Coronatine

Coronatine orchestrates ABI1-mediated stomatal opening to facilitate bacterial pathogen infection through importin beta protein SAD2.[Pubmed:38683723]

Plant J. 2024 Apr 29.

Stomatal immunity plays an important role during bacterial pathogen invasion. Abscisic acid (ABA) induces plants to close their stomata and halt pathogen invasion, but many bacterial pathogens secrete phytotoxin Coronatine (COR) to antagonize ABA signaling and reopen the stomata to promote infection at early stage of invasion. However, the underlining mechanism is not clear. SAD2 is an importin beta family protein, and the sad2 mutant shows hypersensitivity to ABA. We discovered ABI1, which negatively regulated ABA signaling and reduced plant sensitivity to ABA, was accumulated in the plant nucleus after COR treatment. This event required SAD2 to import ABI1 to the plant nucleus. Abolition of SAD2 undermined ABI1 accumulation. Our study answers the long-standing question of how bacterial COR antagonizes ABA signaling and reopens plant stomata during pathogen invasion.

Design, synthesis and systemic acquired resistance of 2-benzothiadiazolylquinoline-4-carboxamides by COI1 based virtual screening.[Pubmed:38679675]

Mol Divers. 2024 Apr 29.

Coronatine-insensitive 1 (COI1) has been identified as a target receptor of plant elicitor Coronatine (COR). To discover novel plant elicitor leads, most of the potential molecules among 129 compounds discovered from the ZINC database by docking based virtual screening targeting COI1 were quinoline amides. On this lead basis, 2-benzothiadiazolylquinoline-4-carboxamides were rationally designed and synthesized for bioassay. All target compounds did not show significantly in vitro antifungal activity, compounds 4d, 4e and 4o displayed good in vivo systemic acquired resistance activity for Arabidopsis thaliana against Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis isolate Noco2 with over 80% of inhibitory rate at the concentration of 50 muM. These results indicate that 2-benzothiadiazolylquinoline-4-carboxamides are promising plant elicitor leads for further study.

Jasmonate mimic modulates cell elongation by regulating antagonistic bHLH transcription factors via brassinosteroid signaling.[Pubmed:38636101]

Plant Physiol. 2024 Apr 18:kiae217.

Lodging restricts growth, development, and yield formation in maize (Zea mays L.). Shorter internode length is beneficial for lodging tolerance. However, although brassinosteroids (BRs) and jasmonic acid (JA) are known to antagonistically regulate internode growth, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this study, application of the JA mimic Coronatine (COR) inhibited basal internode elongation at the jointing stage and repressed expression of the cell wall-related gene XYLOGLUCAN ENDOTRANSGLUCOSYLASE/HYDROLASE 1 (ZmXTH1), whose overexpression in maize plants promotes internode elongation. We demonstrated that the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor ZmbHLH154 binds directly to the ZmXTH1 promoter and induces its expression, whereas the bHLH transcription factor ILI1 BINDING BHLH 1 (ZmIBH1) inhibits this transcriptional activation by forming a heterodimer with ZmbHLH154. Overexpressing ZmbHLH154 led to longer internodes, whereas zmbhlh154 mutants had shorter internodes than the wild type. The core JA-dependent transcription factors ZmMYC2-4 and ZmMYC2-6 interacted with BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1 (ZmBZR1), a key factor in BR signaling, and these interactions eliminated the inhibitory effect of ZmBZR1 on its downstream gene ZmIBH1. Collectively, these results reveal a signaling module in which JA regulates a bHLH network by attenuating BR signaling to inhibit ZmXTH1 expression, thereby regulating cell elongation in maize.

A signaling cascade mediating fruit trait development via phosphorylation-modulated nuclear accumulation of JAZ repressor.[Pubmed:38558522]

J Integr Plant Biol. 2024 Apr 1.

It is generally accepted that jasmonate-ZIM domain (JAZ) repressors act to mediate jasmonate (JA) signaling via Coronatine-INSENSITIVE1 (COI1)-mediated degradation. Here, we report a cryptic signaling cascade where a JAZ repressor, FvJAZ12, mediates multiple signaling inputs via phosphorylation-modulated subcellular translocation rather than the COI1-mediated degradation mechanism in strawberry (Fragaria vesca). FvJAZ12 acts to regulate flavor metabolism and defense response, and was found to be the target of FvMPK6, a mitogen-activated protein kinase that is capable of responding to multiple signal stimuli. FvMPK6 phosphorylates FvJAZ12 at the amino acid residues S179 and T183 adjacent to the PY residues, thereby attenuating its nuclear accumulation and relieving its repression for FvMYC2, which acts to control the expression of lipoxygenase 3 (FvLOX3), an important gene involved in JA biosynthesis and a diverse array of cellular metabolisms. Our data reveal a previously unreported mechanism for JA signaling and decipher a signaling cascade that links multiple signaling inputs with fruit trait development.

Jasmonate signaling pathway confers salt tolerance through a NUCLEAR FACTOR-Y trimeric transcription factor complex in Arabidopsis.[Pubmed:38386555]

Cell Rep. 2024 Mar 26;43(3):113825.

Jasmonate (JA) is a well-known phytohormone essential for plant response to biotic stress. Recently, a crucial role of JA signaling in salt resistance has been highlighted; however, the specific regulatory mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that the NUCLEAR FACTOR-Y (NF-Y) subunits NF-YA1, NF-YB2, and NF-YC9 form a trimeric complex that positively regulates the expression of salinity-responsive genes, whereas JASMONATE-ZIM DOMAIN protein 8 (JAZ8) directly interacts with three subunits and acts as the key repressor to suppress both the assembly of the NF-YA1-YB2-YC9 trimeric complex and the transcriptional activation activity of the complex. When plants encounter high salinity, JA levels are elevated and perceived by the Coronatine INSENSITIVE (COI) 1 receptor, leading to the degradation of JAZ8 via the 26S proteasome pathway, thereby releasing the activity of the NF-YA1-YB2-YC9 complex, initiating the activation of salinity-responsive genes, such as MYB75, and thus enhancing the salinity tolerance of plants.

OsJAZ4 Fine-Tunes Rice Blast Resistance and Yield Traits.[Pubmed:38337880]

Plants (Basel). 2024 Jan 24;13(3):348.

JAZ proteins function as transcriptional regulators that form a jasmonic acid-isoleucine (JA-Ile) receptor complex with Coronatine insensitive 1 (COI1) and regulate plant growth and development. These proteins also act as key mediators in signal transduction pathways that activate the defense-related genes. Herein, the role of OsJAZ4 in rice blast resistance, a severe disease, was examined. The mutation of OsJAZ4 revealed its significance in Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae) resistance and the seed setting rate in rice. In addition, weaker M. oryzae-induced ROS production and expression of the defense genes OsO4g10010, OsWRKY45, OsNAC4, and OsPR3 was observed in osjaz4 compared to Nipponbare (NPB); also, the jasmonic acid (JA) and gibberellin4 (GA4) content was significantly lower in osjaz4 than in NPB. Moreover, osjaz4 exhibited a phenotype featuring a reduced seed setting rate. These observations highlight the involvement of OsJAZ4 in the regulation of JA and GA4 content, playing a positive role in regulating the rice blast resistance and seed setting rate.

Valsa mali PR1-like protein modulates an apple valine-glutamine protein to suppress JA signaling-mediated immunity.[Pubmed:38235781]

Plant Physiol. 2024 Mar 29;194(4):2755-2770.

Apple Valsa canker (AVC) is a devastating disease of apple (Malus x domestica), caused by Valsa mali (Vm). The Cysteine-rich secretory protein, Antigen 5, and Pathogenesis-related protein 1 (CAP) superfamily protein PATHOGENESIS-RELATED PROTEIN 1-LIKE PROTEIN c (VmPR1c) plays an important role in the pathogenicity of Vm. However, the mechanisms through which it exerts its virulence function in Vm-apple interactions remain unclear. In this study, we identified an apple valine-glutamine (VQ)-motif-containing protein, MdVQ29, as a VmPR1c target protein. MdVQ29-overexpressing transgenic apple plants showed substantially enhanced AVC resistance as compared with the wild type. MdVQ29 interacted with the transcription factor MdWRKY23, which was further shown to bind to the promoter of the jasmonic acid (JA) signaling-related gene Coronatine INSENSITIVE 1 (MdCOI1) and activate its expression to activate the JA signaling pathway. Disease evaluation in lesion areas on infected leaves showed that MdVQ29 positively modulated apple resistance in a MdWRKY23-dependent manner. Furthermore, MdVQ29 promoted the transcriptional activity of MdWRKY23 toward MdCOI1. In addition, VmPR1c suppressed the MdVQ29-enhanced transcriptional activation activity of MdWRKY23 by promoting the degradation of MdVQ29 and inhibiting MdVQ29 expression and the MdVQ29-MdWRKY23 interaction, thereby interfering with the JA signaling pathway and facilitating Vm infection. Overall, our results demonstrate that VmPR1c targets MdVQ29 to manipulate the JA signaling pathway to regulate immunity. Thus, this study provides an important theoretical basis and guidance for mining and utilizing disease-resistance genetic resources for genetically improving apples.

Two distinct modes of action of molecular glues in the plant hormone co-receptor COI1-JAZ system.[Pubmed:38188528]

iScience. 2023 Dec 3;27(1):108625.

The plant hormone (3R, 7S)-jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine ((3R, 7S)-JA-Ile) is perceived by the COI1-JAZ co-receptor in Arabidopsis thaliana, leading to the activation of gene expression for plant defense responses, growth, development, and other processes. Therefore, understanding the interaction between the COI1-JAZ co-receptor and its ligands is essential for the development of COI1-JAZ agonists and antagonists as potent chemical tools for regulating (3R, 7S)-JA-Ile signaling. This study demonstrated that COI1-JAZ has two independent modes of ligand perception using a differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) assay. (3R, 7S)-JA-Ile is perceived through a one-step model in which (3R, 7S)-JA-Ile causes protein-protein interaction between COI1 and JAZ. In contrast, Coronatine (COR), a mimic of (3R, 7S)-JA-Ile, is perceived through a two-step model in which COR is first perceived by COI1 and then recruits JAZ to form the COI1-COR-JAZ complex. Our results demonstrate two distinct modes of action of molecular glues causing protein-protein interactions.

Coronatine-Induced Maize Defense against Gibberella Stalk Rot by Activating Antioxidants and Phytohormone Signaling.[Pubmed:38132756]

J Fungi (Basel). 2023 Nov 30;9(12):1155.

One of the most destructive diseases, Gibberella stalk rot (GSR), caused by Fusarium graminearum, reduces maize yields significantly. An induced resistance response is a potent and cost-effective plant defense against pathogen attack. The functional counterpart of JAs, Coronatine (COR), has attracted a lot of interest recently due to its ability to control plant growth and stimulate secondary metabolism. Although several studies have focused on COR as a plant immune elicitor to improve plant resistance to pathogens, the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of the suppressive ability against COR to F. graminearum in maize have been limited. We investigated the potential physiological and molecular mechanisms of COR in modulating maize resistance to F. graminearum. COR treatment strongly enhanced disease resistance and promoted stomatal closure with H(2)O(2) accumulation, and 10 mug/mL was confirmed as the best concentration. COR treatment increased defense-related enzyme activity and decreased the malondialdehyde content with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity. To identify candidate resistance genes and gain insight into the molecular mechanism of GSR resistance associated with COR, we integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic data to systemically explore the defense mechanisms of COR, and multiple hub genes were pinpointed using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA). We discovered 6 significant modules containing 10 candidate genes: WRKY transcription factor (LOC100279570), calcium-binding protein (LOC100382070), NBR1-like protein (LOC100275089), amino acid permease (LOC100382244), glutathione S-transferase (LOC541830), HXXXD-type acyl-transferase (LOC100191608), prolin-rich extensin-like receptor protein kinase (LOC100501564), AP2-like ethylene-responsive transcription factor (LOC100384380), basic leucine zipper (LOC100275351), and glycosyltransferase (LOC606486), which are highly correlated with the jasmonic acid-ethylene signaling pathway and antioxidants. In addition, a core set of metabolites, including alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and flavonoids biosynthesis linked to the hub genes, were identified. Taken together, our research revealed differentially expressed key genes and metabolites, as well as co-expression networks, associated with COR treatment of maize stems after F. graminearum infection. In addition, COR-treated maize had higher JA (JA-Ile and Me-JA) levels. We postulated that COR plays a positive role in maize resistance to F. graminearum by regulating antioxidant levels and the JA signaling pathway, and the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway is also involved in the resistance response against GSR.

Discovery of type II polyketide synthase-like enzymes for the biosynthesis of cispentacin.[Pubmed:38052796]

Nat Commun. 2023 Dec 6;14(1):8065.

Type II polyketide synthases (PKSs) normally synthesize polycyclic aromatic compounds in nature, and the potential to elaborate further diverse skeletons was recently revealed by the discovery of a polyene subgroup. Here, we show a type II PKS machinery for the biosynthesis of a five-membered nonaromatic skeleton contained in the nonproteinogenic amino acid cispentacin and the plant toxin Coronatine. We successfully produce cispentacin in a heterologous host and reconstruct its biosynthesis using seven recombinant proteins in vitro. Biochemical analyses of each protein reveal the unique enzymatic reactions, indicating that a heterodimer of type II PKS-like enzymes (AmcF-AmcG) catalyzes a single C(2) elongation as well as a subsequent cyclization on the acyl carrier protein (AmcB) to form a key intermediate with a five-membered ring. The subsequent reactions, which are catalyzed by a collection of type II PKS-like enzymes, are also peculiar. This work further expands the definition of type II PKS and illuminates an unexplored genetic resource for natural products.

COI1 dependent jasmonic acid signalling positively modulates ROS scavenging system in transgenic hairy root culture of tomato.[Pubmed:38039582]

Plant Physiol Biochem. 2024 Jan;206:108229.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is a routine event in plants. ROS function as signalling molecules in regulating plant development and defence. However, their accumulation beyond threshold leads to toxicity. Hence, plants are evolved with specialized ROS scavenging system involving phytohormones (synthesis and signalling), enzymes and metabolites. To understand the role of phytohormone jasmonic acid (JA) signalling in ROS scavenging, tomato Coronatine insensitive 1 (SlCOI1), a key gene in JA signalling, was silenced and overexpressed in tomato transgenic hairy roots (HR) under the constitutive promoter. Targeted metabolomics of transgenic HR revealed accumulation of phenolic acids including ferulic acid, coumaric acid, vanillic acid, and flavonoid catechin in SlCOI1 overexpressed line. Moreover, osmolyte amino acids proline, asparagine, and glutamine showed a positive co-relation with transgenic overexpression of SlCOI1. Ascorbic acid-glutathione, a crucial antioxidant system was found to be influenced by COI1-mediated JA signalling. The expression of genes encoding enzymes superoxide dismutase 1, ascorbate peroxidase 1, and dehydroascorbate reductase 2 was found to be down and upregulated in SlCOI1 silenced and overexpressed lines, respectively. Methyl jasmonate and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici crude extract treatment further confirmed the regulatory role of COI1-mediated JA signalling in regulation of enzymatic components involved in ROS scavenging. The COI1-mediated JA signalling could also elevate the expression of RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG-B gene which is involved in ROS wave signal generation. The present study underscores the role of COI1-mediated JA signalling in modulating enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of ROS scavenging system and pathogen associated molecular pattern triggered immunity.

Diversity of Strains in the Pseudomonas syringae Complex Causing Bacterial Stem Blight of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in the United States.[Pubmed:37913751]

Phytopathology. 2024 Apr;114(4):802-812.

