Motif-based substrate mapping of the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase BIK1 reveals novel components and regulatory nodes of plant immunity

ABSTRACT: Plant cell surface pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) perceive non- or altered-self elicitors to induce immune responses. PRRs relay information across the plasma membrane and trigger downstream signaling via receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) such as BOTRYTIS-INDUCED KINASE 1 (BIK1). BIK1 associates with several PRRs and acts as a key executor of immune responses through the phosphorylation of substrate proteins. However, a comprehensive understanding of how BIK1 targets specific substrates and a full repertoire of these substrates are lacking. Here, we defined the substrate specificity of BIK1 and use these data to predict candidate substrates in Arabidopsis. Using high-throughput biochemical and genetic screening of these candidates, we confirmed many as bona fide BIK1 substrates and novel regulators of plant immunity. Among the BIK1 substrates identified are MULTIPLE C2 DOMAIN AND TRANSMEMBRANE REGION PROTEIN 3, which regulates flg22-induced plasmodesmata closure and immunity, and members of the largely uncharacterized CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE-LIKE family, which function as novel negative regulators of immunity. In parallel, we interrogated intracellular NUCLEOTIDE-BINDING LEUCINE-RICH REPEAT (NLR) immune receptors for potential BIK1 phosphorylation motifs. This analysis identified multiple NLRs as direct BIK1 substrates, revealing that BIK1 phosphorylation regulates NLR activation and oligomerization. Together, our unbiased biochemical screens shed light on the central role of BIK1 as a key kinase shaping multiple layers of plant immune signaling.

ORGANISM(S): Arabidopsis Thaliana

SUBMITTER: Frank Menke  

PROVIDER: PXD066643 | panorama | Wed Apr 29 00:00:00 BST 2026

REPOSITORIES: PanoramaPublic