The ZmCPK39-ZmDi19-ZmPR10 immune module regulates quantitative resistance to multiple foliar diseases in maize.

ABSTRACT: Gray leaf spot, northern leaf blight and southern leaf blight are three of the most destructive foliar diseases affecting maize (Zea mays L.). Here we identified a gene, ZmCPK39, that encodes a calcium-dependent protein kinase and negatively regulates quantitative resistance to these three diseases. The ZmCPK39 allele in the resistant line displayed significantly lower pathogen-induced gene expression than that in the susceptible line. A marked decrease in ZmCPK39 abundance mitigated the phosphorylation and degradation of the transcription factor ZmDi19. This led to elevated expression of ZmPR10, a gene known to encode an antimicrobial protein, thereby enhancing maize resistance to foliar diseases. Moreover, the F₁ hybrid with reduced ZmCPK39 expression favored disease resistanc

SUBMITTER: Zhu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11631770 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature