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A Malectin-Like Receptor Kinase and Bacterial Motility Shape Tissue-Specific Maize-Xanthomonas vasicola Interactions
Alexander Mullens1, Sarah Hind1, Tiffany Jamann1
1Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA.
Molecular Plant Pathology
|June 17, 2026
Summary
Maize plants have tissue-specific defenses against the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum (Xvv). A receptor kinase gene (ZmCrRLK1L19) provides resistance to vascular disease, while Xvv adapts its virulence strategies based on the plant tissue it infects.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
- Genetics
Background:
- Plant disease resistance relies on understanding tissue-specific defenses against bacterial pathogens.
- Maize (Zea mays) is susceptible to Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum (Xvv), a pathogen with both vascular and nonvascular lifestyles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To dissect the tissue-specific interactions between Xvv and maize.
- To identify genetic factors conferring resistance and pathogen strategies for tissue colonization.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence microscopy, dual RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), and functional genetics were employed.
- Distinct inoculation methods were used to study resistant (B73) and susceptible (CML333) maize lines.
- Transposon insertion lines were utilized to identify resistance genes.
Main Results:
- Temporally and spatially divergent colonization patterns and transcriptional responses were observed in maize lines.
- A malectin-like receptor kinase, ZmCrRLK1L19, was identified as conferring resistance to vascular disease.
- Xvv's flagellar motility is crucial for mesophyll colonization but not for xylem invasion, demonstrating tissue-specific virulence.
Conclusions:
- Mechanisms underlying tissue-specific plant resistance and pathogen tropism were revealed.
- The findings provide a foundation for enhancing broad-spectrum disease resistance in cereal crops.
- ZmCrRLK1L19 represents a key genetic factor in maize vascular disease resistance.
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