1
|
Asadi M, Millar AA. Review: Plant microRNAs in pathogen defense: A panacea or a piece of the puzzle? PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 341:111993. [PMID: 38266718 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2024.111993] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) control key agronomic traits that are associated with their conserved role(s) in development. However, despite a multitude of studies, the utility of miRNAs in plant-pathogen resistance remains less certain. Reviewing the literature identifies three general classes of miRNAs regarding plant pathogen defense. Firstly, a number of evolutionary dynamic 22 nucleotide miRNA families that repress large numbers of plant immunity genes, either directly, or through triggering the biogenesis of secondary siRNAs. However, understanding of their role in defense and of their manipulation to enhance pathogen resistance are still lacking. Secondly, highly conserved miRNAs that indirectly impact disease resistance through their targets that are primarily regulating development or hormone signaling. Any alteration of these miRNAs usually results in pleiotropic impacts, which may alter disease resistance in some plant species, and against some pathogens. Thirdly, are the comparatively diverse and evolutionary dynamic set of non-conserved miRNAs, some of which contribute to pathogen resistance, but whose narrow evolutionary presence will likely restrict their utility. Therefore, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of plant-pathogen interactions, a complex interplay of plant miRNAs with pathogen responses exists. Any miRNA-based solution for pathogen resistance will likely be highly specific, rather than a general panacea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Asadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran; Department of Agricultural Science, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Anthony A Millar
- Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crop development, ANU, Canberra, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mierziak J, Wojtasik W. Epigenetic weapons of plants against fungal pathogens. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2024; 24:175. [PMID: 38443788 PMCID: PMC10916060 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-04829-8] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
In the natural environment, plants face constant exposure to biotic stress caused by fungal attacks. The plant's response to various biotic stresses relies heavily on its ability to rapidly adjust the transcriptome. External signals are transmitted to the nucleus, leading to activation of transcription factors that subsequently enhance the expression of specific defense-related genes. Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, which are closely linked to chromatin states, regulate gene expression associated with defense against biotic stress. Additionally, chromatin remodelers and non-coding RNA play a significant role in plant defense against stressors. These molecular modifications enable plants to exhibit enhanced resistance and productivity under diverse environmental conditions. Epigenetic mechanisms also contribute to stress-induced environmental epigenetic memory and priming in plants, enabling them to recall past molecular experiences and utilize this stored information for adaptation to new conditions. In the arms race between fungi and plants, a significant aspect is the cross-kingdom RNAi mechanism, whereby sRNAs can traverse organismal boundaries. Fungi utilize sRNA as an effector molecule to silence plant resistance genes, while plants transport sRNA, primarily through extracellular vesicles, to pathogens in order to suppress virulence-related genes. In this review, we summarize contemporary knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms of plant defense against attack by pathogenic fungi. The role of epigenetic mechanisms during plant-fungus symbiotic interactions is also considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Mierziak
- Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, Wroclaw, 51-148, Poland
| | - Wioleta Wojtasik
- Department of Genetic Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63, Wroclaw, 51-148, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma P, Liu E, Zhang Z, Li T, Zhou Z, Yao W, Chen J, Wu J, Xu Y, Zhang H. Genetic variation in ZmWAX2 confers maize resistance to Fusarium verticillioides. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:1812-1826. [PMID: 37293701 PMCID: PMC10440989 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14093] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fusarium verticillioides (F. verticillioides) is a widely distributed phytopathogen that incites multiple destructive diseases in maize, posing a grave threat to corn yields and quality worldwide. However, there are few reports of resistance genes to F. verticillioides. Here, we reveal that a combination of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) corresponding to ZmWAX2 gene associates with quantitative resistance variations to F. verticillioides in maize through a genome-wide association study. A lack of ZmWAX2 compromises maize resistance to F. verticillioides-caused seed rot, seedling blight and stalk rot by reducing cuticular wax deposition, while the transgenic plants overexpressing ZmWAX2 show significantly increased immunity to F. verticillioides. A natural occurrence of two 7-bp deletions within the promoter increases ZmWAX2 transcription, thus enhancing maize resistance to F. verticillioides. Upon Fusarium stalk rot, ZmWAX2 greatly promotes the yield and grain quality of maize. Our studies demonstrate that ZmWAX2 confers multiple disease resistances caused by F. verticillioides and can serve as an important gene target for the development of F. verticillioides-resistant maize varieties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Ma
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
- College of Agronomy, Synergetic Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops and National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop ScienceHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Enpeng Liu
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhirui Zhang
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Tao Li
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zijian Zhou
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Wen Yao
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jiafa Chen
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jianyu Wu
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
- College of Agronomy, Synergetic Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops and National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop ScienceHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yufang Xu
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Huiyong Zhang
- College of Life SciencesHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
- College of Agronomy, Synergetic Innovation Center of Henan Grain Crops and National Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop ScienceHenan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang C, Huang Z, Duan Z, Zhu L, Di R, Bao Y, Powell CA, Hu Q, Chen B, Zhang M, Yao W. Pectate Lyase from Fusarium sacchari Induces Plant Immune Responses and Contributes to Virulence. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0016523. [PMID: 37140457 PMCID: PMC10269888 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00165-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusarium sacchari is one of the primary pathogens causing Pokkah Boeng disease (PBD) in sugarcane in China. Pectate lyases (PL), which play a critical role in pectin degradation and fungal virulence, have been extensively studied in major bacterial and fungal pathogens of a wide range of plant species. However, only a few PLs have been functionally investigated. In this study, we analyzed the function of the pectate lyase gene, FsPL, from F. sacchari. FsPL is a key virulence factor of F. sacchari and can induce plant cell death. FsPL also triggers the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI) response in Nicotiana benthamiana, as reflected by increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, electrolyte leakage, and callose accumulation, as well as the upregulation of defense response genes. In addition, our study also found that the signal peptide of FsPL was necessary for induced cell death and PTI responses. Virus-induced gene silencing showed that FsPL-induced cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana was mediated by leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor-like kinases BAK1 and SOBIR1. Thus, FsPL may not only be a critical virulence factor for F. sacchari but may also induce plant defense responses. These findings provide new insights into the functions of pectate lyase in host-pathogen interactions. IMPORTANCE Pokkah Boeng disease (PBD) is one of the main diseases affecting sugarcane in China, seriously damaging sugarcane production and economic development. Therefore, it is important to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms of this disease and to provide a theoretical basis for the breeding of PBD-resistant sugarcane strains. The present study aimed to analyze the function of FsPL, a recently identified pectate lyase gene from F. sacchari. FsPL is a key virulence factor of F. sacchari that induces plant cell death. Our results provide new insights into the function of pectate lyase in host-pathogen interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Wang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhen Huang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenzhen Duan
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Lixiang Zhu
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Ruolin Di
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yixue Bao
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | | | - Qin Hu
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Baoshan Chen
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Muqing Zhang
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- IRREC-IFAS, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| | - Wei Yao
- State Key Lab for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agri-Biological Resources, Guangxi Key Lab of Sugarcane Biology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- IRREC-IFAS, University of Florida, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Qu Q, Liu N, Su Q, Liu X, Jia H, Liu Y, Sun M, Cao Z, Dong J. MicroRNAs involved in the trans-kingdom gene regulation in the interaction of maize kernels and Fusarium verticillioides. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125046. [PMID: 37245767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Maize ear rot is a widespread disease and the main pathogen is Fusarium verticillioides. Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) have great effects on disease resistance and it has been reported that maize miRNA participates in defense responses in maize ear rot. However, the trans-kingdom regulation of miRNAs between maize and F. verticillioides remains uncharacterized. In this study, the relationship between miRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) of F. verticillioides and pathogenicity was investigated, followed by sRNA analysis and degradome sequencing of miRNA profiles and the target genes of maize and F. verticillioides after inoculation. It was found that the milRNA biogenesis positively regulated the pathogenicity of F. verticillioides by knocking out the gene FvDicer2-encoded Dicer-like protein in F. verticillioides. Following inoculation with F. verticillioides, 284 known and 6571 novel miRNAs were obtained in maize, including 28 miRNAs differentially expressed at multiple time points. The target genes of maize differentially expressed miRNAs in F. verticillioides mediated multiple pathways, including autophagy and MAPK signaling pathway. Fifty-one novel F. verticillioides milRNAs were predicted to target 333 genes in maize involved in MAPK signaling pathways, plant hormone signaling transduction and plant-pathogen interaction pathways. Additionally, the miR528b-5p in maize targeted the mRNA of FvTTP which encoded a twice transmembrane protein in F. verticillioides. The FvTTP-knockout mutants displayed decreased pathogenicity and reduced synthesis of fumonisins. Thus, by interfering with the translation of FvTTP, the miR528b-5p inhibited F. verticillioides infection. These findings suggested a novel function of miR528 in resisting F. verticillioides infection. The miRNAs identified in this research and their putative target genes can be used to further elucidate the trans-kingdom functions of microRNAs in plant pathogen interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Qu
- Plant Pathogenic Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China; State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Plant Pathogenic Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China; State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Qianfu Su
- Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jilin 130033, China
| | - Xinfang Liu
- Corn Research Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
| | - Hui Jia
- Plant Pathogenic Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China; State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Yuwei Liu
- Plant Pathogenic Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Manli Sun
- Plant Pathogenic Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China; State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Zhiyan Cao
- Plant Pathogenic Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China; State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China.
| | - Jingao Dong
- Plant Pathogenic Mycotoxin and Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hebei Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Molecular Pathology, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China; State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding 071001, China.
| |
Collapse
|