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Published on: February 27, 2021
Selective Interaction of Sugarcane eIF4E with VPgs from Sugarcane Mosaic Pathogens.
Zongtao Yang1,2, Meng Dong1,2, Guangyuan Cheng1,2
1National Engineering Research Center for Sugarcane & Key Laboratory of Sugarcane Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
This study reveals how sugarcane mosaic viruses hijack plant translation factors for infection. Different viral VPgs selectively interact with sugarcane eIF4E proteins, impacting disease mechanisms and offering targets for resistant sugarcane breeding.
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Potyvirus infection in plants relies on interactions between eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and viral genome-linked protein (VPg).
- Sugarcane mosaic diseases, caused by SCMV, SrMV, and SCSMV, pose a significant threat to sugarcane production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize sugarcane eIF4E family genes and their interactions with sugarcane mosaic virus VPgs.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying sugarcane mosaic virus infections in sugarcane.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of sugarcane eIF4E genes (SceIF4Ea, SceIF4Eb, SceIF(iso)4E) and a 4E-binding protein gene (ScnCBP).
- Real-time quantitative PCR for gene expression analysis.
- Subcellular localization assays, Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H), Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC), and competitive interaction assays.
Main Results:
- Four sugarcane genes (SceIF4Ea, SceIF4Eb, SceIF(iso)4E, ScnCBP) were cloned and their subcellular localization confirmed in nucleus and cytoplasm.
- Differential interactions were observed: SCMV-VPg interacted with SceIF4Ea/b and SceIF(iso)4E; SrMV-VPg with SceIF4Eb and SceIF(iso)4E; SCSMV-VPg with SceIF(iso)4E.
- BiFC assays revealed ScnCBP interaction with all three viral VPgs, while competitive assays highlighted selective and competitive binding dynamics among VPgs and host factors.
Conclusions:
- Sugarcane mosaic pathogens exhibit selective engagement of host eIF4E proteins for infection.
- The findings provide insights into the molecular basis of sugarcane mosaic disease.
- This research can inform breeding strategies for developing sugarcane varieties resistant to mosaic diseases.
