MYC2 and MYC3 orchestrate pith lignification to defend Nicotiana attenuata stems against a stem-boring weevil.

ABSTRACT: Lignin is a key structural polymer that also serves as a potent defense against biotic stress. Herbivore-induced, jasmonate-dependent pith lignification in Nicotiana attenuata plays a crucial role in defense against the stem-borer Trichobaris mucorea. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying herbivore-induced lignification remain largely unknown. We demonstrate that NaMYC2 and NaMYC3 orchestrate pith-specific lignification in response to T. mucorea attack. RNA-seq analysis reveals that monolignol biosynthetic genes and polymerization-associated genes fail to be induced in Namyc2/3 double mutants upon T. mucorea attack. Among NaMYC2/3-dependent genes in the attacked pith, we identify NaTHT1, responsible for synthesizing the noncanonical monolignol N-FT. Using Natht1 mutants, we further

SUBMITTER: Choung S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12329198 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature