Overexpression of the Prunus sogdiana NBS-LRR Subgroup Gene PsoRPM2 Promotes Resistance to the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita in Tobacco

The soybean plasma membrane GmDR1 protein conferring broad-spectrum disease and pest resistance regulates several receptor kinases and NLR proteins

Overexpression of Glycine max disease resistant 1 (GmDR1) exhibits broad-spectrum resistance against Fusarium virguliforme, Heterodera glycines (soybean cyst nematode), Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (spider mites), and Aphis glycines Matsumura (soybean aphids) in soybean. To understand the mechanisms of broad-spectrum immunity mediated by GmDR1, the transcriptomes of a strong and a weak GmDR1-overexpressor following treatment with chitin, a pathogen- and pest-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) common to these organisms, were investigated. The strong and weak GmDR1-overexpressors exhibited altered expression of 6098 and 992 genes, respectively, as compared to the nontransgenic control following chitin treatment. However, only 192 chitin- and 115 buffer-responsive genes exhibited over two-fold changes in expression levels in both strong and weak GmDR1-overexpressors as compared to the control. MapMan analysis of the 192 chitin-responsive genes revealed 64 biotic stress-related genes, of which 53 were induced and 11 repressed as compared to the control. The 53 chitin-induced genes include nine genes that encode receptor kinases, 13 encode nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptor proteins, seven encode WRKY transcription factors, four ethylene response factors, and three MYB-like transcription factors. Investigation of a subset of these genes revealed three receptor protein kinases, seven NLR proteins, and one WRKY transcription factor genes that are induced following F. virguliforme and H. glycines infection. The integral plasma membrane GmDR1 protein most likely recognizes PAMPs including chitin and activates transcription of genes encoding receptor kinases, NLR proteins and defense-related genes. GmDR1 could be a pattern recognition receptor that regulates the expression of several NLRs for expression of PAMP-triggered immunity and/or priming the effector triggered immunity.

Comparative transcriptome profiling of potato cultivars infected by late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans: Diversity of quantitative and qualitative responses

The Estonia potato cultivar Ando has shown elevated field resistance to Phytophthora infestans, even after being widely grown for over 40 years. A comprehensive transcriptional analysis was performed using RNA-seq from plant leaf tissues to gain insight into the mechanisms activated for the defense after infection. Pathogen infection in Ando resulted in about 5927 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared to 1161 DEGs in the susceptible cultivar Arielle. The expression levels of genes related to plant disease resistance such as serine/threonine kinase activity, signal transduction, plant-pathogen interaction, endocytosis, autophagy, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and others were significantly enriched in the upregulated DEGs in Ando, whereas in the susceptible cultivar, only the pathway related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis was enriched in the upregulated DEGs. However, in response to infection, photosynthesis was deregulated in Ando. Multi-signaling pathways of the salicylic-jasmonic-ethylene biosynthesis pathway were also activated in response to Phytophthora infestans infection.

Cloning and functional analysis of the root-knot nematode resistance gene NtRk1 in tobacco

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is an economically important crop worldwide. Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are responsible for yield losses in tobacco and other crops, such as tomato, potato, peanut, and soybean. Therefore, screening for resistance genes that can prevent RKN infestation and the associated damage is crucial. However, there is no report of cloning tobacco RKN resistance genes to date. Here, we cloned the tobacco RKN resistance gene NtRk1 from the resistant variety TI706, using rapid amplification of cDNA ends. NtRk1 has high homology with other RKN resistance genes (CaMi in pepper, Mi-1.1 and Mi-1.2 in tomato). Under normal conditions, NtRk1 was barely expressed in the roots; however, following RKN infection, its expression level rapidly increased. Overexpression of NtRk1 in the susceptible cultivar "Changbohuang" enhanced its resistance to Meloidogyne incognita, while RNA interference of NtRk1 in the resistant cultivar K326 resulted in its susceptibility to M. incognita. Moreover, compared with resistant variety K326, we found the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid contents of RNAi plants decreased after inoculation with M. incognita, and confirmed that the function of NtRk1 is related to these phytohormones. These findings indicate that NtRk1 is an RKN resistance gene, which is abundantly expressed in response to RKN infection and may enhance host defense responses by elevating salicylic acid and jasmonic acid levels.

Hsp90 Gene Is Required for Mi-1-Mediated Resistance of Tomato to the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci

The Mi-1 gene of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) confers resistance against some nematodes and insects, but the resistance mechanisms differ depending on the harmful organism, as a hypersensitive reaction (HR) occurs only in the case of nematodes. The gene Rme1 is required for Mi-1-mediated resistance to nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies, and several additional proteins also play a role in this resistance. Among them, the involvement of the chaperone HSP90 has been demonstrated in Mi-1-mediated resistance for aphids and nematodes, but not for whiteflies. In this work, we studied the implication of the Hsp90 gene in the Mi-1 resistance against the whitefly Bemisia tabaci by means of Tobacco rattle virus (TRV)-based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). The silencing of the Hsp90 gene in tomato Motelle plants carrying the Mi-1 gene resulted in a decrease in resistance to whiteflies, as oviposition values were significantly higher than those on non-silenced plants. This decrease in resistance was equivalent to that caused by the silencing of the Mi-1 gene itself. Infiltration with the control TRV vector did not alter Mi-1 mediated resistance to B. tabaci. Similar to the Mi-1 gene, silencing of Hsp90-1 occurs partially, as silenced plants showed a significant but not complete suppression of gene expression. Thus, our results demonstrate the requirement of Hsp90 in the Mi-1-mediated resistance to B. tabaci and reinforce the hypothesis of a common model for this resistance to nematodes and insects.

Integrated Omic Approaches Reveal Molecular Mechanisms of Tolerance during Soybean and Meloidogyne incognita Interactions

The root-knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita, is a devastating soybean pathogen worldwide. The use of resistant cultivars is the most effective method to prevent economic losses caused by RKNs. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in resistance to RKN, we determined the proteome and transcriptome profiles from roots of susceptible (BRS133) and highly tolerant (PI 595099) Glycine max genotypes 4, 12, and 30 days after RKN infestation. After in silico analysis, we described major defense molecules and mechanisms considered constitutive responses to nematode infestation, such as mTOR, PI3K-Akt, relaxin, and thermogenesis. The integrated data allowed us to identify protein families and metabolic pathways exclusively regulated in tolerant soybean genotypes. Among them, we highlighted the phenylpropanoid pathway as an early, robust, and systemic defense process capable of controlling M. incognita reproduction. Associated with this metabolic pathway, 29 differentially expressed genes encoding 11 different enzymes were identified, mainly from the flavonoid and derivative pathways. Based on differential expression in transcriptomic and proteomic data, as well as in the expression profile by RT-qPCR, and previous studies, we selected and overexpressed the GmPR10 gene in transgenic tobacco to assess its protective effect against M. incognita. Transgenic plants of the T₂ generation showed up to 58% reduction in the M. incognita reproduction factor. Finally, data suggest that GmPR10 overexpression can be effective against the plant parasitic nematode M. incognita, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. These findings will help develop new engineered soybean genotypes with higher performance in response to RKN infections.

Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the bases of salicylic acid-induced resistance to anthracnose in sorghum

Key Message Transcriptome analysis of SA sensitive and tolerant lines indicates that SA enhances anthracnose resistance in sorghum by upregulating the expression of some immune-related genes and pathways.Abstract Anthracnose caused by the hemibiotrophic pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum is one of the most destructive diseases of sorghum, the fifth most important cereal crop in the world. Salicylic acid (SA) is a phytohormone essential for plant immunity; however, the role of SA in sorghum resistance to anthracnose has not been well explored. In this study, we found that Colletotrichum sublineolum infection induced the expression of SA-responsive genes and that exogenous SA enhanced resistance to anthracnose in the sorghum line BTx623. To rule out the possibility that SA triggers anthracnose resistance in sorghum by its direct toxic function on pathogen, an SA-tolerant line, WHEATLAND, was identified, and we found that SA treatment could not induce anthracnose resistance in WHEATLAND. Then, SA-induced transcriptome changes during Colletotrichum sublineolum infection in BTx623 and WHEATLAND were analyzed to explore the molecular mechanism of SA-triggered resistance. SA pretreatment regulated the expression of 2125 genes in BTx623 but only 524 genes in WHEATLAND during Colletotrichum sublineolum infection. The cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis pathway involved in the plant immune response and the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway involved in anthracnose resistance were enriched in BTx623-specifically upregulated genes. Additionally, some immune-related genes, including multiple resistance genes, were differentially expressed in BTx623 and WHEATLAND. Taken together, our results revealed the mechanisms of SA-induced anthracnose resistance in sorghum at the transcriptional level and shed light on the possibility of enhancing sorghum resistance to anthracnose by activating the SA signaling pathway by molecular breeding.

Chromosome-level genome assemblies of four wild peach species provide insights into genome evolution and genetic basis of stress resistance

Background

Peach (Prunus persica) is an economically important stone fruit crop in Rosaceae and widely cultivated in temperate and subtropical regions, emerging as an excellent material to study the interaction between plant and environment. During its genus, there are four wild species of peach, all living in harsh environments. For example, one of the wild species, P. mira, originates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and exhibits strong cold/ultraviolet ray environmental adaptations. Although remarkable progresses in the gene discovery of fruit quality-related traits in peach using previous assembled genome were obtained, genomic basis of the response of these wild species to different geographical environments remains unclear.

Results

To uncover key genes regulating adaptability in different species and analyze the role of genetic variations in resistance formation, we performed de novo genome assembling of four wild relatives of peach (P. persica), P. mira, P. davidiana, P. kansuensis, and P. ferganensis and resequenced 175 peach varieties. The phylogenetic tree showed that the divergence time of P. mira and other wild relatives of peach was 11.5 million years ago, which was consistent with the drastic crustal movement of QTP. Abundant genetic variations were identified in four wild species when compared to P. persica, and the results showed that plant-pathogen interaction pathways were enriched in genes containing small insertions and deletions and copy number variations in all four wild relatives of peach. Then, the data were used to identify new genes and variations regulating resistance. For example, presence/absence variations which result from a hybridization event that occurred between P. mira and P. dulcis enhanced the resistance of their putative hybrid, P. davidiana. Using bulked segregant analysis, we located the nematode resistance locus of P. kansuensis in chromosome 2. Within the mapping region, a deletion in the promoter of one NBS-LRR gene was found to involve the resistance by regulating gene expression. Furthermore, combined with RNA-seq and selective sweeps analysis, we proposed that a deletion in the promoter of one CBF gene was essential for high-altitude adaptation of P. mira through increasing its resistance to low temperature.

Conclusions

In general, the reference genomes assembled in the study facilitate our understanding of resistance mechanism of perennial fruit crops, and provide valuable resources for future breeding and improvement.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01342-y.

Different scales of gene duplications occurring at different times have jointly shaped the NBS-LRR genes in Prunus species

In this study, genome-wide identification, phylogenetic relationships, duplication time and selective pressure of the NBS-LRR genes, an important group of plant disease-resistance genes (R genes), were performed to uncover their genetic evolutionary patterns in the six Prunus species. A total of 1946 NBS-LRR genes were identified; specifically, 589, 361, 284, 281, 318, and 113 were identified in Prunus yedoensis, P. domestica, P. avium, P. dulcis, P. persica and P. yedoensis var. nudiflora, respectively. Two NBS-LRR gene subclasses, TIR-NBS-LRR (TNL) and non-TIR-NBS-LRR (non-TNL), were also discovered. In total, 435 TNL and 1511 non-TNL genes were identified and could be classified into 30/55/75 and 103/158/191 multi-gene families, respectively, according to three different criteria. Higher Ks and Ka/Ks values were detected in TNL gene families than in non-TNL gene families. These results indicated that the TNL genes had more members involved in relatively ancient duplications and were affected by stronger selection pressure than the non-TNL genes. In general, the NBS-LRR genes were shaped by species-specific duplications, and lineage-specific duplications occurred at recent and relatively ancient periods among the six Prunus species. Therefore, different duplicated copies of NBS-LRRs can resist specific pathogens and will provide an R-gene library for resistance breeding in Prunus species.

Overexpression of PsoRPM3, an NBS-LRR gene isolated from myrobalan plum, confers resistance to Meloidogyne incognita in tobacco

KEY MESSAGES

We reported an NBS-LRR gene, PsoRPM3, is highly expressed following RKN infection, initiating an HR response that promotes plant resistance. Meloidogyne spp. are root-knot nematodes (RKNs) that cause substantial economic losses worldwide. Screening for resistant tree resources and identifying plant resistance genes is currently the most effective way to prevent RKN infestations. Here, we cloned a novel TIR-NB-LRR-type resistance gene, PsoRPM3, from Xinjiang wild myrobalan plum (Prunus sogdiana Vassilcz.) and demonstrated that its protein product localized to the nucleus. In response to Meloidogyne incognita infection, PsoRPM3 gene expression levels were significantly higher in resistant myrobalan plum plants compared to susceptible plants. We investigated this difference, discovering that the - 309 to - 19 bp region of the susceptible PsoRPM3 promoter was highly methylated. Indeed, heterologous expression of PsoRPM3 significantly enhanced the resistance of susceptible tobacco plants to M. incognita. Moreover, transient expression of PsoRPM3 induced a hypersensitive response in tobacco, whereas RNAi-mediated silencing of PsoRPM3 in transgenic tobacco reduced this hypersensitive response. Several hypersensitive response marker genes were considerably up-regulated in resistant myrobalan plum plants when compared with susceptible counterparts inoculated with M. incognita. PsoPR1a (a SA marker gene), PsoPR2 (a JA marker gene), and PsoACS6 (an ET signaling marker gene) were all more highly expressed in resistant than in susceptible plants. Together, these results support a model in which PsoRPM3 is highly expressed following RKN infection, initiating an HR response that promotes plant resistance through activated salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene signaling pathways.

NBS-LRR Gene TaRPS2 is Positively Associated with the High-Temperature Seedling Plant Resistance of Wheat Against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici

Xiaoyan6 (XY6) is a wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivar possessing nonrace-specific high-temperature seedling plant (HTSP) resistance against stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. Previously, we identified one particular gene, TaRPS2, for its involvement in the HTSP resistance. To elucidate the role of TaRPS2 in the HTSP resistance, we cloned the full length of TaRPS2 from XY6. The transcriptional expression of TaRPS2 was rapidly upregulated (19.11-fold) under the normal-high-normal temperature treatment that induces the HTSP resistance. The expression level of TaRPS2 in leaves was higher than that in the stems and roots. Quantification of the endogenous hormones in wheat leaves after P. striiformis f. sp. tritici inoculation showed that 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, salicylic acid (SA), and jasmonic acid were involved in the HTSP resistance. In addition, detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation indicated that reactive oxygen species burst was also associated with the HTSP resistance. Two hours after exogenous H₂O₂ treatment or 0.5 h after SA treatment, the expression level of TaRPS2 was increased by 2.66 and 2.35 times, respectively. The subcellular localization of enhanced green fluorescent protein-TaRPS2 fusion protein was in the nuclei and plasma membranes. Virus-induced gene silencing of TaRPS2 reduced the level of HTSP resistance in XY6. Compared with the nonsilenced leaves, the TaRPS2-silenced leaves had the reduction of necrotic cells but a greater number of uredinia. These results indicated that TaRPS2 positively regulates the HTSP resistance of XY6 against P. striiformis f. sp. tritici and is related to the SA and H₂O₂ signaling pathways.

Identification and Functional Analysis of Tomato TPR Gene Family

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) as an important vegetable grown around the world is threatened by many diseases, which seriously affects its yield. Therefore, studying the interaction between tomato and pathogenic bacteria is biologically and economically important. The TPR (Tetratricopeptide repeat) gene family is a class of genes containing TPR conserved motifs, which are widely involved in cell cycle regulation, gene expression, protein degradation and other biological processes. The functions of TPR gene in Arabidopsis and wheat plants have been well studied, but the research on TPR genes in tomato is not well studied. In this study, 26 TPR gene families were identified using bioinformatics based on tomato genome data, and they were analyzed for subcellular localization, phylogenetic evolution, conserved motifs, tissue expression, and GO (Gene Ontology) analysis. The qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of each member of the tomato TPR gene family (SlTPRs) under biological stress (Botrytis cinerea) and abiotic stress such as drought and abscisic acid (ABA). The results showed that members of the tomato TPR family responded to various abiotic stresses and Botrytis cinerea stress, and the SlTPR2 and SlTPR4 genes changed significantly under different stresses. Using VIGS (Virus-induced gene silencing) technology to silence these two genes, the silenced plants showed reduced disease resistance. It was also shown that TPR4 can interact with atpA which encodes a chloroplast ATP synthase CF1 α subunit. The above results provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the molecular mechanism of TPR-mediated resistance in disease defense, and also provide a foundation for tomato disease resistance breeding.

The TIR-NB-LRR pair DSC1 and WRKY19 contributes to basal immunity of Arabidopsis to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita

BACKGROUND

Root-knot nematodes transform vascular host cells into permanent feeding structures to withdraw nutrients from the host plant. Ecotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana can display large quantitative variation in susceptibility to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, which is thought to be independent of dominant major resistance genes. However, in an earlier genome-wide association study of the interaction between Arabidopsis and M. incognita we identified a quantitative trait locus harboring homologs of dominant resistance genes but with minor effect on susceptibility to the M. incognita population tested.

RESULTS

Here, we report on the characterization of two of these genes encoding the TIR-NB-LRR immune receptor DSC1 (DOMINANT SUPPRESSOR OF Camta 3 NUMBER 1) and the TIR-NB-LRR-WRKY-MAPx protein WRKY19 in nematode-infected Arabidopsis roots. Nematode infection studies and whole transcriptome analyses using the Arabidopsis mutants showed that DSC1 and WRKY19 co-regulate susceptibility of Arabidopsis to M. incognita.

CONCLUSION

Given the head-to-head orientation of DSC1 and WRKY19 in the Arabidopsis genome our data suggests that both genes may function as a TIR-NB-LRR immune receptor pair. Unlike other TIR-NB-LRR pairs involved in dominant disease resistance in plants, DSC1 and WRKY19 most likely regulate basal levels of immunity to root-knot nematodes.

Advances in Plant-Nematode Interactions with Emphasis on the Notorious Nematode Genus Meloidogyne

Plant infections by plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) continue to be one of the major limitations in agricultural systems. Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), belonging to the genus Meloidogyne, are one of the most important groups of PPNs worldwide. Their wide host range combined with ubiquitous presence, continues to provide challenges for their control and breeding for resistance. Although resistance to RKNs has been identified, incorporation of these resistances into crops and durability of the resistance remains challenging. In addition, progress in cloning of RKN resistance genes has been dismal. Recent identification of pattern-triggered immunity in roots against nematodes, an ascaroside as a nematode-associated molecular pattern (NAMP) and the discovery of a NAMP plant receptor, provide tools and opportunities to develop durable host resistance against nematodes including RKNs.

Improved Powdery Mildew Resistance of Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana Overexpressing the Cucurbita moschata CmSGT1 Gene

Powdery mildew (PM), which is mainly caused by Podosphaera xanthii, is a serious biotrophic pathogen disease affecting field-grown and greenhouse-grown cucurbit crops worldwide. Because fungicides poorly control PM, the development and cultivation of PM-resistant varieties is critical. A homolog of SGT1 (suppressor of the G2 allele of skp1), which encodes a key component of the plant disease-associated signal transduction pathway, was previously identified through a transcriptomic analysis of a PM-resistant pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) inbred line infected with PM. In this study, we have characterized this SGT1 homolog in C. moschata, and investigated its effects on biotic stress resistance. Subcellular localization results revealed that CmSGT1 is present in the nucleus. Additionally, CmSGT1 expression levels in the PM-resistant material was strongly induced by PM, salicylic acid (SA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). In contrast, SA and H₂O₂ downregulated CmSGT1 expression in the PM-susceptible material. The ethephon (Eth) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments upregulated CmSGT1 expression in both plant materials. The constitutive overexpression of CmSGT1 in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) minimized the PM symptoms on the leaves of PM-infected seedlings, accelerated the onset of cell necrosis, and enhanced the accumulation of H₂O₂. Furthermore, the expression levels of PR1a and PR5, which are SA signaling transduction markers, were higher in the transgenic plants than in wild-type plants. Thus, the transgenic N. benthamiana plants were significantly more resistant to Erysiphe cichoracearum than the wild-type plants. This increased resistance was correlated with cell death, H₂O₂ accumulation, and upregulated expression of SA-dependent defense genes. However, the chlorosis and yellowing of plant materials and the concentration of bacteria at infection sites were greater in the transgenic N. benthamiana plants than in the wild-type plants in response to infections by the pathogens responsible for bacterial wilt and scab. Therefore, CmSGT1-overexpressing N. benthamiana plants were hypersensitive to these two diseases. The results of this study may represent valuable genetic information for the breeding of disease-resistant pumpkin varieties, and may also help to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying CmSGT1 functions.

TaRPM1 Positively Regulates Wheat High-Temperature Seedling-Plant Resistance to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici

RPM1 is a CC-NBS-LRR protein that was first shown to be required for resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola in Arabidopsis thaliana. Our previous study showed that TaRPM1 gene in wheat was upregulated about six times following infection by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) under high temperature, compared with normal temperature. To study the function of TaRPM1 in wheat high-temperature seedling-plant (HTSP) resistance to Pst, the full length of TaRPM1 was cloned, with three copies each located on chromosomes 1A, 1B, and 1D. Transient expression of the TaRPM1-GFP fusion protein in Nicotiana benthamiana indicated that TaRPM1 localizes in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Profiling TaRPM1 expression indicated that TaRPM1 transcription was rapidly upregulated upon Pst inoculation under high temperature. In addition, TaRPM1 was induced by exogenous salicylic acid hormone application. Silencing TaRPM1 in wheat cultivar Xiaoyan 6 (XY 6) resulted in reduced HTSP resistance to Pst in terms of reduced number of necrotic cells and increased uredinial length, whereas no obvious phenotypic changes were observed in TaRPM1-silenced leaves under normal temperature. Related defense genes TaPR1 and TaPR2 were downregulated in TaRPM1-silenced plants under high temperature. We conclude that TaRPM1 is involved in HTSP resistance to Pst in XY 6.

Hsp90 Interacts With Tm-22 and Is Essential for Tm-22-Mediated Resistance to Tobacco mosaic virus

The tomato resistance gene Tm-2² encodes a coiled coil-nucleotide binding site-leucine rich repeat type resistance protein and confers effective immune response against tobamoviruses by detecting the presence of viral movement proteins (MPs). In this study, we show that the Nicotiana benthamiana Heat shock protein 90-kD (Hsp90) interacts with Tm-2². Silencing of Hsp90 reduced Tm-2²-mediated resistance to Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and the steady-state levels of Tm-2² protein. Further, Hsp90 associates with SGT1 in yeast and in plant cells. These results suggest that Hsp90-SGT1 complex takes part in Tm-2²-mediated TMV resistance by functioning as chaperone to regulate Tm-2² stability.

The Maize NBS-LRR Gene ZmNBS25 Enhances Disease Resistance in Rice and Arabidopsis

Nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) domain proteins are immune sensors and play critical roles in plant disease resistance. In this study, we cloned and characterized a novel NBS-LRR gene ZmNBS25 in maize. We found that ZmNBS25 could response to pathogen inoculation and salicylic acid (SA) treatment in maize, and transient overexpression of ZmNBS25 induced a hypersensitive response in tobacco. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that, compared to control plants, ZmNBS25 overexpression (ZmNBS25-OE) in Arabidopsis and rice resulted in higher SA levels. By triggering the expression of certain defense-responsive genes, ZmNBS25-OE enhanced the resistance of Arabidopsis and rice to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and sheath blight disease, respectively. Moreover, we found little change of grain size and 1000-grain weight between ZmNBS25-OE rice lines and controls. Together, our results suggest that ZmNBS25 can function as a disease resistance gene across different species, being a valuable candidate for engineering resistance in breeding programs.