Chloroplasts play a central role in plant defence and are targeted by pathogen effectors

Marta de Torres Zabala, George Littlejohn, Siddharth Jayaraman, David Studholme, Trevor Bailey, Tracy Lawson, Michael Tillich, Dirk Licht, Bettina Bölter, Laura Delfino, William Truman, John Mansfield, Nicholas Smirnoff, Murray Grant*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Microbe associated molecular pattern (MAMP) receptors in plants recognize MAMPs and activate basal defences; however a complete understanding of the molecular and physiological mechanisms conferring immunity remains elusive. Pathogens suppress active defence in plants through the combined action of effector proteins. Here we show that the chloroplast is a key component of early immune responses. MAMP perception triggers the rapid, large-scale suppression of nuclear encoded chloroplast-targeted genes (NECGs). Virulent Pseudomonas syringae effectors reprogramme NECG expression in Arabidopsis, target the chloroplast and inhibit photosynthetic CO2 assimilation through disruption of photosystem II. This activity prevents a chloroplastic reactive oxygen burst. These physiological changes precede bacterial multiplication and coincide with pathogen-induced abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation. MAMP pretreatment protects chloroplasts from effector manipulation, whereas application of ABA or the inhibitor of photosynthetic electron transport, DCMU, abolishes the MAMP-induced chloroplastic reactive oxygen burst, and enhances growth of a P. syringae hrpA mutant that fails to secrete effectors.

Original languageEnglish
Article number15074
JournalNature Plants
Volume1
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2015

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