Maize phenylalanine ammonia-lyases contribute to resistance to Sugarcane mosaic virus infection, most likely through positive regulation of salicylic acid accumulation.

ABSTRACT: Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) is a pathogen of worldwide importance that causes dwarf mosaic disease on maize (Zea mays). Until now, few maize genes/proteins have been shown to be involved in resistance to SCMV. In this study, we characterized the role of maize phenylalanine ammonia-lyases (ZmPALs) in accumulation of the defence signal salicylic acid (SA) and in resistance to virus infection. SCMV infection significantly increased SA accumulation and expression of SA-responsive pathogenesis-related protein genes (PRs). Interestingly, exogenous SA treatment decreased SCMV accumulation and enhanced resistance. Both reverse transcription-coupled quantitative PCR and RNA-Seq data confirmed that expression levels of at least four ZmPAL genes were significantly up-regulated upon SCMV infection.

SUBMITTER: Yuan W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6792131 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature