Targeted MYC2 stabilization confers citrus Huanglongbing resistance
Pingzhi Zhao1,2, Huan Yang1,2, Yanwei Sun1
1State Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity and Innovative Utilization, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|April 10, 2025
Summary
Researchers identified a citrus disease resistance circuit involving PUB21 and MYC2. A peptide stabilized MYC2, conferring Huanglongbing (HLB) resistance in plants and field trials.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Huanglongbing (HLB) is a severe citrus disease with no effective cure.
- Jasmonate-mediated defense pathways are crucial for plant immunity.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is vital for citrus crop protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying HLB resistance in citrus.
- To identify novel targets and strategies for combating HLB.
- To develop a peptide-based therapeutic approach for HLB.
Main Methods:
- Investigated a regulatory circuit involving E3 ubiquitin ligase PUB21 and MYC2 transcription factor.
- Analyzed helitron insertion effects on gene regulation and protein stability.
- Utilized artificial intelligence to identify antiproteolysis peptides (APPs).
- Tested peptide efficacy in HLB resistance assays, including greenhouse and field trials.
Main Results:
- A citrus regulatory circuit involving PUB21 and MYC2 was identified, controlling jasmonate-mediated defenses.
- Helitron insertion created a link between PUB21 activity and MYC2 degradation.
- Ectopic expression of a PUB21 paralog stabilized MYC2 and conferred HLB resistance.
- AI-identified APPs, specifically APP3-14, inhibited PUB21, stabilized MYC2, and controlled HLB.
Conclusions:
- A novel HLB resistance mechanism centered on PUB21-mediated MYC2 regulation was discovered.
- Antiproteolysis peptides offer a promising strategy for stabilizing resistance proteins and combating HLB.
- This approach provides a new avenue for managing diseases caused by uncultivable pathogens.
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