Pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity is compromised under C-limited growth
Hyeong Cheol Park1, Shinyoung Lee2, Bokyung Park3
1Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus Program) and Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea ; Bureau of Ecological Conservation Reseach, National Institute of Ecology, Seocheon 325-813, Korea.
Molecules and Cells
|November 13, 2014
Summary
Plant carbon (C) availability is crucial for immunity against pathogens. Reduced C supply compromises pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI), highlighting the need for energy in plant defense.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Plant physiology
- Molecular plant-microbe interactions
Background:
- Plant immune responses, including pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI), rely on energy and carbon (C) resources.
- The impact of varying C availability on the efficiency of PTI has not been thoroughly investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically examine how C availability influences PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) in plants.
- To elucidate the role of C-derived energy in establishing and maintaining plant immune responses against pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of three starch mutants with altered C metabolism for their susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 hrcC.
- Assessment of PTI markers, including callose accumulation and gene expression, under varying C availability and in response to the PAMP flagellin (flg22).
- Global gene expression analysis to identify C supply-dependent gene regulation during PTI.
Main Results:
- Starch mutants exhibited compromised PTI responses, including reduced induction of PTI markers and callose accumulation, in a dark period-dependent manner.
- Inhibition of the TCA cycle in wild-type plants also weakened PTI, confirming the necessity of C-derived energy.
- Gene expression analysis revealed that C availability significantly impacts flg22-responsive genes, with nutrient recycling genes showing coordinated regulation under C-limitation and flg22 treatment.
- Ethylene and NAC transcription factors were implicated in mediating these C-dependent defense responses.
Conclusions:
- Plant immune responses, specifically PTI, are significantly dependent on sufficient carbon (C) availability for energy and biosynthesis.
- Under C-limitation, plants reprogram gene expression to potentially redirect resources, but this can compromise the ability to mount effective defenses against pathogens.
- The study underscores the critical link between plant nutritional status and pathogen defense capabilities.
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