Multilevel evolution shapes the function of NB-LRR encoding genes in plant innate immunity.

Area of Science:

• Plant biology
• Evolutionary genetics
• Immunology

Background:

• Plants possess a sophisticated innate immune system relying on diverse pathogen receptor genes (PRGs).
• The evolutionary history and diversification of PRG repertoires are shaped by domain rearrangement and selection pressures.
• Understanding ancestral signatures is crucial for reconstructing gene family evolutionary trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the evolutionary paths and diversification mechanisms of plant pathogen receptor genes (PRGs).
• To elucidate the role of structural domain rearrangements in the evolution of PRG repertoires, particularly NB-LRR proteins.
• To explore the regulatory systems and genomic architecture underlying the plasticity and multi-level control of plant innate immunity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of pathogen receptor gene (PRG) repertoires.
• Reconstruction of evolutionary trajectories using ancestral signatures.
• Investigation of domain acquisition, sequence modification, and genomic arrangement.

Main Results:

• PRG repertoires diversify through the rearrangement of functional domains, including ancient domains that shaped NB-LRR evolution.
• Rapidly evolving innate immune receptors exhibit domain acquisition, sequence modification, and dynamic associations.
• PRGs are continuously shaped by evolutionary forces, optimizing their genomic arrangement for effective innate immunity.

Conclusions:

• The plasticity of plant innate immunity stems from a sophisticated functional architecture and multi-level regulatory control.
• Genomic architecture, gene expression, and functional arrangement of PRGs enable tailored responses to diverse pathogens.
• Interconnected defense lines and adaptive PRG networks are key to robust plant immune responses.