N-hydroxy-pipecolic acid-mediated signal transduction and resistance requires DAWDLE

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is an induced immune response in plants that is triggered by pathogen infection to protect uninfected tissues against subsequent threats. N-hydroxypipecolic acid (NHP) is a key small molecule required for the establishment of SAR in plants; however, the critical regulators involved in this pathway remain incompletely understood. Through a reverse genetic screen, we identified the Arabidopsis DAWDLE as being required for NHP-induced systemic resistance. Our findings show that loss of DAWDLE compromises NHP-induced SAR-associated gene expression, as well as the enhanced expression of PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENE 1 (PR1) following bacterial pathogen challenge. This study reports a previously unrecognized component involved in systemic acquired resistance beyond its established roles in plant development and small RNA biogenesis, and expands our understanding of plant defense priming.

Yao-Cheng Lin Yun-Chu Chen Sychyi Cheng

Jung-Kai Hsu, Hsin-Yi Hsieh, Chien-Hau Huang, Chen-Yun Hsieh, Jheng-Yang Ou, Shu-Fen Huang, Er-Tsi Hung, Yu-Chang Liu, Sy-Chyi Cheng , Yao-Cheng Lin , Yun-Chu Chen * (2025) N-hydroxy-pipecolic acid-mediated signal transduction and resistance requires DAWDLE PLANT PHYSIOLOGY, 2025 Oct 31;199(3):kiaf536.