenced on the Illumina HiSeq500 platform and de novo assembled. A total of 84 peptide genes encoding novel putative AMPs and signaling peptides were predicted in F. ulmaria transcriptomes. They belong to known, as well as new, peptide families. Transcriptional profiling in response to infection disclosed complex expression patterns of peptide genes and identified both up- and down-regulated genes in each family. Among the differentially expressed genes, the vast majority were down-regulated, suggesting suppression of the immune response by the fungus. The expression of 13 peptide genes was up-regulated, indicating their possible involvement in triggering defense response. After functional studies, the encoded peptides can be used in the development of novel biofungicides and resistance inducers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina A. Istomina
- Laboratory of Molecular-Genetic Bases of Plant Immunity, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics RAS, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.I.); (T.V.K.); (M.P.S.)
| | - Tatyana V. Korostyleva
- Laboratory of Molecular-Genetic Bases of Plant Immunity, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics RAS, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.I.); (T.V.K.); (M.P.S.)
| | - Alexey S. Kovtun
- Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics RAS, 119333 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Marina P. Slezina
- Laboratory of Molecular-Genetic Bases of Plant Immunity, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics RAS, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.I.); (T.V.K.); (M.P.S.)
| | - Tatyana I. Odintsova
- Laboratory of Molecular-Genetic Bases of Plant Immunity, Vavilov Institute of General Genetics RAS, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.I.); (T.V.K.); (M.P.S.)
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De Pascali M, Greco D, Vergine M, Carluccio G, De Bellis L, Luvisi A. A Physiological and Molecular Focus on the Resistance of "Filippo Ceo" Almond Tree to Xylella fastidiosa. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:576. [PMID: 38475423 DOI: 10.3390/plants13050576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The impact of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) subsp. pauca on the environment and economy of Southern Italy has been devastating. To restore the landscape and support the local economy, introducing new crops is crucial for restoring destroyed olive groves, and the almond tree (Prunus dulcis Mill. D. A. Webb) could be a promising candidate. This work focused on the resistance of the cultivar "Filippo Ceo" to Xf and evaluated its physiological and molecular responses to individual stresses (drought or pathogen stress) and combined stress factors under field conditions over three seasons. Filippo Ceo showed a low pathogen concentration (≈103 CFU mL-1) and a lack of almond leaf scorch symptoms. Physiologically, an excellent plant water status was observed (RWC 82-89%) regardless of the stress conditions, which was associated with an increased proline content compared to that of the control plants, particularly in response to Xf stress (≈8-fold). The plant's response did not lead to a gene modulation that was specific to different stress factors but seemed more indistinct: upregulation of the LEA and DHN gene transcripts by Xf was observed, while the PR transcript was upregulated by drought stress. In addition, the genes encoding the transcription factors (TFs) were differentially induced by stress conditions. Filippo Ceo could be an excellent cultivar for coexistence with Xf subps. pauca, confirming its resistance to both water stress and the pathogen, although this similar health status was achieved differently due to transcriptional reprogramming that results in the modulation of genes directly or indirectly involved in defence strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosaria De Pascali
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Greco
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Marzia Vergine
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Giambattista Carluccio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Luigi De Bellis
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Luvisi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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Yang B, Zhao Y, Guo Z. Research Progress and Prospect of Alfalfa Resistance to Pathogens and Pests. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11152008. [PMID: 35956485 PMCID: PMC9370300 DOI: 10.3390/plants11152008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Alfalfa is one of the most important legume forages in the world and contributes greatly to the improvement of ecosystems, nutrition, and food security. Diseases caused by pathogens and pests severely restrict the production of alfalfa. Breeding resistant varieties is the most economical and effective strategy for the control of alfalfa diseases and pests, and the key to breeding resistant varieties is to identify important resistance genes. Plant innate immunity is the theoretical basis for identifying resistant genes and breeding resistant varieties. In recent years, the framework of plant immunity theory has been gradually formed and improved, and considerable progress has been made in the identification of alfalfa resistance genes and the revelation of the related mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the basic theory of plant immunity and identify alfalfa resistance genes to different pathogens and insects and resistance mechanisms. The current situation, problems, and future prospects of alfalfa resistance research are also discussed. Breeding resistant cultivars with effective resistance genes, together with other novel plant protection technologies, will greatly improve alfalfa production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yang
- College of Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhenfei Guo
- College of Grassland Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Thakur RK, Prasad P, Bhardwaj SC, Gangwar OP, Kumar S. Epigenetics of wheat-rust interaction: an update. PLANTA 2022; 255:50. [PMID: 35084577 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03829-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The outcome of different host-pathogen interactions is influenced by both genetic and epigenetic systems, which determine the response of plants to pathogens and vice versa. This review highlights key molecular mechanisms and conceptual advances involved in epigenetic research and the progress made in epigenetics of wheat-rust interactions. Epigenetics implies the heritable changes in the way of gene expression as a consequence of the modification of DNA bases, histone proteins, and/or non-coding-RNA biogenesis without disturbing the underlying nucleotide sequence. The changes occurring between DNA and its surrounding chromatin without altering its DNA sequence and leading to significant changes in the genome of any organism are called epigenetic changes. Epigenetics has already been used successfully to explain the mechanism of human pathogens and in the identification of pathogen-induced modifications within various host plants. Wheat rusts are one of the most vital fungal diseases throughout the major wheat-growing areas of the world. The epigenome in plant pathogens causing diseases such as wheat rusts is mysterious. The investigations of host and pathogen epigenetics in the wheat rusts system can offer a piece of suitable evidence for elucidation of the molecular basis of host-pathogen interaction. Besides, the information on the epigenetic regulation of the genes involved in resistance or pathogenicity will provide better insights into the complex resistance signaling pathways and could provide answers to certain key questions, such as whether epigenetic regulation of certain genes is imparting resistance to host in response of certain pathogen elicitors or not. In the last few years, there has been an upsurge in research on the host as well as pathogen epigenetics and its outcome in plant-pathogen interactions. This review summarizes the progress made in the areas related to the epigenetic control of host-pathogen interaction with particular emphasis on wheat rusts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajni Kant Thakur
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171002, India
| | - Pramod Prasad
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171002, India.
| | - S C Bhardwaj
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171002, India.
| | - O P Gangwar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171002, India
| | - Subodh Kumar
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, 171002, India
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Liu Z, Sun Z, Zeng C, Dong X, Li M, Liu Z, Yan M. The elemental defense effect of cadmium on Alternaria brassicicola in Brassica juncea. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:17. [PMID: 34986803 PMCID: PMC8729108 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-03398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The elemental defense hypothesis states a new defensive strategy that hyperaccumulators defense against herbivores or pathogens attacks by accumulating heavy metals. Brassica juncea has an excellent ability of cadmium (Cd) accumulation. However, the elemental defense effect and its regulation mechanism in B. juncea remain unclear. RESULTS In this study, we profiled the elemental defense effect and the molecular regulatory mechanism in Cd-accumulated B. juncea after Alternaria brassicicola infection. B. juncea treated with 180 mg Kg- 1 DW CdCl2 2.5H2O exhibited obvious elemental defense effect after 72 h of infection with A. brassicicola. The expression of some defense-related genes including BjNPR1, BjPR12, BjPR2, and stress-related miRNAs (miR156, miR397, miR398a, miR398b/c, miR408, miR395a, miR395b, miR396a, and miR396b) were remarkably elevated during elemental defense in B. juncea. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that Cd-accumulated B. juncea may defend against pathogens by coordinating salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) mediated systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and elemental defense in a synergistic joint effect. Furthermore, the expression of miRNAs related to heavy metal stress response and disease resistance may regulate the balance between pathogen defense and heavy metal stress-responsive in B. juncea. The findings provide experimental evidence for the elemental defense hypothesis in plants from the perspectives of phytohormones, defense-related genes, and miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forestry Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
- International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
| | - Zhenzhen Sun
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forestry Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
- International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
| | - Chaozhen Zeng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forestry Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
- International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
| | - Xujie Dong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forestry Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
- International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Mei Li
- Crop Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China
| | - Zhixiang Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Forestry Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China.
- International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology Innovation on Forest Resource Biotechnology of Hunan Province, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China.
| | - Mingli Yan
- Crop Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha, 410125, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Economic Crops Genetic Improvement and Integrated Utilization, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, China.
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Liu Y, Hua YP, Chen H, Zhou T, Yue CP, Huang JY. Genome-scale identification of plant defensin ( PDF) family genes and molecular characterization of their responses to diverse nutrient stresses in allotetraploid rapeseed. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12007. [PMID: 34603847 PMCID: PMC8445089 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant defensins (PDFs), short peptides with strong antibacterial activity, play important roles in plant growth, development, and stress resistance. However, there are few systematic analyses on PDFs in Brassica napus. Here, bioinformatics methods were used to identify genome-wide PDFs in Brassica napus, and systematically analyze physicochemical properties, expansion pattern, phylogeny, and expression profiling of BnaPDFs under diverse nutrient stresses. A total of 37 full-length PDF homologs, divided into two subgroups (PDF1s and PDF2s), were identified in the rapeseed genome. A total of two distinct clades were identified in the BnaPDF phylogeny. Clade specific conserved motifs were identified within each clade respectively. Most BnaPDFs were proved to undergo powerful purified selection. The PDF members had enriched cis-elements related to growth and development, hormone response, environmental stress response in their promoter regions. GO annotations indicate that the functional pathways of BnaPDFs are mainly involved in cells killing and plant defense responses. In addition, bna-miRNA164 and bna-miRNA172 respectively regulate the expression of their targets BnaA2.PDF2.5 and BnaC7.PDF2.6. The expression patterns of BnaPDFs were analyzed in different tissues. BnaPDF1.2bs was mainly expressed in the roots, whereas BnaPDF2.2s and BnaPDF2.3s were both expressed in stamen, pericarp, silique, and stem. However, the other BnaPDF members showed low expression levels in various tissues. Differential expression of BnaPDFs under nitrate limitation, ammonium excess, phosphorus starvation, potassium deficiency, cadmium toxicity, and salt stress indicated that they might participate in different nutrient stress resistance. The genome-wide identification and characterization of BnaPDFs will enrich understanding of their molecular characteristics and provide elite gene resources for genetic improvement of rapeseed resistance to nutrient stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying-Peng Hua
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huan Chen
- National Tobacco Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Cai-Peng Yue
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jin-Yong Huang
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Liu X, Ao K, Yao J, Zhang Y, Li X. Engineering plant disease resistance against biotrophic pathogens. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 60:101987. [PMID: 33434797 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2020.101987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Breeding for disease resistance against microbial pathogens is essential for food security in modern agriculture. Conventional breeding, although widely accepted, is time consuming. An alternative approach is generating crop plants with desirable traits through genetic engineering. The collective efforts of many labs in the past 30 years have led to a comprehensive understanding of how plant immunity is achieved, enabling the application of genetic engineering to enhance disease resistance in crop plants. Here, we briefly review the engineering of disease resistance against biotrophic pathogens using various components of the plant immune system. Recent breakthroughs in immune receptors signaling and systemic acquired resistance (SAR), along with innovations in precise gene editing methods, provide exciting new opportunities for the development of improved environmentally friendly crop varieties that are disease resistant and high-yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueru Liu
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Rm 301, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Rm 3156, 6270 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Kevin Ao
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Rm 301, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Rm 3156, 6270 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jia Yao
- College of Life Science, Chongqing University, 55 University Town South Road, Shapingba District, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuelin Zhang
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Rm 3156, 6270 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Xin Li
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Rm 301, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Rm 3156, 6270 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Mirzaee H, Neira Peralta NL, Carvalhais LC, Dennis PG, Schenk PM. Plant-produced bacteriocins inhibit plant pathogens and confer disease resistance in tomato. N Biotechnol 2021; 63:54-61. [PMID: 33766789 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriocins are a diverse group of bacterial antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that represent potential replacements for current antibiotics due to their novel modes of action. At present, production costs are a key constraint to the use of bacteriocins and other AMPs. Here, we report the production of bacteriocins in planta - a potentially scalable and cost-effective approach for AMP production. Nine bacteriocin genes with three different modes of action and minimal or no post-translational modifications were synthesized, cloned and used to transform Arabidopsis thaliana. To confirm bacteriocin functionality and the potential to use these plants as biofactories, Arabidopsis T3 crude leaf extracts were subjected to inhibition assays against the bacterial pathogens Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst). Six and seven of nine extracts significantly inhibited Cmm and Pst, respectively. Three bacteriocin genes (plantaricin, enteriocin, and leucocin) were then selected for over-expression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). In vitro plant pathogen inhibition assays of T0, T1 and T2 transgenic tomato leaf extracts confirmed antimicrobial activity against both pathogens for all three generations of plants, indicating their potential use as stable biopesticide biofactories. Plantaricin and leucocin-expressing T2 tomato plants were resistant to Cmm, and leucocin-expressing T2 plants were resistant to Pst. This study highlights that plants can be used as biofactories for AMP production and that the expression of bacteriocins in planta may offer new opportunities for disease control in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Mirzaee
- Plant-Microbe Interactions Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Noelia L Neira Peralta
- Plant-Microbe Interactions Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lilia C Carvalhais
- Plant-Microbe Interactions Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, Ecosciences Precinct, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul G Dennis
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peer M Schenk
- Plant-Microbe Interactions Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Parisi K, Poon S, Renda RF, Sahota G, English J, Yalpani N, Bleackley MR, Anderson MA, van der Weerden NL. Improving the Digestibility of Plant Defensins to Meet Regulatory Requirements for Transgene Products in Crop Protection. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1227. [PMID: 32922418 PMCID: PMC7456892 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the use of chemical fungicides, fungal diseases have a major impact on the yield and quality of plant produce globally and hence there is a need for new approaches for disease control. Several groups have examined the potential use of antifungal plant defensins for plant protection and have produced transgenic plants expressing plant defensins with enhanced resistance to fungal disease. However, before they can be developed commercially, transgenic plants must pass a series of strict regulations to ensure that they are safe for human and animal consumption as well as the environment. One of the requirements is rapid digestion of the transgene protein in the gastrointestinal tract to minimize the risk of any potential allergic response. Here, we examine the digestibility of two plant defensins, NaD1 from Nicotiana alata and SBI6 from soybean, which have potent antifungal activity against major cereal pathogens. The native defensins were not digestible in simulated gastrointestinal fluid assays. Several modifications to the sequences enhanced the digestibility of the two small proteins without severely impacting their antifungal activity. However, these modified proteins did not accumulate as well as the native proteins when transiently expressed in planta, suggesting that the protease-resistant structure of plant defensins facilitates their stability in planta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Parisi
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon Poon
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Rosemary F. Renda
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Gurinder Sahota
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - James English
- Maxygen LLC, Sunnyvale, CA, United States
- Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, Johnston, IA, United States
| | - Nasser Yalpani
- Corteva Agriscience, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, Johnston, IA, United States
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Mark R. Bleackley
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Marilyn A. Anderson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicole L. van der Weerden
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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11
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Summanwar A, Basu U, Rahman H, Kav NNV. Non-coding RNAs as emerging targets for crop improvement. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 297:110521. [PMID: 32563460 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Food security is affected by climate change, population growth, as well as abiotic and biotic stresses. Conventional and molecular marker assisted breeding and genetic engineering techniques have been employed extensively for improving resistance to biotic stress in crop plants. Advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have permitted the exploration and identification of parts of the genome that extend beyond the regions with protein coding potential. These non-coding regions of the genome are transcribed to generate many types of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These ncRNAs are involved in the regulation of growth, development, and response to stresses at transcriptional and translational levels. ncRNAs, including long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), small RNAs and circular RNAs have been recognized as important regulators of gene expression in plants and have been suggested to play important roles in plant immunity and adaptation to abiotic and biotic stresses. In this article, we have reviewed the current state of knowledge with respect to lncRNAs and their mechanism(s) of action as well as their regulatory functions, specifically within the context of biotic stresses. Additionally, we have provided insights into how our increased knowledge about lncRNAs may be used to improve crop tolerance to these devastating biotic stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarohi Summanwar
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Agriculture/Forestry Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Urmila Basu
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Agriculture/Forestry Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Habibur Rahman
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Agriculture/Forestry Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada.
| | - Nat N V Kav
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-10 Agriculture/Forestry Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada.
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12
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Farvardin A, González-Hernández AI, Llorens E, García-Agustín P, Scalschi L, Vicedo B. The Apoplast: A Key Player in Plant Survival. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E604. [PMID: 32664231 PMCID: PMC7402137 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9070604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The apoplast comprises the intercellular space, the cell walls, and the xylem. Important functions for the plant, such as nutrient and water transport, cellulose synthesis, and the synthesis of molecules involved in plant defense against both biotic and abiotic stresses, take place in it. The most important molecules are ROS, antioxidants, proteins, and hormones. Even though only a small quantity of ROS is localized within the apoplast, apoplastic ROS have an important role in plant development and plant responses to various stress conditions. In the apoplast, like in the intracellular cell compartments, a specific set of antioxidants can be found that can detoxify the different types of ROS produced in it. These scavenging ROS components confer stress tolerance and avoid cellular damage. Moreover, the production and accumulation of proteins and peptides in the apoplast take place in response to various stresses. Hormones are also present in the apoplast where they perform important functions. In addition, the apoplast is also the space where microbe-associated molecular Patterns (MAMPs) are secreted by pathogens. In summary, the diversity of molecules found in the apoplast highlights its importance in the survival of plant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Farvardin
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, Universitat Jaume I de Castellón, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel González-Hernández
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, Universitat Jaume I de Castellón, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Eugenio Llorens
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, Universitat Jaume I de Castellón, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Pilar García-Agustín
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, Universitat Jaume I de Castellón, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Loredana Scalschi
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, Universitat Jaume I de Castellón, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Begonya Vicedo
- Grupo de Bioquímica y Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, Universitat Jaume I de Castellón, Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
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13
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Soto N, Hernández Y, Delgado C, Rosabal Y, Ortiz R, Valencia L, Borrás-Hidalgo O, Pujol M, Enríquez GA. Field Resistance to Phakopsora pachyrhizi and Colletotrichum truncatum of Transgenic Soybean Expressing the NmDef02 Plant Defensin Gene. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:562. [PMID: 32528487 PMCID: PMC7264373 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Fungal diseases lead to significant losses in soybean yields and a decline in seed quality; such is the case of the Asian soybean rust and anthracnose caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi and Colletotrichum truncatum, respectively. Currently, the development of transgenic plants carrying antifungal defensins offers an alternative for plant protection against pathogens. This paper shows the production of transgenic soybean plants expressing the NmDef02 defensin gene using the biolistic delivery system, in an attempt to improve resistance against diseases and reduce the need for chemicals. Transgenic lines were assessed in field conditions under the natural infections of P. pachyrhizi and C. truncatum. The constitutive expression of the NmDef02 gene in transgenic soybean plants was shown to enhance resistance against these important plant pathogens. The quantification of the P. pachyrhizi biomass in infected soybean leaves revealed significant differences between transgenic lines and the non-transgenic control. In certain transgenic lines there was a strong reduction of fungal biomass, revealing a less severe disease. Integration and expression of the transgenes were confirmed by PCR, Southern blot, and qRT-PCR, where the Def1 line showed a higher relative expression of defensin. It was also found that the expression of the NmDef02 defensin gene in plants of the Def1 line did not have a negative effect on the nodulation induced by Bradyrhizobium japonicum. These results indicate that transgenic soybean plants expressing the NmDef02 defensin gene have a substantially enhanced resistance to economically important diseases, providing a sound environmental approach for decreasing yield losses and lowering the burden of chemicals in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Soto
- Soybean Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
- *Correspondence: Natacha Soto,
| | - Yuniet Hernández
- Soybean Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Celia Delgado
- Soybean Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yamilka Rosabal
- Soybean Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Rodobaldo Ortiz
- National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, San José de las Lajas, Cuba
| | - Laura Valencia
- Soybean Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Orlando Borrás-Hidalgo
- Soybean Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, China
| | - Merardo Pujol
- Soybean Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gil A. Enríquez
- Soybean Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
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14
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Das K, Datta K, Karmakar S, Datta SK. Antimicrobial Peptides - Small but Mighty Weapons for Plants to Fight Phytopathogens. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 26:720-742. [PMID: 31215363 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190619112438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have diverse structures, varied modes of actions, and can inhibit the growth of a wide range of pathogens at low concentrations. Plants are constantly under attack by a wide range of phytopathogens causing massive yield losses worldwide. To combat these pathogens, nature has armed plants with a battery of defense responses including Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). These peptides form a vital component of the two-tier plant defense system. They are constitutively expressed as part of the pre-existing first line of defense against pathogen entry. When a pathogen overcomes this barrier, it faces the inducible defense system, which responds to specific molecular or effector patterns by launching an arsenal of defense responses including the production of AMPs. This review emphasizes the structural and functional aspects of different plant-derived AMPs, their homology with AMPs from other organisms, and how their biotechnological potential could generate durable resistance in a wide range of crops against different classes of phytopathogens in an environmentally friendly way without phenotypic cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Das
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Karabi Datta
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhasis Karmakar
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Swapan K Datta
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
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15
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Kovalchuk N, Wu W, Bazanova N, Reid N, Singh R, Shirley N, Eini O, Johnson AAT, Langridge P, Hrmova M, Lopato S. Wheat wounding-responsive HD-Zip IV transcription factor GL7 is predominantly expressed in grain and activates genes encoding defensins. PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 101:41-61. [PMID: 31183604 DOI: 10.1007/s11103-019-00889-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Several classes of transcription factors are involved in the activation of defensins. A new type of the transcription factor responsible for the regulation of wheat grain specific defensins was characterised in this work. HD-Zip class IV transcription factors constitute a family of multidomain proteins. A full-length cDNA of HD-Zip IV, designated TaGL7 was isolated from the developing grain of bread wheat, using a specific DNA sequence as bait in the Y1H screen. 3D models of TaGL7 HD complexed with DNA cis-elements rationalised differences that underlined accommodations of binding and non-binding DNA, while the START-like domain model predicted binding of lipidic molecules inside a concave hydrophobic cavity. The 3'-untranslated region of TaGL7 was used as a probe to isolate the genomic clone of TdGL7 from a BAC library prepared from durum wheat. The spatial and temporal activity of the TdGL7 promoter was tested in transgenic wheat, barley and rice. TdGL7 was expressed mostly in ovary at fertilisation and its promoter was active in a liquid endosperm during cellularisation and later in the endosperm transfer cells, aleurone, and starchy endosperm. The pattern of TdGL7 expression resembled that of genes that encode grain-specific lipid transfer proteins, particularly defensins. In addition, GL7 expression was upregulated by mechanical wounding, similarly to defensin genes. Co-bombardment of cultured wheat cells with TdGL7 driven by constitutive promoter and seven grain or root specific defensin promoters fused to GUS gene, revealed activation of four promoters. The data confirmed the previously proposed role of HD-Zip IV transcription factors in the regulation of genes that encode lipid transfer proteins involved in lipid transport and defence. The TdGL7 promoter could be used to engineer cereal grains with enhanced resistance to insects and fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Kovalchuk
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Wei Wu
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
- Agronomy College, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Natalia Bazanova
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Glen Osmond, 5064, SA, Australia
| | - Nicolas Reid
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Rohan Singh
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Neil Shirley
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Omid Eini
- Department of Plant Protection, School of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | | | - Peter Langridge
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
| | - Maria Hrmova
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia.
- School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an, China.
| | - Sergiy Lopato
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
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Newhouse AE, Oakes AD, Pilkey HC, Roden HE, Horton TR, Powell WA. Transgenic American Chestnuts Do Not Inhibit Germination of Native Seeds or Colonization of Mycorrhizal Fungi. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1046. [PMID: 30073011 PMCID: PMC6060562 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was once an integral part of eastern United States deciduous forests, with many environmental, economic, and social values. This ended with the introduction of an invasive fungal pathogen that wiped out over three billion trees. Transgenic American chestnuts expressing a gene for oxalate oxidase successfully tolerate infections by this blight fungus, but potential non-target environmental effects should be evaluated before new restoration material is released. Two greenhouse bioassays evaluated belowground interactions between transgenic American chestnuts and neighboring organisms found in their native ecosystems. Potential allelopathy was tested by germinating several types of seeds, all native to American chestnut habitats, in the presence of chestnut leaf litter. Germination was not significantly different in terms of number of seeds germinated or total biomass of germinated seedlings in transgenic and non-transgenic leaf litter. Separately, ectomycorrhizal associations were observed on transgenic and non-transgenic American chestnut roots using field soil inoculum. Root tip colonization was consistently high (>90% colonization) on all plants and not significantly different between any tree types. These observations on mycorrhizal fungi complement previous studies performed on older transgenic lines which expressed oxalate oxidase at lower levels. Along with other environmental impact comparisons, these conclusions provide further evidence that transgenic American chestnuts are not functionally different with regard to ecosystem interactions than non-transgenic American chestnuts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - William A. Powell
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY, United States
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17
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Finkina EI, Ovchinnikova TV. Plant Defensins: Structure, Functions, Biosynthesis, and the Role in the Immune Response. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162018030056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Sharma KK, Pothana A, Prasad K, Shah D, Kaur J, Bhatnagar D, Chen Z, Raruang Y, Cary JW, Rajasekaran K, Sudini HK, Bhatnagar‐Mathur P. Peanuts that keep aflatoxin at bay: a threshold that matters. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2018; 16:1024-1033. [PMID: 28973784 PMCID: PMC5902767 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination in peanuts poses major challenges for vulnerable populations of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Developing peanut varieties to combat preharvest Aspergillus flavus infection and resulting aflatoxin contamination has thus far remained a major challenge, confounded by highly complex peanut-Aspergilli pathosystem. Our study reports achieving a high level of resistance in peanut by overexpressing (OE) antifungal plant defensins MsDef1 and MtDef4.2, and through host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) of aflM and aflP genes from the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway. While the former improves genetic resistance to A. flavus infection, the latter inhibits aflatoxin production in the event of infection providing durable resistance against different Aspergillus flavus morphotypes and negligible aflatoxin content in several peanut events/lines well. A strong positive correlation was observed between aflatoxin accumulation and decline in transcription of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway genes in both OE-Def and HIGS lines. Transcriptomic signatures in the resistant lines revealed key mechanisms such as regulation of aflatoxin synthesis, its packaging and export control, besides the role of reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzymes that render enhanced protection in the OE and HIGS lines. This is the first study to demonstrate highly effective biotechnological strategies for successfully generating peanuts that are near-immune to aflatoxin contamination, offering a panacea for serious food safety, health and trade issues in the semi-arid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran K. Sharma
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)HyderabadTelanganaIndia
| | - Arunima Pothana
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)HyderabadTelanganaIndia
| | - Kalyani Prasad
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)HyderabadTelanganaIndia
| | - Dilip Shah
- Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Jagdeep Kaur
- Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Deepak Bhatnagar
- Southern Regional Research CenterAgricultural Research ServiceUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA/ARS)New OrleansLAUSA
| | - Zhi‐Yuan Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop PhysiologyAgricultural centerLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLAUSA
| | - Yenjit Raruang
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop PhysiologyAgricultural centerLouisiana State UniversityBaton RougeLAUSA
| | - Jeffrey W. Cary
- Southern Regional Research CenterAgricultural Research ServiceUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA/ARS)New OrleansLAUSA
| | - Kanniah Rajasekaran
- Southern Regional Research CenterAgricultural Research ServiceUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA/ARS)New OrleansLAUSA
| | - Hari Kishan Sudini
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)HyderabadTelanganaIndia
| | - Pooja Bhatnagar‐Mathur
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)HyderabadTelanganaIndia
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19
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Ali S, Ganai BA, Kamili AN, Bhat AA, Mir ZA, Bhat JA, Tyagi A, Islam ST, Mushtaq M, Yadav P, Rawat S, Grover A. Pathogenesis-related proteins and peptides as promising tools for engineering plants with multiple stress tolerance. Microbiol Res 2018; 212-213:29-37. [PMID: 29853166 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a group of diverse molecules that are induced by phytopathogens as well as defense related signaling molecules. They are the key components of plant innate immune system especially systemic acquired resistance (SAR), and are widely used as diagnostic molecular markers of defense signaling pathways. Although, PR proteins and peptides have been isolated much before but their biological function remains largely enigmatic despite the availability of new scientific tools. The earlier studies have demonstrated that PR genes provide enhanced resistance against both biotic and abiotic stresses, which make them one of the most promising candidates for developing multiple stress tolerant crop varieties. In this regard, plant genetic engineering technology is widely accepted as one of the most fascinating approach to develop the disease resistant transgenic crops using different antimicrobial genes like PR genes. Overexpression of PR genes (chitinase, glucanase, thaumatin, defensin and thionin) individually or in combination have greatly uplifted the level of defense response in plants against a wide range of pathogens. However, the detailed knowledge of signaling pathways that regulates the expression of these versatile proteins is critical for improving crop plants to multiple stresses, which is the future theme of plant stress biology. Hence, this review provides an overall overview on the PR proteins like their classification, role in multiple stresses (biotic and abiotic) as well as in various plant defense signaling cascades. We also highlight the success and snags of transgenic plants expressing PR proteins and peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Ali
- National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India; Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Bashir Ahmad Ganai
- Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Azra N Kamili
- Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ajaz Ali Bhat
- Govt Degree College Boys Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Zahoor Ahmad Mir
- National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Anshika Tyagi
- National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | - Prashant Yadav
- National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandhya Rawat
- National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Anita Grover
- National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India.
