The ZmWAKL-ZmWIK-ZmBLK1-ZmRBOH4 module provides quantitative resistance to gray leaf spot in maize.

ABSTRACT: Gray leaf spot (GLS), caused by the fungal pathogens Cercospora zeae-maydis and Cercospora zeina, is a major foliar disease of maize worldwide (Zea mays L.). Here we demonstrate that ZmWAKL encoding cell-wall-associated receptor kinase-like protein is the causative gene at the major quantitative disease resistance locus against GLS. The ZmWAKL^Y protein, encoded by the resistance allele, can self-associate and interact with a leucine-rich repeat immune-related kinase ZmWIK on the plasma membrane. The ZmWAKL^Y/ZmWIK receptor complex interacts with and phosphorylates the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLCK) ZmBLK1, which in turn phosphorylates its downstream NADPH oxidase ZmRBOH4. Upon pathogen infection, ZmWAKL^Y phosphorylation activity is transiently incre

SUBMITTER: Zhong T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10864183 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature