A small peptide APP3-14 disrupts pathogen-insect mutualism by modulating plant MYC2-mediated olfactory defense.

ABSTRACT: The dissemination of insect-borne plant pathogens relies on their ability to influence vector behavior. Certain bacteria-infected plants exhibit increased attractiveness to vectors; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Huanglongbing (HLB), a devastating citrus disease, is primarily caused by the bacterium "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas) and transmitted by psyllid vectors. In this study, we demonstrate that the effector protein SDE5, secreted by CLas, suppresses the biosynthesis of volatile terpenoids in host citrus plants, thereby enhancing psyllid attraction. Biochemically, SDE5 functions as an inhibitor of bacterial C-type lysozyme, facilitating both CLas infection and psyllid vector attraction. Two plant U-box (PUB) E3 ligases, PUB10 and PUB21, are

SUBMITTER: Zhao P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12744762 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature