RLM3, a TIR domain encoding gene involved in broad-range immunity of Arabidopsis to necrotrophic fungal pathogens

Interactive transcriptome analyses of Northern Wild Rice (Zizania palustris L.) and Bipolaris oryzae show convoluted communications during the early stages of fungal brown spot development

Fungal diseases, caused mainly by Bipolaris spp., are past and current threats to Northern Wild Rice (NWR) grain production and germplasm preservation in both natural and cultivated settings. Genetic resistance against the pathogen is scarce. Toward expanding our understanding of the global gene communications of NWR and Bipolaris oryzae interaction, we designed an RNA sequencing study encompassing the first 12 h and 48 h of their encounter. NWR activated numerous plant recognition receptors after pathogen infection, followed by active transcriptional reprogramming of signaling mechanisms driven by Ca2+ and its sensors, mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, activation of an oxidative burst, and phytohormone signaling-bound mechanisms. Several transcription factors associated with plant defense were found to be expressed. Importantly, evidence of diterpenoid phytoalexins, especially phytocassane biosynthesis, among expression of other defense genes was found. In B. oryzae, predicted genes associated with pathogenicity including secreted effectors that could target plant defense mechanisms were expressed. This study uncovered the early molecular communication between the NWR-B. oryzae pathosystem, which could guide selection for allele-specific genes to boost NWR defenses, and overall aid in the development of more efficient selection methods in NWR breeding through the use of the most virulent fungal isolates.

Comparative Transcriptome Profiling Unfolds a Complex Defense and Secondary Metabolite Networks Imparting Corynespora cassiicola Resistance in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Target spot is caused by Corynespora cassiicola, which heavily affects soybean production areas that are hot and humid. Resistant soybean genotypes have been identified; however, the molecular mechanisms governing resistance to infection are unknown. Comparative transcriptomic profiling using two known resistant genotypes and two susceptible genotypes was performed under infected and control conditions to understand the regulatory network operating between soybean and C. cassiicola. RNA-Seq analysis identified a total of 2571 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) which were shared by all four genotypes. These DEGs are related to secondary metabolites, immune response, defense response, phenylpropanoid, and flavonoid/isoflavonoid pathways in all four genotypes after C. cassiicola infection. In the two resistant genotypes, additional upregulated DEGs were identified affiliated with the defense network: flavonoids, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and brassinosteroids. Further analysis led to the identification of differentially expressed transcription factors, immune receptors, and defense genes with a leucine-rich repeat domain, dirigent proteins, and cysteine (C)-rich receptor-like kinases. These results will provide insight into molecular mechanisms of soybean resistance to C. cassiicola infection and valuable resources to potentially pyramid quantitative resistance loci for improving soybean germplasm.

Identification of candidate genes for LepR1 resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans in Brassica napus

Utilising resistance (R) genes, such as LepR1, against Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal agent of blackleg in canola (Brassica napus), could help manage the disease in the field and increase crop yield. Here we present a genome wide association study (GWAS) in B. napus to identify LepR1 candidate genes. Disease phenotyping of 104 B. napus genotypes revealed 30 resistant and 74 susceptible lines. Whole genome re-sequencing of these cultivars yielded over 3 million high quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). GWAS in mixed linear model (MLM) revealed a total of 2,166 significant SNPs associated with LepR1 resistance. Of these SNPs, 2108 (97%) were found on chromosome A02 of B. napus cv. Darmor bzh v9 with a delineated LepR1_mlm1 QTL at 15.11-26.08 Mb. In LepR1_mlm1, there are 30 resistance gene analogs (RGAs) (13 nucleotide-binding site-leucine rich repeats (NLRs), 12 receptor-like kinases (RLKs), and 5 transmembrane-coiled-coil (TM-CCs)). Sequence analysis of alleles in resistant and susceptible lines was undertaken to identify candidate genes. This research provides insights into blackleg resistance in B. napus and assists identification of the functional LepR1 blackleg resistance gene.

Engineering Resistance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Using a Truncated NLR (TNx) and a Defense-Priming Gene

The association of both cell-surface PRRs (Pattern Recognition Receptors) and intracellular receptor NLRs (Nucleotide-Binding Leucine-Rich Repeat) in engineered plants have the potential to activate strong defenses against a broad range of pathogens. Here, we describe the identification, characterization, and in planta functional analysis of a novel truncated NLR (TNx) gene from the wild species Arachis stenosperma (AsTIR19), with a protein structure lacking the C-terminal LRR (Leucine Rich Repeat) domain involved in pathogen perception. Overexpression of AsTIR19 in tobacco plants led to a significant reduction in infection caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, with a further reduction in pyramid lines containing an expansin-like B gene (AdEXLB8) potentially involved in defense priming. Transcription analysis of tobacco transgenic lines revealed induction of hormone defense pathways (SA; JA-ET) and PRs (Pathogenesis-Related proteins) production. The strong upregulation of the respiratory burst oxidase homolog D (RbohD) gene in the pyramid lines suggests its central role in mediating immune responses in plants co-expressing the two transgenes, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production enhanced by AdEXLB8 cues leading to stronger defense response. Here, we demonstrate that the association of potential priming elicitors and truncated NLRs can produce a synergistic effect on fungal resistance, constituting a promising strategy for improved, non-specific resistance to plant pathogens.

Predicting Cloned Disease Resistance Gene Homologs (CDRHs) in Radish, Underutilised Oilseeds, and Wild Brassicaceae Species

Brassicaceae crops, including Brassica, Camelina and Raphanus species, are among the most economically important crops globally; however, their production is affected by several diseases. To predict cloned disease resistance (R) gene homologs (CDRHs), we used the protein sequences of 49 cloned R genes against fungal and bacterial diseases in Brassicaceae species. In this study, using 20 Brassicaceae genomes (17 wild and 3 domesticated species), 3172 resistance gene analogs (RGAs) (2062 nucleotide binding-site leucine-rich repeats (NLRs), 497 receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs) and 613 receptor-like proteins (RLPs)) were identified. CDRH clusters were also observed in Arabis alpina, Camelina sativa and Cardamine hirsuta with assigned chromosomes, consisting of 62 homogeneous (38 NLR, 17 RLK and 7 RLP clusters) and 10 heterogeneous RGA clusters. This study highlights the prevalence of CDRHs in the wild relatives of the Brassicaceae family, which may lay the foundation for rapid identification of functional genes and genomics-assisted breeding to develop improved disease-resistant Brassicaceae crop cultivars.

Show me your ID: NLR immune receptors with integrated domains in plants

Nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat receptors (NLRs) are intracellular plant immune receptors that recognize pathogen effectors secreted into the plant cell. Canonical NLRs typically contain three conserved domains including a central nucleotide binding (NB-ARC) domain, C-terminal leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) and an N-terminal domain. A subfamily of plant NLRs contain additional noncanonical domain(s) that have potentially evolved from the integration of the effector targets in the canonical NLR structure. These NLRs with extra domains are thus referred to as NLRs with integrated domains (NLR-IDs). Here, we first summarize our current understanding of NLR-ID activation upon effector binding, focusing on the NLR pairs Pik-1/Pik-2, RGA4/RGA5, and RRS1/RPS4. We speculate on their potential oligomerization into resistosomes as it was recently shown for certain canonical plant NLRs. Furthermore, we discuss how our growing understanding of the mode of action of NLR-ID continuously informs engineering approaches to design new resistance specificities in the context of rapidly evolving pathogens.

Alternative splicing as a key player in the fine-tuning of the immunity response in Arabidopsis

Plants, like animals, are constantly exposed to abiotic and biotic stresses, which often inhibit plant growth and development, and cause tissue damage, disease, and even plant death. Efficient and timely response to stress requires appropriate co- and posttranscriptional reprogramming of gene expression. Alternative pre-mRNA splicing provides an important layer of this regulation by controlling the level of factors involved in stress response and generating additional protein isoforms with specific features. Recent high-throughput studies have revealed that several defence genes undergo alternative splicing that is often affected by pathogen infection. Despite extensive work, the exact mechanisms underlying these relationships are still unclear, but the contribution of alternative protein isoforms to the defence response and the role of regulatory factors, including components of the splicing machinery, have been established. Modulation of gene expression in response to stress includes alternative splicing, chromatin remodelling, histone modifications, and nucleosome occupancy. How these processes affect plant immunity is mostly unknown, but these facets open new regulatory possibilities. Here we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge and recent findings regarding the growing importance of alternative splicing in plant response to biotic stress.

Identification of genetic loci in lettuce mediating quantitative resistance to fungal pathogens

KEY MESSAGE

We demonstrate genetic variation for quantitative resistance against important fungal pathogens in lettuce and its wild relatives, map loci conferring resistance and predict key molecular mechanisms using transcriptome profiling. Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) is an important leafy vegetable crop grown and consumed globally. Chemicals are routinely used to control major pathogens, including the causal agents of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) and lettuce drop (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum). With increasing prevalence of pathogen resistance to fungicides and environmental concerns, there is an urgent need to identify sources of genetic resistance to B. cinerea and S. sclerotiorum in lettuce. We demonstrated genetic variation for quantitative resistance to B. cinerea and S. sclerotiorum in a set of 97 diverse lettuce and wild relative accessions, and between the parents of lettuce mapping populations. Transcriptome profiling across multiple lettuce accessions enabled us to identify genes with expression correlated with resistance, predicting the importance of post-transcriptional gene regulation in the lettuce defence response. We identified five genetic loci influencing quantitative resistance in a F6 mapping population derived from a Lactuca serriola (wild relative) × lettuce cross, which each explained 5-10% of the variation. Differential gene expression analysis between the parent lines, and integration of data on correlation of gene expression and resistance in the diversity set, highlighted potential causal genes underlying the quantitative trait loci.

TIR domains of plant immune receptors are 2',3'-cAMP/cGMP synthetases mediating cell death

2',3'-cAMP is a positional isomer of the well-established second messenger 3',5'-cAMP, but little is known about the biology of this noncanonical cyclic nucleotide monophosphate (cNMP). Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domains of nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors have the NADase function necessary but insufficient to activate plant immune responses. Here, we show that plant TIR proteins, besides being NADases, act as 2',3'-cAMP/cGMP synthetases by hydrolyzing RNA/DNA. Structural data show that a TIR domain adopts distinct oligomers with mutually exclusive NADase and synthetase activity. Mutations specifically disrupting the synthetase activity abrogate TIR-mediated cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana (Nb), supporting an important role for these cNMPs in TIR signaling. Furthermore, the Arabidopsis negative regulator of TIR-NLR signaling, NUDT7, displays 2',3'-cAMP/cGMP but not 3',5'-cAMP/cGMP phosphodiesterase activity and suppresses cell death activity of TIRs in Nb. Our study identifies a family of 2',3'-cAMP/cGMP synthetases and establishes a critical role for them in plant immune responses.

Mining of Cloned Disease Resistance Gene Homologs (CDRHs) in Brassica Species and Arabidopsis thaliana

Simple Summary

Developing cultivars with resistance genes (R genes) is an effective strategy to support high yield and quality in Brassica crops. The availability of clone R gene and genomic sequences in Brassica species and Arabidopsis thaliana provide the opportunity to compare genomic regions and survey R genes across genomic databases. In this paper, we aim to identify genes related to cloned genes through sequence identity, providing a repertoire of species-wide related R genes in Brassica crops. The comprehensive list of candidate R genes can be used as a reference for functional analysis.

Abstract

Various diseases severely affect Brassica crops, leading to significant global yield losses and a reduction in crop quality. In this study, we used the complete protein sequences of 49 cloned resistance genes (R genes) that confer resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases known to impact species in the Brassicaceae family. Homology searches were carried out across Brassica napus, B. rapa, B. oleracea, B. nigra, B. juncea, B. carinata and Arabidopsis thaliana genomes. In total, 660 cloned disease R gene homologs (CDRHs) were identified across the seven species, including 431 resistance gene analogs (RGAs) (248 nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeats (NLRs), 150 receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs) and 33 receptor-like proteins (RLPs)) and 229 non-RGAs. Based on the position and distribution of specific homologs in each of the species, we observed a total of 87 CDRH clusters composed of 36 NLR, 16 RLK and 3 RLP homogeneous clusters and 32 heterogeneous clusters. The CDRHs detected consistently across the seven species are candidates that can be investigated for broad-spectrum resistance, potentially providing resistance to multiple pathogens. The R genes identified in this study provide a novel resource for the future functional analysis and gene cloning of Brassicaceae R genes towards crop improvement.

Chromatin accessibility landscapes activated by cell-surface and intracellular immune receptors

Activation of cell-surface and intracellular receptor-mediated immunity results in rapid transcriptional reprogramming that underpins disease resistance. However, the mechanisms by which co-activation of both immune systems lead to transcriptional changes are not clear. Here, we combine RNA-seq and ATAC-seq to define changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility. Activation of cell-surface or intracellular receptor-mediated immunity, or both, increases chromatin accessibility at induced defence genes. Analysis of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data combined with publicly available information on transcription factor DNA-binding motifs enabled comparison of individual gene regulatory networks activated by cell-surface or intracellular receptor-mediated immunity, or by both. These results and analyses reveal overlapping and conserved transcriptional regulatory mechanisms between the two immune systems.

Qualitative and Quantitative Resistance against Early Blight Introgressed in Potato

Simple Summary

Early blight is a disease of potato caused by the Alternaria fungus (notably A. solani). Fungicides that are commonly used to protect potato against the disease are losing their effectiveness and an alternative control method is desired. In this research, we identified several relatives of potato from Central and South America that have a high natural resistance against early blight. Although these plants belong to other species, it was possible to cross them with cultivated potato. The resistance was inherited in offspring plants, but, interestingly, the different species seem to contain distinct types of resistance. More detailed studies will help increase our knowledge of the mechanism(s) that cause resistance. Highly resistant offspring plants can be used to develop new potato varieties with a natural resistance to early blight.

Abstract

Early blight is a disease of potato that is caused by Alternaria species, notably A. solani. The disease is usually controlled with fungicides. However, A. solani is developing resistance against fungicides, and potato cultivars with genetic resistance to early blight are currently not available. Here, we identify two wild potato species, which are both crossable with cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum), that show promising resistance against early blight disease. The cross between resistant S. berthaultii and a susceptible diploid S. tuberosum gave rise to a population in which resistance was inherited quantitatively. S. commersonii subsp. malmeanum was also crossed with diploid S. tuberosum, despite a differing endosperm balance number. This cross resulted in triploid progeny in which resistance was inherited dominantly. This is somewhat surprising, as resistance against necrotrophic plant pathogens is usually a quantitative trait or inherited recessively according to the inverse-gene-for-gene model. Hybrids with high levels of resistance to early blight are present among progeny from S. berthaultii as well as S. commersonii subsp. malmeanum, which is an important step towards the development of a cultivar with natural resistance to early blight.

The Capsicum baccatum-Specific Truncated NLR Protein CbCN Enhances the Innate Immunity against Colletotrichum acutatum

Chili pepper (Capsicumannuum) is an important fruit and spice used globally, but its yield is seriously threatened by anthracnose. Capsicum baccatum is particularly valuable as it carries advantageous disease resistance genes. However, most of the genes remain to be identified. In this study, we identified the C. baccatum-specific gene CbCN, which encodes a truncated nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat protein in the anthracnose resistant chili pepper variety PBC80. The transcription of CbCN was greater in PBC80 than it was in the susceptible variety An-S after Colletotrichum acutatum inoculation. In order to investigate the biological function of CbCN, we generated transgenic tobacco lines constitutively expressing CbCN. Notably, CbCN-overexpressing transgenic plants exhibited enhanced resistance to C. acutatum compared to wild-type plants. Moreover, the expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes was remarkably increased in a CbCN-overexpressing tobacco plants. In order to confirm these results in chili pepper, we silenced the CbCN gene using the virus-induced gene silencing system. The anthracnose resistance and expressions of PR1, PR2, and NPR1 were significantly reduced in CbCN-silenced chili peppers after C. acutatum inoculations. These results indicate that CbCN enhances the innate immunity against anthracnose caused by C. acutatum by regulating defense response genes.

Arabidopsis cell wall composition determines disease resistance specificity and fitness

Plant cells are surrounded by an extracellular matrix known as the cell wall. We have analyzed the contribution of the Arabidopsis cell wall to disease resistance to pathogens with different parasitic styles. Here, we demonstrate that plant cell walls are determinants of immune responses since modification of their composition in a set of Arabidopsis cell wall mutants has an impact on their disease resistance and fitness phenotypes. In these genotypes, we identified specific correlations between the amounts of specific wall carbohydrate epitopes and disease resistance/fitness phenotypes through mathematical analyses. These data support the relevant and specific function of plant cell wall composition in plant immune responses and provide the basis for using wall traits in crop breeding programs.

Plant cell walls are complex structures subject to dynamic remodeling in response to developmental and environmental cues and play essential functions in disease resistance responses. We tested the specific contribution of plant cell walls to immunity by determining the susceptibility of a set of Arabidopsis cell wall mutants (cwm) to pathogens with different parasitic styles: a vascular bacterium, a necrotrophic fungus, and a biotrophic oomycete. Remarkably, most cwm mutants tested (29/34; 85.3%) showed alterations in their resistance responses to at least one of these pathogens in comparison to wild-type plants, illustrating the relevance of wall composition in determining disease-resistance phenotypes. We found that the enhanced resistance of cwm plants to the necrotrophic and vascular pathogens negatively impacted cwm fitness traits, such as biomass and seed yield. Enhanced resistance of cwm plants is not only mediated by canonical immune pathways, like those modulated by phytohormones or microbe-associated molecular patterns, which are not deregulated in the cwm tested. Pectin-enriched wall fractions isolated from cwm plants triggered immune responses in wild-type plants, suggesting that wall-mediated defensive pathways might contribute to cwm resistance. Cell walls of cwm plants show a high diversity of composition alterations as revealed by glycome profiling that detect specific wall carbohydrate moieties. Mathematical analysis of glycome profiling data identified correlations between the amounts of specific wall carbohydrate moieties and disease resistance phenotypes of cwm plants. These data support the relevant and specific function of plant wall composition in plant immune response modulation and in balancing disease resistance/development trade-offs.

Plant NLR diversity: the known unknowns of pan-NLRomes

Plants and pathogens constantly adapt to each other. As a consequence, many members of the plant immune system, and especially the intracellular nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat receptors, also known as NOD-like receptors (NLRs), are highly diversified, both among family members in the same genome, and between individuals in the same species. While this diversity has long been appreciated, its true extent has remained unknown. With pan-genome and pan-NLRome studies becoming more and more comprehensive, our knowledge of NLR sequence diversity is growing rapidly, and pan-NLRomes provide powerful platforms for assigning function to NLRs. These efforts are an important step toward the goal of comprehensively predicting from sequence alone whether an NLR provides disease resistance, and if so, to which pathogens.

Zea mays RNA-seq estimated transcript abundances are strongly affected by read mapping bias

Background

Genetic variation for gene expression is a source of phenotypic variation for natural and agricultural species. The common approach to map and to quantify gene expression from genetically distinct individuals is to assign their RNA-seq reads to a single reference genome. However, RNA-seq reads from alleles dissimilar to this reference genome may fail to map correctly, causing transcript levels to be underestimated. Presently, the extent of this mapping problem is not clear, particularly in highly diverse species. We investigated if mapping bias occurred and if chromosomal features associated with mapping bias. Zea mays presents a model species to assess these questions, given it has genotypically distinct and well-studied genetic lines.

Results

In Zea mays, the inbred B73 genome is the standard reference genome and template for RNA-seq read assignments. In the absence of mapping bias, B73 and a second inbred line, Mo17, would each have an approximately equal number of regulatory alleles that increase gene expression. Remarkably, Mo17 had 2–4 times fewer such positively acting alleles than did B73 when RNA-seq reads were aligned to the B73 reference genome. Reciprocally, over one-half of the B73 alleles that increased gene expression were not detected when reads were aligned to the Mo17 genome template. Genes at dissimilar chromosomal ends were strongly affected by mapping bias, and genes at more similar pericentromeric regions were less affected. Biased transcript estimates were higher in untranslated regions and lower in splice junctions. Bias occurred across software and alignment parameters.

Conclusions

Mapping bias very strongly affects gene transcript abundance estimates in maize, and bias varies across chromosomal features. Individual genome or transcriptome templates are likely necessary for accurate transcript estimation across genetically variable individuals in maize and other species.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07577-3.

The transcription factor WRKY75 positively regulates jasmonate-mediated plant defense to necrotrophic fungal pathogens

Necrotrophic fungi cause devastating diseases in both horticultural and agronomic crops, but our understanding of plant defense responses against these pathogens is still limited. In this study, we demonstrated that WRKY75 positively regulates jasmonate (JA)-mediated plant defense against necrotrophic fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola, and also affects the sensitivity of plants to JA-inhibited seed germination and root growth. Quantitative analysis indicated that several JA-associated genes, such as OCTADECANOID-RESPONSIVE ARABIDOPSIS (ORA59) and PLANT DEFENSIN 1.2A (PDF1.2), were significantly reduced in expression in wrky75 mutants, and enhanced in WRKY75 overexpressing transgenic plants. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed that WRKY75 directly binds to the promoter of ORA59 and represses itstranscription. In vivo and in vitro experiments suggested that WRKY75 interacts with several JASMONATE ZIM-domain proteins, repressors of the JA signaling pathway. We determined that JASMONATE-ZIM-DOMAIN PROTEIN 8 (JAZ8) represses the transcriptional function of WRKY75, thereby attenuating the expression of its regulation. Overexpression of JAZ8 repressed plant defense responses to B. cinerea. Our study provides evidence that WRKY75 functions as a critical component of the JA-mediated signaling pathway to positively regulate Arabidopsis defense responses to necrotrophic pathogens.

Arabidopsis cell wall composition determines disease resistance specificity and fitness

Plant cell walls are complex structures subject to dynamic remodeling in response to developmental and environmental cues and play essential functions in disease resistance responses. We tested the specific contribution of plant cell walls to immunity by determining the susceptibility of a set of Arabidopsis cell wall mutants (cwm) to pathogens with different parasitic styles: a vascular bacterium, a necrotrophic fungus, and a biotrophic oomycete. Remarkably, most cwm mutants tested (29/34; 85.3%) showed alterations in their resistance responses to at least one of these pathogens in comparison to wild-type plants, illustrating the relevance of wall composition in determining disease-resistance phenotypes. We found that the enhanced resistance of cwm plants to the necrotrophic and vascular pathogens negatively impacted cwm fitness traits, such as biomass and seed yield. Enhanced resistance of cwm plants is not only mediated by canonical immune pathways, like those modulated by phytohormones or microbe-associated molecular patterns, which are not deregulated in the cwm tested. Pectin-enriched wall fractions isolated from cwm plants triggered immune responses in wild-type plants, suggesting that wall-mediated defensive pathways might contribute to cwm resistance. Cell walls of cwm plants show a high diversity of composition alterations as revealed by glycome profiling that detect specific wall carbohydrate moieties. Mathematical analysis of glycome profiling data identified correlations between the amounts of specific wall carbohydrate moieties and disease resistance phenotypes of cwm plants. These data support the relevant and specific function of plant wall composition in plant immune response modulation and in balancing disease resistance/development trade-offs.

Recent Findings Unravel Genes and Genetic Factors Underlying Leptosphaeria maculans Resistance in Brassica napus and Its Relatives

Among the Brassica oilseeds, canola (Brassica napus) is the most economically significant globally. However, its production can be limited by blackleg disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Lepstosphaeria maculans. The deployment of resistance genes has been implemented as one of the key strategies to manage the disease. Genetic resistance against blackleg comes in two forms: qualitative resistance, controlled by a single, major resistance gene (R gene), and quantitative resistance (QR), controlled by numerous, small effect loci. R-gene-mediated blackleg resistance has been extensively studied, wherein several genomic regions harbouring R genes against L. maculans have been identified and three of these genes were cloned. These studies advance our understanding of the mechanism of R gene and pathogen avirulence (Avr) gene interaction. Notably, these studies revealed a more complex interaction than originally thought. Advances in genomics help unravel these complexities, providing insights into the genes and genetic factors towards improving blackleg resistance. Here, we aim to discuss the existing R-gene-mediated resistance, make a summary of candidate R genes against the disease, and emphasise the role of players involved in the pathogenicity and resistance. The comprehensive result will allow breeders to improve resistance to L. maculans, thereby increasing yield.

Advancement of research on plant NLRs evolution, biochemical activity, structural association, and engineering

In this review, we have included evolution of plant intracellular immune receptors, oligomeric complex formation, enzymatic action, engineering, and mechanisms of immune inspection for appropriate defense outcomes. NLR (Nucleotide binding oligomerization domain containing leucine-rich repeat) proteins are the intracellular immune receptors that recognize pathogen-derived virulence factors to confer effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Activation of plant defense by the NLRs are often conveyed through N-terminal Toll-like/ IL-1 receptor (TIR) or non-TIR (coiled-coils or CC) domains. Homodimerization or self-association property of CC/ TIR domains of plant NLRs contribute to their auto-activity and induction of in planta ectopic cell death. High resolution crystal structures of Arabidopsis thaliana RPS4^TIR, L6^TIR, SNC1^TIR, RPP1^TIR and Muscadinia rotundifolia RPV1^TIR showed that interaction is mediated through one or two distinct interfaces i.e., αA and αE helices comprise AE interface and αD and αE helices were found to form DE interface. By contrast, conserved helical regions were determined for CC domains of plant NLRs. Evolutionary history of NLRs diversification has shown that paired forms were originated from NLR singletons. Plant TIRs executed NAD⁺ hydrolysis activity for cell death promotion. Plant NLRs were found to form large oligomeric complexes as observed in animal inflammasomes. We have also discussed different protein engineering methods includes domain shuffling, and decoy modification that increase effector recognition spectrum of plant NLRs. In summary, our review highlights structural basis of perception of the virulence factors by NLRs or NLR pairs to design novel classes of plant immune receptors.

Unraveling the mechanisms of resistance to Sclerotium rolfsii in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) using comparative RNA-Seq analysis of resistant and susceptible genotypes

Stem rot, a devastating fungal disease of peanut, is caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. RNA-sequencing approaches have been used to unravel the mechanisms of resistance to stem rot in peanut over the course of fungal infection in resistant (NRCG-CS85) and susceptible (TG37A) genotypes under control conditions and during the course of infection. Out of about 290 million reads, nearly 251 million (92.22%) high-quality reads were obtained and aligned to the Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis genomes with the average mapping of 78.91% and 78.61%, respectively. In total, about 48.6% of genes were commonly regulated, while approximately 21.8% and 29.6% of uniquely regulated genes from A. duranensis and A. ipaensis genomes, respectively, were identified. Several annotated transcripts, such as receptor-like kinases, jasmonic acid pathway enzymes, and transcription factors (TFs), including WRKY, Zinc finger protein, and C2-H2 zinc finger, showed higher expression in resistant genotypes upon infection. These transcripts have a known role in channelizing the downstream of pathogen perception. The higher expression of WRKY transcripts might have induced the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) by the activation of the jasmonic acid defense signaling pathway. Furthermore, a set of 30 transcripts involved in the defense mechanisms were validated with quantitative real-time PCR. This study suggested PAMP-triggered immunity as a probable mechanism of resistance, while the jasmonic acid signaling pathway was identified as a possible defense mechanism in peanut. The information generated is of immense importance in developing more effective ways to combat the stem rot disease in peanut.

QTG-Finder2: A Generalized Machine-Learning Algorithm for Prioritizing QTL Causal Genes in Plants

Linkage mapping has been widely used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) in many plants and usually requires a time-consuming and labor-intensive fine mapping process to find the causal gene underlying the QTL. Previously, we described QTG-Finder, a machine-learning algorithm to rationally prioritize candidate causal genes in QTLs. While it showed good performance, QTG-Finder could only be used in Arabidopsis and rice because of the limited number of known causal genes in other species. Here we tested the feasibility of enabling QTG-Finder to work on species that have few or no known causal genes by using orthologs of known causal genes as the training set. The model trained with orthologs could recall about 64% of Arabidopsis and 83% of rice causal genes when the top 20% ranked genes were considered, which is similar to the performance of models trained with known causal genes. The average precision was 0.027 for Arabidopsis and 0.029 for rice. We further extended the algorithm to include polymorphisms in conserved non-coding sequences and gene presence/absence variation as additional features. Using this algorithm, QTG-Finder2, we trained and cross-validated Sorghum bicolor and Setaria viridis models. The S. bicolor model was validated by causal genes curated from the literature and could recall 70% of causal genes when the top 20% ranked genes were considered. In addition, we applied the S. viridis model and public transcriptome data to prioritize a plant height QTL and identified 13 candidate genes. QTL-Finder2 can accelerate the discovery of causal genes in any plant species and facilitate agricultural trait improvement.

Enzymatic Functions for Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor Domain Proteins in the Plant Immune System

Rationally engineered improvements to crop plants will be needed to keep pace with increasing demands placed on agricultural systems by population growth and climate change. Engineering of plant immune systems provides an opportunity to increase yields by limiting losses to pathogens. Intracellular immune receptors are commonly used as agricultural disease resistance traits. Despite their importance, how intracellular immune receptors confer disease resistance is still unknown. One major class of immune receptors in dicots contains a Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor (TIR) domain. The mechanisms of TIR-containing proteins during plant immunity have remained elusive. The TIR domain is an ancient module found in archaeal, bacterial and eukaryotic proteins. In animals, TIR domains serve a structural role by generating innate immune signaling complexes. The unusual animal TIR-protein, SARM1, was recently discovered to function instead as an enzyme that depletes cellular NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) to trigger axonal cell death. Two recent reports have found that plant TIR proteins also have the ability to cleave NAD⁺. This presents a new paradigm from which to consider how plant TIR immune receptors function. Here, we will review recent reports of the structure and function of TIR-domain containing proteins. Intriguingly, it appears that TIR proteins in all kingdoms may use similar enzymatic mechanisms in a variety of cell death and immune pathways. We will also discuss TIR structure–function hypotheses in light of the recent publication of the ZAR1 resistosome structure. Finally, we will explore the evolutionary context of plant TIR-containing proteins and their downstream signaling components across phylogenies and the functional implications of these findings.

AthCNV: A Map of DNA Copy Number Variations in the Arabidopsis Genome

Copy number variations (CNVs) greatly contribute to intraspecies genetic polymorphism and phenotypic diversity. Recent analyses of sequencing data for >1000 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accessions focused on small variations and did not include CNVs. Here, we performed genome-wide analysis and identified large indels (50 to 499 bp) and CNVs (500 bp and larger) in these accessions. The CNVs fully overlap with 18.3% of protein-coding genes, with enrichment for evolutionarily young genes and genes involved in stress and defense. By combining analysis of both genes and transposable elements (TEs) affected by CNVs, we revealed that the variation statuses of genes and TEs are tightly linked and jointly contribute to the unequal distribution of these elements in the genome. We also determined the gene copy numbers in a set of 1060 accessions and experimentally validated the accuracy of our predictions by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assays. We then successfully used the CNVs as markers to analyze population structure and migration patterns. Finally, we examined the impact of gene dosage variation triggered by a CNV spanning the SEC10 gene on SEC10 expression at both the transcript and protein levels. The catalog of CNVs, CNV-overlapping genes, and their genotypes in a top model dicot will stimulate the exploration of the genetic basis of phenotypic variation.

The Arabidopsis lncRNA ASCO modulates the transcriptome through interaction with splicing factors

Alternative splicing (AS) is a major source of transcriptome diversity. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as regulators of AS through different molecular mechanisms. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the AS regulators NSRs interact with the ALTERNATIVE SPLICING COMPETITOR (ASCO) lncRNA. Here, we analyze the effect of the knock-down and overexpression of ASCO at the genome-wide level and find a large number of deregulated and differentially spliced genes related to flagellin responses and biotic stress. In agreement, ASCO-silenced plants are more sensitive to flagellin. However, only a minor subset of deregulated genes overlaps with the AS defects of the nsra/b double mutant, suggesting an alternative way of action for ASCO. Using biotin-labeled oligonucleotides for RNA-mediated ribonucleoprotein purification, we show that ASCO binds to the highly conserved spliceosome component PRP8a. ASCO overaccumulation impairs the recognition of specific flagellin-related transcripts by PRP8a. We further show that ASCO also binds to another spliceosome component, SmD1b, indicating that it interacts with multiple splicing factors. Hence, lncRNAs may integrate a dynamic network including spliceosome core proteins, to modulate transcriptome reprogramming in eukaryotes.

Ectopic Expression of Grapevine Gene VaRGA1 in Arabidopsis Improves Resistance to Downy Mildew and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 But Increases Susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea

The protein family with nucleotide binding sites and leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) in plants stimulates immune responses caused by effectors and can mediate resistance to hemi-biotrophs and biotrophs. In our previous study, a Toll-interleukin-1(TIR)-NBS-LRR gene cloned from Vitis amurensis "Shuanghong", VaRGA1, was induced by Plasmopara viticola and could improve the resistance of tobacco to Phytophthora capsici. In this study, VaRGA1 in "Shuanghong" was also induced by salicylic acid (SA), but inhibited by jasmonic acid (JA). To investigate whether VaRGA1 confers broad-spectrum resistance to pathogens, we transferred this gene into Arabidopsis and then treated with Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa), Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea), and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (PstDC3000). Results showed that VaRGA1 improved transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana resistance to the biotrophic Hpa and hemi-biotrophic PstDC3000, but decreased resistance to the necrotrophic B. cinerea. Additionally, qPCR assays showed that VaRGA1 plays an important role in disease resistance by activating SA and inhibiting JA signaling pathways. A 1104 bp promoter fragment of VaRGA1 was cloned and analyzed to further elucidate the mechanism of induction of the gene at the transcriptional level. These results preliminarily confirmed the disease resistance function and signal regulation pathway of VaRGA1, and contributed to the identification of R-genes with broad-spectrum resistance function.

Simultaneous Transcriptome Analysis of Host and Pathogen Highlights the Interaction Between Brassica oleracea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

White mold disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating disease of Brassica crops. Here, we simultaneously assessed the transcriptome changes from lesions produced by S. sclerotiorum on disease-resistant (R) and -susceptible (S) B. oleracea pools bulked from a resistance-segregating F2 population. Virulence genes of S. sclerotiorum, including polygalacturonans, chitin synthase, secretory proteins, and oxalic acid biosynthesis, were significantly repressed in lesions of R B. oleracea at 12 h postinoculation (hpi) but exhibited similar expression patterns in R and S B. oleracea at 24 hpi. Resistant B. oleracea induced expression of receptors potentially to perceive Sclerotinia signals during 0 to 12 hpi and deployed complex strategies to suppress the pathogen establishment, including the quick accumulation of reactive oxygen species via activating Ca²⁺ signaling and suppressing pathogen oxalic acid generation in S. sclerotiorum. In addition, cell wall degradation was inhibited in the resistant B. oleracea potentially to prevent the expansion of Sclerotinia hyphae. The transcriptome changes in S. sclerotiorum and host revealed that resistant B. oleracea produces strong responses against S. sclerotiorum during early infection.

Transcriptome Profiles of Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) Fruit Interacting With Botrytis cinerea at Different Ripening Stages

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is a major cause of economic losses in strawberry fruit production, limiting fruit shelf life and commercialization. When the fungus infects Fragaria × ananassa strawberry at flowering or unripe fruit stages, symptoms develop after an extended latent phase on ripe fruits before or after harvesting. To elucidate the growth kinetics of B. cinerea on flower/fruit and the molecular responses associated with low susceptibility of unripe fruit stages, woodland strawberry Fragaria vesca flowers and fruits, at unripe white and ripe red stages, were inoculated with B. cinerea. Quantification of fungal genomic DNA within 72 h postinoculation (hpi) showed limited fungal growth on open flower and white fruit, while on red fruit, the growth was exponential starting from 24 hpi and sporulation was observed within 48 hpi. RNA sequencing applied to white and red fruit at 24 hpi showed that a total of 2,141 genes (12.5% of the total expressed genes) were differentially expressed due to B. cinerea infection. A broad transcriptional reprogramming was observed in both unripe and ripe fruits, involving in particular receptor and signaling, secondary metabolites, and defense response pathways. Membrane-localized receptor-like kinases and nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat genes were predominant in the surveillance system of the fruits, most of them being downregulated in white fruits and upregulated in red fruits. In general, unripe fruits exhibited a stronger defense response than red fruits. Genes encoding for pathogenesis-related proteins and flavonoid polyphenols as well as genes involved in cell-wall strengthening were upregulated, while cell-softening genes appeared to be switched off. As a result, B. cinerea remained quiescent in white fruits, while it was able to colonize ripe red fruits.

Different Pathogen Defense Strategies in Arabidopsis: More than Pathogen Recognition

Plants constantly suffer from simultaneous infection by multiple pathogens, which can be divided into biotrophic, hemibiotrophic, and necrotrophic pathogens, according to their lifestyles. Many studies have contributed to improving our knowledge of how plants can defend against pathogens, involving different layers of defense mechanisms. In this sense, the review discusses: (1) the functions of PAMP (pathogen-associated molecular pattern)-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), (2) evidence highlighting the functions of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET)-mediated signaling pathways downstream of PTI and ETI, and (3) other defense aspects, including many novel small molecules that are involved in defense and phenomena, including systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and priming. In particular, we mainly focus on SA and (JA)/ET-mediated signaling pathways. Interactions among them, including synergistic effects and antagonistic effects, are intensively explored. This might be critical to understanding dynamic disease regulation.

Defense responses of lentil (Lens culinaris) genotypes carrying non-allelic ascochyta blight resistance genes to Ascochyta lentis infection

Ascochyta blight of lentil is an important fungal disease in many lentil-producing regions of the world causing major yield and grain quality losses. Quick shifts in aggressiveness of the population of the causal agent Ascochyta lentis mandates developing germplasm with novel and durable resistance. In the absence of complete resistance, lentil genotypes CDC Robin and 964a-46 have frequently been used as sources of partial resistance to ascochyta blight and carry non-allelic ascochyta blight resistance genes. RNA-seq analysis was conducted to identify differences in the transcriptome of CDC Robin, 964a-46 and the susceptible check Eston after inoculation with A. lentis. Candidate defense genes differentially expressed among the genotypes had hypothetical functions in various layers of plant defense, including pathogen recognition, phytohormone signaling pathways and downstream defense responses. CDC Robin and 964a-46 activated cell surface receptors (e.g. receptor like kinases) tentatively associated with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) recognition and nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) receptors associated with intracellular effector recognition upon A. lentis infection, and differed in their activation of salicylic acid, abscisic acid and jasmonic acid / ethylene signal transduction pathways. These differences were reflected in the differential expression of downstream defense responses such as pathogenesis-related proteins, and genes associated with the induction of cell death and cell-wall reinforcement. A significant correlation between expression levels of a selection of genes based on quantitative real-time PCR and their expression levels estimated through RNA-seq demonstrated the technical and analytical accuracy of RNA-seq for identification of genes differentially expressed among genotypes. The presence of different resistance mechanisms in 964a-46 and CDC Robin indicates their value for pyramiding gene leading to more durable resistance to ascochyta blight.

Structural, Functional, and Genomic Diversity of Plant NLR Proteins: An Evolved Resource for Rational Engineering of Plant Immunity

Plants employ a diverse intracellular system of NLR (nucleotide binding-leucine-rich repeat) innate immune receptors to detect pathogens of all types. These receptors represent valuable agronomic traits that plant breeders rely on to maximize yield in the face of devastating pathogens. Despite their importance, the mechanistic underpinnings of NLR-based disease resistance remain obscure. The rapidly increasing numbers of plant genomes are revealing a diverse array of NLR-type immune receptors. In parallel, mechanistic studies are describing diverse functions for NLR immune receptors. In this review, we intend to broadly describe how the structural, functional, and genomic diversity of plant immune receptors can provide a valuable resource for rational engineering of plant immunity.

NLR diversity, helpers and integrated domains: making sense of the NLR IDentity

Plant innate immunity relies on genetically predetermined repertoires of immune receptors to detect pathogens and trigger an effective immune response. A large proportion of these receptors are from the Nucletoide Binding Leucine Rich Repeat (NLR) gene family. As plants live longer than most pathogens, maintaining diversity of NLRs and deploying efficient 'pathogen traps' is necessary to withstand the evolutionary battle. In this review, we summarize the sources of diversity in NLR plant immune receptors giving an overview of genomic, regulatory as well as functional studies, including the latest concepts of NLR helpers and NLRs with integrated domains.

Transcriptome analysis of the Brassica napus-Leptosphaeria maculans pathosystem identifies receptor, signaling and structural genes underlying plant resistance

The hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans is the causal agent of blackleg disease in Brassica napus (canola, oilseed rape) and causes significant loss of yield worldwide. While genetic resistance has been used to mitigate the disease by means of traditional breeding strategies, there is little knowledge about the genes that contribute to blackleg resistance. RNA sequencing and a streamlined bioinformatics pipeline identified unique genes and plant defense pathways specific to plant resistance in the B. napus-L. maculans LepR1-AvrLepR1 interaction over time. We complemented our temporal analyses by monitoring gene activity directly at the infection site using laser microdissection coupled to quantitative PCR. Finally, we characterized genes involved in plant resistance to blackleg in the Arabidopsis-L. maculans model pathosystem. Data reveal an accelerated activation of the plant transcriptome in resistant host cotyledons associated with transcripts coding for extracellular receptors and phytohormone signaling molecules. Functional characterization provides direct support for transcriptome data and positively identifies resistance regulators in the Brassicaceae. Spatial gradients of gene activity were identified in response to L. maculans proximal to the site of infection. This dataset provides unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution of the genes required for blackleg resistance and serves as a valuable resource for those interested in host-pathogen interactions.

Genetic Architecture of Resistance to Alternaria brassicae in Arabidopsis thaliana: QTL Mapping Reveals Two Major Resistance-Conferring Loci

Alternaria brassicae, a necrotrophic fungal pathogen, causes Alternaria blight, one of the most important diseases of oleiferous Brassica crops. The current study utilized Arabidopsis as a model to decipher the genetic architecture of defense against A. brassicae. Significant phenotypic variation that was largely genetically determined was observed among Arabidopsis accessions in response to pathogen challenge. Three biparental mapping populations were developed from three resistant accessions viz. CIBC-5, Ei-2, and Cvi-0 and two susceptible accessions - Gre-0 and Zdr-1 (commonly crossed to CIBC-5 and Ei-2). A total of six quantitative trait locus (QTLs) governing resistance to A. brassicae were identified, five of which were population-specific while one QTL was common between all the three mapping populations. Interestingly, the common QTL had varying phenotypic contributions in different populations, which can be attributed to the genetic background of the parental accessions. The presence of both common and population-specific QTLs indicate that resistance to A. brassicae is quantitative, and that different genes may mediate resistance to the pathogen in different accessions. Two of the QTLs had moderate-to-large effects, one of which explained nearly 50% of the variation. The large effect QTLs may therefore contain genes that could play a significant role in conferring resistance even in heterologous hosts.

Genetic Analysis of NBS-LRR Gene Family in Chickpea and Their Expression Profiles in Response to Ascochyta Blight Infection

Ascochyta blight is one of the major diseases of chickpea worldwide. The genetic resistance to ascochyta blight in chickpea is complex and governed by multiple QTLs. However, the molecular mechanism of quantitative disease resistance to ascochyta blight and the genes underlying these QTLs are still unknown. Most often disease resistance is determined by resistance (R) genes. The most predominant R-genes contain nucleotide binding site and leucine rich repeat (NBS-LRR) domains. A total of 121 NBS-LRR genes were identified in the chickpea genome. Ninety-eight of these genes contained all essential conserved domains while 23 genes were truncated. The NBS-LRR genes were grouped into eight distinct classes based on their domain architecture. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these genes into two major clusters based on their structural variation, the first cluster with toll or interleukin-1 like receptor (TIR) domain and the second cluster either with or without a coiled-coil domain. The NBS-LRR genes are distributed unevenly across the eight chickpea chromosomes and nearly 50% of the genes are present in clusters. Thirty of the NBS-LRR genes were co-localized with nine of the previously reported ascochyta blight QTLs and were tested as potential candidate genes for ascochyta blight resistance. Expression pattern of these genes was studied in two resistant (CDC Corinne and CDC Luna) and one susceptible (ICCV 96029) genotypes at different time points after ascochyta blight infection using real-time quantitative PCR. Twenty-seven NBS-LRR genes showed differential expression in response to ascochyta blight infection in at least one genotype at one time point. Among these 27 genes, the majority of the NBS-LRR genes showed differential expression after inoculation in both resistant and susceptible genotypes which indicates the involvement of these genes in response to ascochyta blight infection. Five NBS-LRR genes showed genotype specific expression. Our study provides a new insight of NBS-LRR gene family in chickpea and the potential involvement of NBS-LRR genes in response to ascochyta blight infection.

Genome-wide Association Study Identifies New Loci for Resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans in Canola

Key message "We identified both quantitative and quantitative resistance loci to Leptosphaeria maculans, a fungal pathogen, causing blackleg disease in canola. Several genome-wide significant associations were detected at known and new loci for blackleg resistance. We further validated statistically significant associations in four genetic mapping populations, demonstrating that GWAS marker loci are indeed associated with resistance to L. maculans. One of the novel loci identified for the first time, Rlm12, conveys adult plant resistance in canola." Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is a significant disease which affects the sustainable production of canola (Brassica napus). This study reports a genome-wide association study based on 18,804 polymorphic SNPs to identify loci associated with qualitative and quantitative resistance to L. maculans. Genomic regions delimited with 694 significant SNP markers, that are associated with resistance evaluated using 12 single spore isolates and pathotypes from four canola stubble were identified. Several significant associations were detected at known disease resistance loci including in the vicinity of recently cloned Rlm2/LepR3 genes, and at new loci on chromosomes A01/C01, A02/C02, A03/C03, A05/C05, A06, A08, and A09. In addition, we validated statistically significant associations on A01, A07, and A10 in four genetic mapping populations, demonstrating that GWAS marker loci are indeed associated with resistance to L. maculans. One of the novel loci identified for the first time, Rlm12, conveys adult plant resistance and mapped within 13.2 kb from Arabidopsis R gene of TIR-NBS class. We showed that resistance loci are located in the vicinity of R genes of Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus on the sequenced genome of B. napus cv. Darmor-bzh. Significantly associated SNP markers provide a valuable tool to enrich germplasm for favorable alleles in order to improve the level of resistance to L. maculans in canola.

Nonsense mediated RNA decay and evolutionary capacitance

Nonsense mediated RNA decay (NMD) is well-known as an RNA quality control mechanism that sequesters a substantial portion of RNA from expression by targeting it for degradation. However, a number of recent studies across a range of organisms indicate a broader role for NMD in gene regulation and transcriptome homeostasis. Here we propose a novel role for NMD as a buffering system with the capability of accumulating and subsequently releasing a wide spectrum of cryptic genetic variation in response to environmental stimuli, and hence facilitating adaptive evolution. We discuss this role for NMD in the context of evolution of plant pathogen defense, whereby NMD may promote rapid diversification of intracellular immune receptors by mitigating the potentially harmful impact of their newly formed variants on plant fitness.

The WRKY57 Transcription Factor Affects the Expression of Jasmonate ZIM-Domain Genes Transcriptionally to Compromise Botrytis cinerea Resistance

Although necrotrophic pathogens cause many devastating plant diseases, our understanding of the plant defense response to them is limited. Here, we found that loss of function of WRKY57 enhanced the resistance of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) against Botrytis cinerea infection. Further investigation suggested that the negative regulation of WRKY57 against B cinerea depends on the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that WRKY57 directly binds to the promoters of JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN1 (JAZ1) and JAZ5, encoding two important repressors of the JA signaling pathway, and activates their transcription. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that WRKY57 interacts with nuclear-encoded SIGMA FACTOR BINDING PROTEIN1 (SIB1) and SIB2. Further experiments display that the same domain, the VQ motif, of SIB1 and SIB2 interact with WRKY33 and WRKY57. Moreover, transient transcriptional activity assays confirmed that WRKY57 and WRKY33 competitively regulate JAZ1 and JAZ5, SIB1 and SIB2 further enhance these competitions of WRKY57 to WRKY33. Therefore, coordinated regulation of Arabidopsis against B cinerea by transcription activators and repressors would benefit plants by allowing fine regulation of defense.

Pathogen perception by NLRs in plants and animals: Parallel worlds

Intracellular NLR (Nucleotide-binding domain and Leucine-rich Repeat-containing) receptors are sensitive monitors that detect pathogen invasion of both plant and animal cells. NLRs confer recognition of diverse molecules associated with pathogen invasion. NLRs must exhibit strict intramolecular controls to avoid harmful ectopic activation in the absence of pathogens. Recent discoveries have elucidated the assembly and structure of oligomeric NLR signalling complexes in animals, and provided insights into how these complexes act as scaffolds for signal transduction. In plants, recent advances have provided novel insights into signalling-competent NLRs, and into the myriad strategies that diverse plant NLRs use to recognise pathogens. Here, we review recent insights into the NLR biology of both animals and plants. By assessing commonalities and differences between kingdoms, we are able to develop a more complete understanding of NLR function.

An unbiased nuclear proteomics approach reveals novel nuclear protein components that participates in MAMP-triggered immunity

(MAMP)-triggered immunity (MTI) is the first layer of molecular defense encountered by pathogens. Genetic screens have contributed to our knowledge of MTI, but are limited to phenotype-causing mutations. Here we attempt to identify novel factors involved in the early event leading to plant MTI by comparing the nuclear proteomes of two Arabidopsis genotypes treated with chitosan. Our approach revealed that following chitosan treatment, cerk1 plants had many nuclear accumulating proteins in common, but also some unique ones, when compared with Col-0 plants. Analysis of the identified proteins revealed a nuclear accumulation of DNA-modifying enzymes, RNA-binding proteins and ribosomal proteins. Our results demonstrate that nuclear proteomic is a valid, phenotype-independent approach to uncover factor involved in cellular processes.

Structure-informed insights for NLR functioning in plant immunity

To respond to foreign invaders, plants have evolved a cell autonomous multilayered immune system consisting of extra- and intracellular immune receptors. Nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) mediate recognition of pathogen effectors inside the cell and trigger a host specific defense response, often involving controlled cell death. NLRs consist of a central nucleotide-binding domain, which is flanked by an N-terminal CC or TIR domain and a C-terminal leucine-rich repeat domain (LRR). These multidomain proteins function as a molecular switch and their activity is tightly controlled by intra and inter-molecular interactions. In contrast to metazoan NLRs, the structural basis underlying NLR functioning as a pathogen sensor and activator of immune responses in plants is largely unknown. However, the first crystal structures of a number of plant NLR domains were recently obtained. In addition, biochemical and structure-informed analyses revealed novel insights in the cooperation between NLR domains and the formation of pre- and post activation complexes, including the coordinated activity of NLR pairs as pathogen sensor and executor of immune responses. Moreover, the discovery of novel integrated domains underscores the structural diversity of NLRs and provides alternative models for how these immune receptors function in plants. In this review, we will highlight these recent advances to provide novel insights in the structural, biochemical and molecular aspects involved in plant NLR functioning.

The Genetics Underlying Natural Variation in the Biotic Interactions of Arabidopsis thaliana: The Challenges of Linking Evolutionary Genetics and Community Ecology

In the context of global change, predicting the responses of plant communities in an ever-changing biotic environment calls for a multipronged approach at the interface of evolutionary genetics and community ecology. However, our understanding of the genetic basis of natural variation involved in mediating biotic interactions, and associated adaptive dynamics of focal plants in their natural communities, is still in its infancy. Here, we review the genetic and molecular bases of natural variation in the response to biotic interactions (viruses, bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, herbivores, and plants) in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana as well as the adaptive value of these bases. Among the 60 identified genes are a number that encode nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR)-type proteins, consistent with early examples of plant defense genes. However, recent studies have revealed an extensive diversity in the molecular mechanisms of defense. Many types of genetic variants associate with phenotypic variation in biotic interactions, even among the genes of large effect that tend to be identified. In general, we found that (i) balancing selection rather than directional selection explains the observed patterns of genetic diversity within A. thaliana and (ii) the cost/benefit tradeoffs of adaptive alleles can be strongly dependent on both genomic and environmental contexts. Finally, because A. thaliana rarely interacts with only one biotic partner in nature, we highlight the benefit of exploring diffuse biotic interactions rather than tightly associated host-enemy pairs. This challenge would help to improve our understanding of coevolutionary quantitative genetics within the context of realistic community complexity.

Comparative analysis of plant immune receptor architectures uncovers host proteins likely targeted by pathogens

BACKGROUND

Plants deploy immune receptors to detect pathogen-derived molecules and initiate defense responses. Intracellular plant immune receptors called nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins contain a central nucleotide-binding (NB) domain followed by a series of leucine-rich repeats (LRRs), and are key initiators of plant defense responses. However, recent studies demonstrated that NLRs with non-canonical domain architectures play an important role in plant immunity. These composite immune receptors are thought to arise from fusions between NLRs and additional domains that serve as "baits" for the pathogen-derived effector proteins, thus enabling pathogen recognition. Several names have been proposed to describe these proteins, including "integrated decoys" and "integrated sensors". We adopt and argue for "integrated domains" or NLR-IDs, which describes the product of the fusion without assigning a universal mode of action.

RESULTS

We have scanned available plant genome sequences for the full spectrum of NLR-IDs to evaluate the diversity of integrations of potential sensor/decoy domains across flowering plants, including 19 crop species. We manually curated wheat and brassicas and experimentally validated a subset of NLR-IDs in wild and cultivated wheat varieties. We have examined NLR fusions that occur in multiple plant families and identified that some domains show re-occurring integration across lineages. Domains fused to NLRs overlap with previously identified pathogen targets confirming that they act as baits for the pathogen. While some of the integrated domains have been previously implicated in disease resistance, others provide new targets for engineering durable resistance to plant pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS

We have built a robust reproducible pipeline for detecting variable domain architectures in plant immune receptors across species. We hypothesize that NLR-IDs that we revealed provide clues to the host proteins targeted by pathogens, and that this information can be deployed to discover new sources of disease resistance.

The Quantitative Basis of the Arabidopsis Innate Immune System to Endemic Pathogens Depends on Pathogen Genetics

The most established model of the eukaryotic innate immune system is derived from examples of large effect monogenic quantitative resistance to pathogens. However, many host-pathogen interactions involve many genes of small to medium effect and exhibit quantitative resistance. We used the Arabidopsis-Botrytis pathosystem to explore the quantitative genetic architecture underlying host innate immune system in a population of Arabidopsis thaliana. By infecting a diverse panel of Arabidopsis accessions with four phenotypically and genotypically distinct isolates of the fungal necrotroph B. cinerea, we identified a total of 2,982 genes associated with quantitative resistance using lesion area and 3,354 genes associated with camalexin production as measures of the interaction. Most genes were associated with resistance to a specific Botrytis isolate, which demonstrates the influence of pathogen genetic variation in analyzing host quantitative resistance. While known resistance genes, such as receptor-like kinases (RLKs) and nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat proteins (NLRs), were found to be enriched among associated genes, they only account for a small fraction of the total genes associated with quantitative resistance. Using publically available co-expression data, we condensed the quantitative resistance associated genes into co-expressed gene networks. GO analysis of these networks implicated several biological processes commonly connected to disease resistance, including defense hormone signaling and ROS production, as well as novel processes, such as leaf development. Validation of single gene T-DNA knockouts in a Col-0 background demonstrate a high success rate (60%) when accounting for differences in environmental and Botrytis genetic variation. This study shows that the genetic architecture underlying host innate immune system is extremely complex and is likely able to sense and respond to differential virulence among pathogen genotypes.

De novo transcriptome analyses of host-fungal interactions in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Background

Basal stem rot (BSR) is a fungal disease in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) which is caused by hemibiotrophic white rot fungi belonging to the Ganoderma genus. Molecular responses of oil palm to these pathogens are not well known although this information is crucial to strategize effective measures to eradicate BSR. In order to elucidate the molecular interactions between oil palm and G. boninense and its biocontrol fungus Trichoderma harzianum, we compared the root transcriptomes of untreated oil palm seedlings with those inoculated with G. boninense and T. harzianum, respectively.

Results

Differential gene expression analyses revealed that jasmonate (JA) and salicylate (SA) may act in an antagonistic manner in affecting the hormone biosynthesis, signaling, and downstream defense responses in G. boninense-treated oil palm roots. In addition, G. boninense may compete with the host to control disease symptom through the transcriptional regulation of ethylene (ET) biosynthesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and scavenging. The strengthening of host cell walls and production of pathogenesis-related proteins as well as antifungal secondary metabolites in host plants, are among the important defense mechanisms deployed by oil palm against G. boninense. Meanwhile, endophytic T. harzianum was shown to improve the of nutrition status and nutrient transportation in host plants.

Conclusion

The findings of this analysis have enhanced our understanding on the molecular interactions of G. boninense and oil palm, and also the biocontrol mechanisms involving T. harzianum, thus contributing to future formulations of better strategies for prevention and treatment of BSR.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2368-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis uncovers the complex genetic network for resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Brassica napus

Sclerotinia stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the most devastating diseases in many important crops including Brassica napus worldwide. Quantitative resistance is the only source for genetic improvement of Sclerotinia-resistance in B. napus, but the molecular basis for such a resistance is largely unknown. Here, we performed dynamic transcriptomic analyses to understand the differential defense response to S. sclerotiorum in a resistant line (R-line) and a susceptible line (S-line) of B. napus at 24, 48 and 96 h post-inoculation. Both the numbers of and fold changes in differentially expressed genes in the R-line were larger than those in the S-line. We identified 9001 relative differentially expressed genes in the R-line compared with the S-line. The differences between susceptibility and resistance were associated with the magnitude of expression changes in a set of genes involved in pathogen recognition, MAPK signaling cascade, WRKY transcription regulation, jasmonic acid/ethylene signaling pathways, and biosynthesis of defense-related protein and indolic glucosinolate. The results were supported by quantitation of defense-related enzyme activity and glucosinolate contents. Our results provide insights into the complex molecular mechanism of the defense response to S. sclerotiorum in B. napus and for development of effective strategies in Sclerotinia-resistance breeding.

Isolate Dependency of Brassica rapa Resistance QTLs to Botrytis cinerea

Generalist necrotrophic pathogens including Botrytis cinerea cause significant yield and financial losses on Brassica crops. However, there is little knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the complex interactions encoded by both host and pathogen genomes in this interaction. This potentially includes multiple layers of plant defense and pathogen virulence mechanisms that could complicate in breeding broad spectrum resistance within Brassica species. Glucosinolates (GSLs) are a diverse group of defense metabolites that play a key role in interaction between Brassica and biotic attackers. In this study, we utilized a collection of diverse B. cinerea isolates to investigate resistance within the Brassica rapa R500 × IMB211 recombinant inbred line population. We tested variation on lesion development and glucosinolate accumulation in parental lines and all population lines. We then mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) for both resistances to B. cinerea and defense metabolites in this population. Phenotypic analysis and QTL mapping demonstrate that the genetic basis of resistance to B. cinerea in B. rapa is isolate specific and polygenic with transgressive segregation that both parents contribute resistance alleles. QTLs controlling defensive GSLs are highly dependent on pathogen infection. An overlap of two QTLs identified between resistance to B. cinerea and defense metabolites also showed isolate specific effects. This work suggests that directly searching for resistance loci may not be the best approach at improving resistance in B. rapa to necrotrophic pathogen.

Molecular defense response of oil palm to Ganoderma infection

Basal stem rot (BSR) of oil palm roots is due to the invasion of fungal mycelia of Ganoderma species which spreads to the bole of the stem. In addition to root contact, BSR can also spread by airborne basidiospores. These fungi are able to break down cell wall components including lignin. BSR not only decreases oil yield, it also causes the stands to collapse thus causing severe economic loss to the oil palm industry. The transmission and mode of action of Ganoderma, its interactions with oil palm as a hemibiotroph, and the molecular defence responses of oil palm to the infection of Ganoderma boninense in BSR are reviewed, based on the transcript profiles of infected oil palms. The knowledge gaps that need to be filled in oil palm-Ganoderma molecular interactions i.e. the associations of hypersensitive reaction (HR)-induced cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) kinetics to the susceptibility of oil palm to Ganoderma spp., the interactions of phytohormones (salicylate, jasmonate and ethylene) at early and late stages of BSR, and cell wall strengthening through increased production of guaiacyl (G)-type lignin, are also discussed.

Deregulation of Plant Cell Death Through Disruption of Chloroplast Functionality Affects Asexual Sporulation of Zymoseptoria tritici on Wheat

Chloroplasts have a critical role in plant defense as sites for the biosynthesis of the signaling compounds salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and nitric oxide (NO) and as major sites of reactive oxygen species production. Chloroplasts, therefore, regarded as important players in the induction and regulation of programmed cell death (PCD) in response to abiotic stresses and pathogen attack. The predominantly foliar pathogen of wheat Zymoseptoria tritici is proposed to exploit the plant PCD, which is associated with the transition in the fungus to the necrotrophic phase of infection. In this study virus-induced gene silencing was used to silence two key genes in carotenoid and chlorophyll biosynthesis, phytoene desaturase (PDS) and Mg-chelatase H subunit (ChlH). The chlorophyll-deficient, PDS- and ChlH-silenced leaves of susceptible plants underwent more rapid pathogen-induced PCD but were significantly less able to support the subsequent asexual sporulation of Z. tritici. Conversely, major gene (Stb6)-mediated resistance to Z. tritici was partially compromised in PDS- and ChlH-silenced leaves. Chlorophyll-deficient wheat ears also displayed increased Z. tritici disease lesion formation accompanied by increased asexual sporulation. These data highlight the importance of chloroplast functionality and its interaction with regulated plant cell death in mediating different genotype and tissue-specific interactions between Z. tritici and wheat.

Loss and retention of resistance genes in five species of the Brassicaceae family

BACKGROUND

Plants have evolved disease resistance (R) genes encoding for nucleotide-binding site (NB) and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins with N-terminals represented by either Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) or coiled-coil (CC) domains. Here, a genome-wide study of presence and diversification of CC-NB-LRR and TIR-NB-LRR encoding genes, and shorter domain combinations in 19 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions and Arabidopsis lyrata, Capsella rubella, Brassica rapa and Eutrema salsugineum are presented.

RESULTS

Out of 528 R genes analyzed, 12 CC-NB-LRR and 17 TIR-NB-LRR genes were conserved among the 19 A. thaliana genotypes, while only two CC-NB-LRRs, including ZAR1, and three TIR-NB-LRRs were conserved when comparing the five species. The RESISTANCE TO LEPTOSPHAERIA MACULANS 1 (RLM1) locus confers resistance to the Brassica pathogen L. maculans the causal agent of blackleg disease and has undergone conservation and diversification events particularly in B. rapa. On the contrary, the RLM3 locus important in the immune response towards Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria spp. has recently evolved in the Arabidopsis genus.

CONCLUSION

Our genome-wide analysis of the R gene repertoire revealed a large sequence variation in the 23 cruciferous genomes. The data provides further insights into evolutionary processes impacting this important gene family.