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RdDM-Dependent Epigenetic Regulation Coordinates Systemic Immunity and Compatibility with Trichoderma atroviride in
Maria Montserrat Rosendo-Vargas1, Valeria Ávila-Castillo1, Kumari Rashmi1
1Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, A. C. (IPICYT), División de Biología Molecular, Camino a la Presa San José No. 2055, Colonia Lomas 4ª Sección, San Luis Potosí C.P. 78216, Mexico.
Microorganisms
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Epigenetic regulation via RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) components influences plant immunity and beneficial microbe interactions. These pathways balance defense, growth, and microbial compatibility in Arabidopsis.
Area of Science:
- Plant immunity
- Epigenetics
- Microbe-plant interactions
Background:
- Epigenetic regulation, particularly RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), is crucial for plant immune responses and beneficial microbial interactions.
- Key RdDM components include DCL3, AGO9, DCL1, CMT3, DRM1, and DRM2.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of specific RdDM components in the interaction between Arabidopsis thaliana, Trichoderma atroviride, and foliar pathogens.
- Elucidate how RdDM influences basal and inducible immunity, plant signaling pathways, and interactions with beneficial microbes.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of Arabidopsis mutants in RdDM components.
- Pathogen resistance assays against Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000.
- Transcriptional analysis of defense signaling pathways (JA/ET and SA).
- Assessment of Trichoderma atroviride colonization and plant growth dynamics.
Main Results:
- DCL3 and AGO9 differentially regulate immunity, opposing resistance to Botrytis cinerea but promoting defense against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000.
- RdDM components modulate the balance of jasmonic acid/ethylene (JA/ET) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways.
- DCL3 and DCL1 are required for Trichoderma atroviride-mediated systemic resistance, while AGO9 and DNA methyltransferases aid root colonization.
- Mutants showed enhanced basal resistance but impaired responsiveness to beneficial microbes, indicating a growth-defense trade-off.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic regulation by RdDM components is essential for balancing plant immune activation, growth, and compatibility with beneficial microbes.
- A trade-off exists between constitutive defense and inducible systemic protection, mediated by epigenetic pathways.
- RdDM components fine-tune plant responses to pathogens and beneficial microbes, impacting overall plant fitness.
Keywords:
ARGONAUTE 9 (AGO9)ArabidopsisDICER-LIKE (DCL) proteinsDNA methyltransferasesRNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM)Trichodermaplant–microbe interactionssystemic resistanceMore Related Videos
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