Systemic acquired resistance: the elusive signal(s)

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Molecular biology
• Plant immunity

Background:

• Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a crucial plant defense mechanism.
• SAR is induced in healthy plant tissues following local infection.
• The mobile signal mediating SAR has been a long-standing research question.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the mobile signaling molecules responsible for systemic acquired resistance (SAR).
• To elucidate the nature of the signal that travels from the infection site to establish plant immunity.

Main Methods:

• The abstract does not specify the methods used.
• Candidate signaling molecules were identified based on existing research and emerging evidence.

Main Results:

• Several candidate SAR signaling molecules have been identified recently.
• These include methyl salicylate, jasmonic acid, a glycerolipid-derived factor, and signaling peptides.
• SAR signal amplification appears to involve salicylic acid pathways and auxin regulation.

Conclusions:

• The mobile signaling underlying SAR is complex and involves multiple candidate molecules.
• Understanding these signals is key to deciphering plant immune responses.
• Future research will further define the roles of these molecules in plant defense.