Abstract Detail

Physiology

Ray, Justin [1], Cohee, Mollee [1], Ramonell, Katrina [1].

Understanding PMRK1: A novel plant receptor-like kinase involved in fungal defense.

Land plants and fungi maintain complicated relationships ranging from flourishing symbioses to dangerous diseases. Plants are under constant attack from an abundance of pathogenic fungi. Lacking an adaptive immune system, plants are naturally prepared for attack by possessing a vast array of pathogen recognition machinery. Interestingly, many proteins involved in pathogen recognition also play critical roles in establishing symbiotic relationships. Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are involved in the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and activate resistance pathways against broad classes of pathogens. We have identified Powdery Mildew Resistant Kinase 1, an Arabidopsis RLK that is highly induced by the fungal PAMP chitin at early time points and localizes to the plasma membrane. Knock-out mutants in pmrk1 are more susceptible to both Golovinomyces cichoracearum and Plectosphaerella cucumerina, while overexpression lines are more resistant. Our data show that PMRK1 is essential in early stages of defense against fungi and provide evidence that PMRK1 may be unique to chitin-induced signaling pathways. We also show that PMRK1 plays a regulatory role in MAP kinase signaling, as well as downstream defense hormone signaling. Lastly, because mutualistic mycorrhizal symbioses have been lost in Brassicaceae, we are currently implementing comparative genomics techniques to examine PMRK1 in the context of molecular evolution. Here we conclude that PMRK1 is a critical component of plant innate immunity against fungal pathogens.

1 - University of Alabama, Biological Sciences, 1325 Science and Engineering Complex (SEC), 300 Hackberry Lane, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0344, USA

Keywords:
Arabidopsis
Chitin
Golovinomyces cichoracearum
Pathogen‐Associated Molecular Patterns
Molecular biology
gene trees.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: PHYS1, Physiology
Location: San Pedro 2/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 9:15 AM
Number: PHYS1006
Abstract ID:1077
Candidate for Awards:Physiological Section Physiological Section Li-COR Prize,Physiological Section Best Paper Presentation