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20
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Weinhold A, Karimi Dorcheh E, Li R, Rameshkumar N, Baldwin IT. Antimicrobial peptide expression in a wild tobacco plant reveals the limits of host-microbe-manipulations in the field. eLife 2018; 7:e28715. [PMID: 29661271 PMCID: PMC5908438 DOI: 10.7554/elife.28715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-microbe associations are thought to be beneficial for plant growth and resistance against biotic or abiotic stresses, but for natural ecosystems, the ecological analysis of microbiome function remains in its infancy. We used transformed wild tobacco plants (Nicotiana attenuata) which constitutively express an antimicrobial peptide (Mc-AMP1) of the common ice plant, to establish an ecological tool for plant-microbe studies in the field. Transgenic plants showed in planta activity against plant-beneficial bacteria and were phenotyped within the plants´ natural habitat regarding growth, fitness and the resistance against herbivores. Multiple field experiments, conducted over 3 years, indicated no differences compared to isogenic controls. Pyrosequencing analysis of the root-associated microbial communities showed no major alterations but marginal effects at the genus level. Experimental infiltrations revealed a high heterogeneity in peptide tolerance among native isolates and suggests that the diversity of natural microbial communities can be a major obstacle for microbiome manipulations in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Weinhold
- Department of Molecular EcologyMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Elham Karimi Dorcheh
- Department of Molecular EcologyMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Molecular EcologyMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Natarajan Rameshkumar
- Department of Molecular EcologyMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
- Biotechnology DepartmentNational Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and TechnologyThiruvananthapuramIndia
| | - Ian T Baldwin
- Department of Molecular EcologyMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
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21
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Investigation of Antimicrobial Peptide Genes Associated with Fungus and Insect Resistance in Maize. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18091938. [PMID: 28914754 PMCID: PMC5618587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small defense proteins present in various organisms. Major groups of AMPs include beta-barrelin, hevein, knottin, lipid transfer protein (LTP), thionin, defensin, snakin, and cyclotide. Most plant AMPs involve host plant resistance to pathogens such as fungi, viruses, and bacteria, whereas a few plant AMPs from the cyclotide family carry insecticidal functions. In this research, a genome-wide investigation on antimicrobial peptide genes in maize genome was conducted. AMPs previously identified from various plant species were used as query sequences for maize genome data mining. Thirty-nine new maize AMPs were identified in addition to seven known maize AMPs. Protein sequence analysis revealed 10 distinguishable maize AMP groups. Analysis of mRNA expression of maize AMP genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed different expression patterns in a panel of 10 maize inbred lines. Five maize AMP genes were found significantly associated with insect or fungus resistance. Identification of maize antimicrobial peptide genes will facilitate the breeding of host plant resistance and improve maize production.
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22
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Kaur J, Shah D, Fellers J. Phenotypic Characterization of Transgenic Wheat Lines Against Fungal Pathogens Puccinia triticina and Fusarium graminearum. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1679:269-276. [PMID: 28913807 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7337-8_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Leaf rust (LR) and Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Puccinia triticina and Fusarium graminearum, respectively, are among the most damaging fungal diseases challenging wheat production worldwide. Genetic resistance in combination with fungicide application has been the most widely employed approach to combat these fungal pathogens. Alternative approaches that could augment current practices are needed for the control of these devastating pathogens. To that end, we have recently shown that the extracellular expression of antifungal defensin MtDEF4.2 from Medicago truncatula confers resistance to LR. Additionally, we show that expression of this defensin also provides Type II resistance to FHB under controlled growth chamber conditions. These findings have practical applications for control of these important fungal diseases in wheat. Here, we provide details on conducting LR and FHB bioassays of transgenic wheat lines in the growth chamber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdeep Kaur
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 North Warson Road, Saint Louis, MO, 63132, USA.
| | - Dilip Shah
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 North Warson Road, Saint Louis, MO, 63132, USA
| | - John Fellers
- Department of Plant Pathology, USDA-ARS-HWWGRU, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
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