NLR network mediates immunity to diverse plant pathogens
Chih-Hang Wu1, Ahmed Abd-El-Haliem2, Tolga O Bozkurt1,3
1The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, United Kingdom.
Summary
Plants utilize nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing (NLR) proteins for immunity. This study reveals a complex NLR network where helper NLRs (NRC family) show functional redundancy and distinct specificities, enhancing plant immune robustness.
Area of Science:
- Plant immunity
- Molecular plant-pathogen interactions
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Plants and animals use NLR proteins for pathogen defense and immune signaling.
- NLRs function as sensor/helper pairs, but plant sensor/helper NLR knowledge is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complex NLR immune network in plants.
- To understand the functional redundancy and specificity of helper NLRs in the NRC family.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of NLR proteins.
- Investigated NLR protein interactions and immune signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Discovered functionally redundant helper NLRs (NRC family) with distinct sensor NLR specificities.
- NRC4, NRC2, and NRC3 are crucial for various sensor NLRs conferring immunity against diverse pathogens.
- NRC family and dependent NLRs form a well-supported superclade, likely originating over 100 million years ago.
Conclusions:
- A complex genetic network of NLRs links evolutionary history to immune signaling mechanisms.
- This NLR network enhances immune signaling robustness against evolving plant pathogens.
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