A novel mode of WRKY1 regulating PR1-mediated immune balance to defend against powdery mildew in apple.

ABSTRACT: Powdery mildew (PM), caused by the biotrophic fungus Podospharea leucotricha, poses a significant threat to apple production. Salicylic acid (SA) signaling plays a crucial role in enhancing resistance to biotrophic pathogens. While PR1, a defense protein induced by SA, is essential for plant immunity, its excessive accumulation can be detrimental. However, the mechanism of PR1-mediated immune balance remains unclear. This study identified a key transcription factor, WRKY1, which enhances the SA accumulation by modulating the SA biosynthesis gene EPS1, while simultaneously regulating the WRKY40-NPR3g module to prevent sustained PR1 expression caused by continuous SA accumulation. Specifically, the transcription factor WRKY40 upregulates NPR3g expression, and NPR3g interacts with NPR1 in an

SUBMITTER: Lan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11881497 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature