Detection of MAPK3/6 Phosphorylation During Hypersensitive Response (HR)-Associated Programmed Cell Death in Plants

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an essential component of development, biotic and abiotic responses. Hypersensitive response (HR)-associated cell death activated under pathogen attack is one of the most dramatic manifestations of PCD in plants. Signal transduction through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, a very conserved signaling pathway across eukaryotes, is a core mediator for HR-associated PCD. Therefore, monitoring MAPK activation enables the mechanisms underlying HR-associated PCD to be elucidated. Here, we describe the use of a phosphorylation-specific MAPK3/6 antibody to monitor the activation of MAPK3/6 during HR-associated PCD. The technique may be adapted for use in other types of PCD.