Alternaria alternata effector AaAlta1 targets CmWD40 and participates in regulating disease resistance in Chrysanthemum morifolium.

ABSTRACT: Black spot diseases caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata adversely affect the growth and yield of many plants worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the virulence and pathogenicity of A. alternata remain largely unknown. In this study, we report the identification of a novel effector Alta1, secreted by A. alternata, which not only contributes to its virulence but also triggers the cell death and defense of the host plant. The expression of Alta1 in Chrysanthemum morifolium activated jasmonic acid (JA) signaling, which, in turn, enhanced plant resistance to A. alternata. Moreover, we found that Alta1 targeted the WD40-repeat protein of chrysanthemum (CmWD40) after entering host cells. Notably, the CmWD40 gene showed rhythmic basal expression, and

SUBMITTER: Zhang S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11957361 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature