A new regulator of N-hydroxypipecolic acid-mediated systemic resistance: the Arabidopsis DAWDLE gene

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.
Yun-Chu Chen

 

Co-researchers: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