Alfalfa growers in the Intermountain West of the United States have recently seen an increased incidence in bacterial stem blight (BSB), which can result in significant herbage yield losses from the first harvest. BSB has been attributed to Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and P. viridiflava; however, little is known about the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of these bacteria or their interaction with alfalfa plants. Here, we present a comprehensive phylogenetic and phenotypic analysis of P. syringae and P. viridiflava strains causing BSB on alfalfa. A multilocus sequence analysis found that they grouped exclusively with P. syringae PG2b and P. viridiflava PG7a. Alfalfa symptoms caused by both bacterial groups were indistinguishable, although there was a large range in mean disease scores for individual strains. Overall, PG2b strains incited significantly greater disease scores than those caused by PG7a strains. Inoculated plants showed browning in the xylem and collapse of epidermal and pith parenchyma cells. Inoculation with a mixture of PG2b and PG7a strains did not result in synergistic activity. The populations of PG2b and PG7a strains were genetically diverse within their clades and did not group by location or haplotype. The PG2b strains had genes for production of the phytotoxin Coronatine, which is unusual in PG2b strains. The results indicate that both pathogens are well established on alfalfa across a wide geographic range and that a recent introduction or evolution of more aggressive strains as the basis for emergence of the disease is unlikely.

XLG2 and CORI3 function additively to regulate plant defense against the necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.[Pubmed:37910396]

Plant J. 2024 Jan;117(2):616-631.

The membrane-bound heterotrimeric G-proteins in plants play a crucial role in defending against a broad range of pathogens. This study emphasizes the significance of Extra-large Galpha protein 2 (XLG2), a plant-specific G-protein, in mediating the plant response to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which infects over 600 plant species worldwide. Our analysis of Arabidopsis G-protein mutants showed that loss of XLG2 function increased susceptibility to S. sclerotiorum, accompanied by compromised accumulation of jasmonic acid (JA) during pathogen infection. Overexpression of the XLG2 gene in xlg2 mutant plants resulted in higher resistance and increased JA accumulation during S. sclerotiorum infection. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) analysis on S. sclerotiorum infected Col-0 samples, using two different approaches, identified 201 XLG2-interacting proteins. The identified JA-biosynthetic and JA-responsive proteins had compromised transcript expression in the xlg2 mutant during pathogen infection. XLG2 was found to interact physically with a JA-responsive protein, Coronatine induced 1 (CORI3) in Co-IP, and confirmed using split firefly luciferase complementation and bimolecular fluorescent complementation assays. Additionally, genetic analysis revealed an additive effect of XLG2 and CORI3 on resistance against S. sclerotiorum, JA accumulation, and expression of the defense marker genes. Overall, our study reveals two independent pathways involving XLG2 and CORI3 in contributing resistance against S. sclerotiorum.

Erratum: High-Throughput Identification of Resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato in Tomato using Seedling Flood Assay.[Pubmed:37851522]

J Vis Exp. 2023 Oct 18;(200).

An erratum was issued for: High-Throughput Identification of Resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato in Tomato using Seedling Flood Assay. The Introduction, Protocol, Representative Results and Discussion sections were updated. The last paragraph of the Introduction section was updated from: In the seedling flood assay described in this protocol, tomato seedlings are grown on Petri dishes of sterile Murashige and Skoog (MS) media for 10 days and then are flooded with an inoculum containing the bacteria of interest and a surfactant. Following flooding, seedlings can be quantitatively evaluated for disease resistance via bacterial growth assays. Additionally, seedling survival or death can act as a discrete resistance or disease phenotype 7-14 days after flooding. This approach offers a high-throughput alternative for screening large numbers of wild tomato accessions for resistance to Pst race 1 strains, such as Pst strain T1 (PstT1), and can easily be adapted to other bacterial strains of interest. to: In the seedling flood assay described in this protocol, tomato seedlings are grown on Petri dishes of sterile Murashige and Skoog (MS) media for 10 days and then are flooded with an inoculum containing the bacteria of interest and a surfactant. Following flooding, seedlings can be quantitatively evaluated for disease resistance via bacterial growth assays. Additionally, seedling survival or death can act as a discrete resistance or disease phenotype 7-14 days after flooding. This approach offers a high-throughput alternative for screening large numbers of wild tomato accessions for resistance to Pst race 1 strains, such as Pst strain 19 (Pst19), and can easily be adapted to other bacterial strains of interest. Step 4.8 of the Protocol section was updated from: After 1 h, transfer the bottle to the biosafety cabinet and under aseptic conditions, add 1,600 microL of sterile 1 M MgSO4, and appropriate antibiotics to the media. NOTE: For rifampicin resistant strains PstDC3000 and PstT1, use rifampicin dissolved in dimethylformamide at a final concentration of 50 microg/mL. Use cycloheximide dissolved in ethanol at a final concentration of 50 microg/mL to prevent fungal growth on the plates. to: After 1 h, transfer the bottle to the biosafety cabinet and under aseptic conditions, add 1,600 microL of sterile 1 M MgSO4, and appropriate antibiotics to the media. NOTE: For rifampicin resistant strains PstDC3000 and Pst19, use rifampicin dissolved in dimethylformamide at a final concentration of 50 microg/mL. Use cycloheximide dissolved in ethanol at a final concentration of 50 microg/mL to prevent fungal growth on the plates. Step 5.2 of the Protocol section was updated from: Patch bacteria (i.e., PstT1) from a glycerol stock onto KB agar with appropriate antibiotics (section 4). to: Patch bacteria (i.e., Pst19) from a glycerol stock onto KB agar with appropriate antibiotics (section 4). Step 5.6 of the Protocol section was updated from: For PstT1, incubate the KB plate at 28 C for 48 h prior to using bacteria in the flood experiment. to: For Pst19, incubate the KB plate at 28 C for 48 h prior to using bacteria in the flood experiment. Step 6 of the Protocol section was updated from: 6. Preparation of PstT1 inoculum to 6. Preparation of Pst19 inoculum Step 6.2 of the Protocol section was updated from: Perform serial dilutions using sterile 10 mM MgCl2 solution in the biosafety cabinet. For PstT1, use a spectrophotometer to make inoculum with a starting concentration of OD600 = 0.1. to: Perform serial dilutions using sterile 10 mM MgCl2 solution in the biosafety cabinet. For Pst19, use a spectrophotometer to make inoculum with a starting concentration of OD600 = 0.1. Step 6.3 of the Protocol section was updated from: For PstT1, make a 1/10 dilution from the initial resuspension at OD600 = 0.1 to obtain a serial dilution at a concentration of OD600 = 0.01. to: For Pst19, make a 1/10 dilution from the initial resuspension at OD600 = 0.1 to obtain a serial dilution at a concentration of OD600 = 0.01. Step 8.3 of the Protocol section was updated from: Set a timer for 3 min. Measure 6 mL of final inoculum (PstT1 OD600 = 0.0075 [section 6] or PstDC3000 OD600 = 0.005 [section 7]) and transfer 6 mL of inoculum to each plate with the 10-day-old seedlings. to: Set a timer for 3 min. Measure 6 mL of final inoculum (Pst19 OD600 = 0.0075 [section 6] or PstDC3000 OD600 = 0.005 [section 7]) and transfer 6 mL of inoculum to each plate with the 10-day-old seedlings. Step 8.11 of the Protocol section was updated from: Phenotype after 7-10 days for PstDC3000 or 10-14 days for PstT1 (section 11). If carrying out bacterial growth assays, collect leaf tissue after 4 days (sections 9 and 10) and then phenotype (section 11). Alternatively, perform phenotypic analysis and bacterial growth assays on separate sets of plants. to: Phenotype after 7-10 days for PstDC3000 or 10-14 days for Pst19 (section 11). If carrying out bacterial growth assays, collect leaf tissue after 4 days (sections 9 and 10) and then phenotype (section 11). Alternatively, perform phenotypic analysis and bacterial growth assays on separate sets of plants. Step 10.7 of the Protocol section was updated from: After obtaining colony counts (Figure 2B), normalize the counts to 0.01 g of tissue for seedlings and convert to log bacterial growth (Table 1). NOTE: The average mass of one Moneymaker-PtoS cotyledon is 0.01 g and is empirically determined(22). Genotype(1) Column A Tissue Weight (g) Column B # of Colonies in a spot Column C Dilution factor for spot(2) Column D Adjusted # of Colonies(3) Column E Dilution factor for serial dilution Column F Total # of Colonies Column G (cfu/0.01 g)(4) Average # of Colonies (cfu/0.01 g) Column H Average Log Growth (cfu/0.01 g (log10)) Column I Sample 1 0.004 g 10 200 calculated as: (C2 x 0.01 g) / B2 = 25 1000 calculated as: (D2 x E2 x F2) = 5000000 average for sample 1 through last sample: (ie. average G1:G3) = 7000000 log of average ie. log(H2) = 6.85 Sample 2 0.003 g 15 200 50 1000 10000000 Sample 3 0.002 g 6 200 30 1000 6000000 (1)Data shown for 3 samples (2)Based on plating 5 microL x 200 for 1 mL (3)Cotyledons are too small to core so colony counts were normalized to 0.01 g of tissue based on the average mass of one MoneyMaker-PtoS cotyledon (data not shown) (4)Adjusted per mL based on volume plated Table 1: Sample calculations for seedling bacterial growth assay. Sample calculations demonstrate how to normalize bacterial counts and determine log bacterial growth. to: After obtaining colony counts (Figure 2B), normalize the counts to 0.1 g of tissue for seedlings and convert to log bacterial growth (Table 1). NOTE: The average mass of one Moneymaker-PtoS cotyledon is 0.1 g and is empirically determined(22). Genotype(1) Column A Tissue Weight (g) Column B # of Colonies in a spot Column C Dilution factor for spot(2) Column D Adjusted # of Colonies(3) Column E Dilution factor for serial dilution Column F Total # of Colonies Column G (cfu/0.01 g)(4) Average # of Colonies (cfu/0.01 g) Column H Average Log Growth (cfu/0.1 g (log10)) Column I Sample 1 0.04 g 10 200 calculated as: (C2 x 0.1 g) / B2 = 25 1000 calculated as: (D2 x E2 x F2) = 5000000 average for sample 1 through last sample: (ie. average G1:G3) = 7000000 log of average ie. log(H2) = 6.85 Sample 2 0.03 g 15 200 50 1000 10000000 Sample 3 0.02 g 6 200 30 1000 6000000 (1)Data shown for 3 samples (2)Based on plating 5 microL x 200 for 1 mL (3)Cotyledons are too small to core so colony counts were normalized to 0.1 g of tissue based on the average mass of one MoneyMaker-PtoS cotyledon (data not shown) (4)Adjusted per mL based on volume plated Table 1: Sample calculations for seedling bacterial growth assay. Sample calculations demonstrate how to normalize bacterial counts and determine log bacterial growth. Step 11.3 of the Protocol section was updated from: Phenotype plants infected with PstT1 at 10-14 days after flood inoculation. to: Phenotype plants infected with Pst19 at 10-14 days after flood inoculation. Figure 4 in the Protocol section was updated from: Figure 4: Schematic representation of expected phenotypes for seedling resistance and death in various genetic backgrounds. (A) Seedlings of Rio Grande-PtoR and the near-isogenic cultivar Rio Grande-PtoS are displayed 7 days after flooding with PstDC3000 (OD600 = 0.005) + 0.015% surfactant. Rio Grande-PtoR displays consistent resistance, and Rio Grande-PtoS displays consistent susceptibility to infection with PstDC3000. These lines give rise to discrete and binary phenotypes. (B) Seedlings of a wild accession, such as Solanum neorickii LA1329, are shown 10 days after flooding with PstT1 (OD600 = 0.0075) + 0.015% surfactant. Seedlings display phenotypic variability but were recorded as binary phenotypes. The amount of phenotypic variability and the method of phenotyping (binary resistance or resistance spectrum) will depend on the particular accession tested. (C) Mapping populations generated by outcrossing wild accessions to susceptible cultivars may display a wider spectrum of phenotypes in F2 segregating populations. In this case, it may be most appropriate to record seedling phenotypes on a spectrum. Highly susceptible seedlings from a mapping population may be phenotyped for death as early as day 7 when flooded with PstT1, and typically show a brown apical meristem, no to very little extension of the epicotyl, and no new, green vegetative growth. The apical meristem of susceptible seedlings may stay green or very light brown for more time, and there may be some extension of the epicotyl and very little vegetative growth, which turns brown and arrests by day 10. Individual seedlings can be phenotyped for resistance based on the amount of new and ongoing vegetative growth by day 14. Seedlings can then be grouped based on the phenotypes described above into different categories of resistance such as weak, medium, or strong resistance. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure. to: Figure 4: Schematic representation of expected phenotypes for seedling resistance and death in various genetic backgrounds. (A) Seedlings of Rio Grande-PtoR and the near-isogenic cultivar Rio Grande-PtoS are displayed 7 days after flooding with PstDC3000 (OD600 = 0.005) + 0.015% surfactant. Rio Grande-PtoR displays consistent resistance, and Rio Grande-PtoS displays consistent susceptibility to infection with PstDC3000. These lines give rise to discrete and binary phenotypes. (B) Seedlings of a wild accession, such as Solanum neorickii LA1329, are shown 10 days after flooding with Pst19 (OD600 = 0.0075) + 0.015% surfactant. Seedlings display phenotypic variability but were recorded as binary phenotypes. The amount of phenotypic variability and the method of phenotyping (binary resistance or resistance spectrum) will depend on the particular accession tested. (C) Mapping populations generated by outcrossing wild accessions to susceptible cultivars may display a wider spectrum of phenotypes in F2 segregating populations. In this case, it may be most appropriate to record seedling phenotypes on a spectrum. Highly susceptible seedlings from a mapping population may be phenotyped for death as early as day 7 when flooded with Pst19, and typically show a brown apical meristem, no to very little extension of the epicotyl, and no new, green vegetative growth. The apical meristem of susceptible seedlings may stay green or very light brown for more time, and there may be some extension of the epicotyl and very little vegetative growth, which turns brown and arrests by day 10. Individual seedlings can be phenotyped for resistance based on the amount of new and ongoing vegetative growth by day 14. Seedlings can then be grouped based on the phenotypes described above into different categories of resistance such as weak, medium, or strong resistance. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure. The second paragraph of the Representative Results section was updated from: Phenotypic screening of wild accessions using the seedling resistance assay Figure 6 shows representative results for seedlings of susceptible and resistant accessions 10-14 days after flooding with PstT1. Susceptible accessions include RG-PtoR, S. pimpinellifolium LA1375, and S. pimpinellifolium LA1606, and resistant accessions include S. neorickii LA1329. Ten-day-old seedlings were flooded with 10 mM MgCl2 + 0.015% surfactant as a negative control, and PstT1 at an optical density of 0.0075 + 0.015% surfactant. The seedlings were phenotyped at least 10 days after flooding, as PstT1-infected seedlings died more slowly than PstDC3000-infected seedlings. Mock-inoculated seedlings were green, healthy, and actively growing. This control is important to ensure that the accessions are not sensitive to the concentration of surfactant, and to ensure there is no bacterial contamination. Susceptible accessions (Rio Grande-PtoR [n = 7], S. pimpinellifolium LA1375 [n = 7], and S. pimpinellifolium LA1606 [n = 5]) were dead, had brown apical meristems, and lacked new growth 10-14 days after inoculation with PstT1. In contrast, two S. neorickii LA1329 (n = 3) seedlings displayed a high level of new, green growth and survived infection with PstT1 (Figure 6). Three LA1329 seedlings did not germinate. Typically, 5-7 individuals were screened for each accession in a primary screen to determine the prevalence of resistance in the population. When a more genetically complex wild accession, such as LA1329, is flooded with PstT1, the resistance phenotypes display slightly more variability among individual seedlings, compared to Moneymaker-PtoR treated with PstDC3000. However, the resistance phenotypes were usually less variable than those seen in F2 mapping populations. Thus, binary phenotyping criteria was used for LA1329. to: Phenotypic screening of wild accessions using the seedling resistance assay Figure 6 shows representative results for seedlings of susceptible and resistant accessions 10-14 days after flooding with Pst19. Susceptible accessions include RG-PtoR, S. pimpinellifolium LA1375, and S. pimpinellifolium LA1606, and resistant accessions include S. neorickii LA1329. Ten-day-old seedlings were flooded with 10 mM MgCl2 + 0.015% surfactant as a negative control, and Pst19 at an optical density of 0.0075 + 0.015% surfactant. The seedlings were phenotyped at least 10 days after flooding, as Pst19-infected seedlings died more slowly than PstDC3000-infected seedlings. Mock-inoculated seedlings were green, healthy, and actively growing. This control is important to ensure that the accessions are not sensitive to the concentration of surfactant, and to ensure there is no bacterial contamination. Susceptible accessions (Rio Grande-PtoR [n = 7], S. pimpinellifolium LA1375 [n = 7], and S. pimpinellifolium LA1606 [n = 5]) were dead, had brown apical meristems, and lacked new growth 10-14 days after inoculation with Pst19. In contrast, two S. neorickii LA1329 (n = 3) seedlings displayed a high level of new, green growth and survived infection with Pst19 (Figure 6). Three LA1329 seedlings did not germinate. Typically, 5-7 individuals were screened for each accession in a primary screen to determine the prevalence of resistance in the population. When a more genetically complex wild accession, such as LA1329, is flooded with Pst19, the resistance phenotypes display slightly more variability among individual seedlings, compared to Moneymaker-PtoR treated with PstDC3000. However, the resistance phenotypes were usually less variable than those seen in F2 mapping populations. Thus, binary phenotyping criteria was used for LA1329. Figure 6 in the Representative Results section was updated from: Figure 6: Phenotypic characterization of resistance or disease symptoms 10-14 days post-infection in wild accessions. Rio Grande-PtoR, S. pimpinellifolium LA1606, S. pimpinellifolium LA1375 and S. neorickii LA1329 tomato seedlings were grown on 0.5x MS plates for 10 days, and then flooded with PstT1 (OD600 = 0.0075) + 0.015% surfactant. The number of surviving seedlings for each wild accession out of the total number tested is shown. Scale bar = 1 cm. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure. to: Figure 6: Phenotypic characterization of resistance or disease symptoms 10-14 days post-infection in wild accessions. Rio Grande-PtoR, S. pimpinellifolium LA1606, S. pimpinellifolium LA1375 and S. neorickii LA1329 tomato seedlings were grown on 0.5x MS plates for 10 days, and then flooded with Pst19 (OD600 = 0.0075) + 0.015% surfactant. The number of surviving seedlings for each wild accession out of the total number tested is shown. Scale bar = 1 cm. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure. The third paragraph of the Representative Results section was updated from: Quantitative assessment of bacterial growth using the seedling flood assay To confirm that the observed resistance in LA1329 to PstT1 resulted in lower bacterial growth, bacterial growth assays were carried out in tomato seedlings. The level of PstT1 growth in Moneymaker-PtoS and S. neorickii LA1329 was determined 4 days post-infection. Moneymaker-PtoS is a near-isogenic line with consistent susceptibility among individual seedlings. Wild accessions such as S. neorickii LA1329 are often more genetically complex. LA1329 displays approximately 60% resistance to PstT1 across the population(22). Because seedlings may drop their cotyledons after infection, one seedling was grown on each plate to correlate bacterial growth in the harvested cotyledon with overall seedling survival or death as determined phenotypically at least 10 days after flooding. The bacterial counts on day 4 for each seedling were normalized to 0.01 g of tissue and converted to log growth (CFU/0.01 g(log10)). Log growth for phenotypically resistant LA1329 seedlings (LA1329(RES)) or phenotypically susceptible seedlings (LA1329(SUS)) were separately pooled and compared to each other and the susceptible cultivar Moneymaker-PtoS. For example, there was a 1.7 log difference in bacterial growth between LA1329(RES) (log 6.3) and LA1329(SUS) (log 8.0), and a 1.6 log difference between LA1329(RES) (log 6.3) and Moneymaker-PtoS (log 7.9) (Figure 7). Therefore, phenotypic resistance correlated with quantitative resistance in the seedling assays. to: Quantitative assessment of bacterial growth using the seedling flood assay To confirm that the observed resistance in LA1329 to Pst19 resulted in lower bacterial growth, bacterial growth assays were carried out in tomato seedlings. The level of Pst19 growth in Moneymaker-PtoS and S. neorickii LA1329 was determined 4 days post-infection. Moneymaker-PtoS is a near-isogenic line with consistent susceptibility among individual seedlings. Wild accessions such as S. neorickii LA1329 are often more genetically complex. LA1329 displays approximately 60% resistance to Pst19 across the population(22). Because seedlings may drop their cotyledons after infection, one seedling was grown on each plate to correlate bacterial growth in the harvested cotyledon with overall seedling survival or death as determined phenotypically at least 10 days after flooding. The bacterial counts on day 4 for each seedling were normalized to 0.01 g of tissue and converted to log growth (CFU/0.01 g(log10)). Log growth for phenotypically resistant LA1329 seedlings (LA1329(RES)) or phenotypically susceptible seedlings (LA1329(SUS)) were separately pooled and compared to each other and the susceptible cultivar Moneymaker-PtoS. For example, there was a 1.7 log difference in bacterial growth between LA1329(RES) (log 6.3) and LA1329(SUS) (log 8.0), and a 1.6 log difference between LA1329(RES) (log 6.3) and Moneymaker-PtoS (log 7.9) (Figure 7). Therefore, phenotypic resistance correlated with quantitative resistance in the seedling assays. Figure 7 in the Representative Results section was updated from: x Figure 7: Resistant Solanum neorickii LA1329 seedlings support lower bacterial growth than Moneymaker-PtoS or susceptible S. neorickii LA1329. Bacterial counts were determined 4 days post-inoculation from S. neorickii LA1329 (n = 14) and Moneymaker-PtoS (n = 10) seedlings infected with PstT1 and normalization was performed to 0.01 g of tissue. For LA1329, the two phenotypic groups, susceptible (SUS) or resistant (RES), were observed and counted separately. Above the bar * = statistically significant difference determined by a one-factor analysis of variance. A general linear model procedure (p < 0.001) followed by a multiple comparison of means using Tukey's post hoc test was used. Error bars = standard error. The figure indicates one representative experiment. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure. x Figure 7: Resistant Solanum neorickii LA1329 seedlings support lower bacterial growth than Moneymaker-PtoS or susceptible S. neorickii LA1329. Bacterial counts were determined 4 days post-inoculation from S. neorickii LA1329 (n = 14) and Moneymaker-PtoS (n = 10) seedlings infected with Pst19 and normalization was performed to 0.1 g of tissue. For LA1329, the two phenotypic groups, susceptible (SUS) or resistant (RES), were observed and counted separately. Above the bar * = statistically significant difference determined by a one-factor analysis of variance. A general linear model procedure (p < 0.001) followed by a multiple comparison of means using Tukey's post hoc test was used. Error bars = standard error. The figure indicates one representative experiment. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure. The first paragraph of the Discussion section was updated from: A protocol for flood inoculation with PstDC3000 or PstT1 optimized to detect resistance to these bacterial strains in tomato seedlings is described. There are several critical parameters for optimal results in the seedling resistance assay, including bacterial concentration and surfactant concentration, which were empirically determined(22). For PstDC3000, the optical density was optimized to achieve complete survival on a resistant cultivar containing the Pto/Prf cluster and complete death on a susceptible cultivar lacking the Pto/Prf cluster(22). For a strain such as PstT1, where there are no known resistant varieties, the optical density was optimized to be the lowest possible for consistent and complete plant death(22). Uppalapati et al.(24) designed a tomato seedling assay to investigate the pathogenesis of PstDC3000 and the virulence function of Coronatine. In this virulence assay, infections were performed using bacteria concentrated to an OD600 of 0.1(24), 20x higher than the optical density of strains used in our resistance assay. Recognition of PstDC3000 effectors AvrPto and AvrPtoB in tomato seedlings carrying the Pto/Prf gene cluster results in ETI and a macroscopic HR(22). In the context of a strong immune response such as ETI, a lower bacterial titer was used for PstDC3000 to avoid overwhelming genetic resistance from the Pto/Prf gene cluster(22). In addition, these results suggest that a high bacterial concentration could overwhelm weaker immune responses such as PTI or quantitative partial resistance, where multiple genes contribute to the overall phenotype. Surfactant is necessary for the bacteria to adhere to the leaf surface; however, high concentrations can cause chlorosis of the leaf(22). We previously tested a range of surfactant concentrations to empirically determine the ideal concentration in 10-day-old tomato seedlings(22). When testing new species that may differ in their sensitivity to surfactant, the surfactant concentration should be optimized to identify a concentration that does not cause damage or chlorosis in the absence of bacteria. Appropriate assay conditions will require optimization of a surfactant concentration that does not cause damage, and a bacterial concentration that causes disease in all susceptible controls. to: A protocol for flood inoculation with PstDC3000 or Pst19 optimized to detect resistance to these bacterial strains in tomato seedlings is described. There are several critical parameters for optimal results in the seedling resistance assay, including bacterial concentration and surfactant concentration, which were empirically determined(22). For PstDC3000, the optical density was optimized to achieve complete survival on a resistant cultivar containing the Pto/Prf cluster and complete death on a susceptible cultivar lacking the Pto/Prf cluster(22). For a strain such as Pst19, where there are no known resistant varieties, the optical density was optimized to be the lowest possible for consistent and complete plant death(22). Uppalapati et al.(24) designed a tomato seedling assay to investigate the pathogenesis of PstDC3000 and the virulence function of Coronatine. In this virulence assay, infections were performed using bacteria concentrated to an OD600 of 0.1(24), 20x higher than the optical density of strains used in our resistance assay. Recognition of PstDC3000 effectors AvrPto and AvrPtoB in tomato seedlings carrying the Pto/Prf gene cluster results in ETI and a macroscopic HR(22). In the context of a strong immune response such as ETI, a lower bacterial titer was used for PstDC3000 to avoid overwhelming genetic resistance from the Pto/Prf gene cluster(22). In addition, these results suggest that a high bacterial concentration could overwhelm weaker immune responses such as PTI or quantitative partial resistance, where multiple genes contribute to the overall phenotype. Surfactant is necessary for the bacteria to adhere to the leaf surface; however, high concentrations can cause chlorosis of the leaf(22). We previously tested a range of surfactant concentrations to empirically determine the ideal concentration in 10-day-old tomato seedlings(22). When testing new species that may differ in their sensitivity to surfactant, the surfactant concentration should be optimized to identify a concentration that does not cause damage or chlorosis in the absence of bacteria. Appropriate assay conditions will require optimization of a surfactant concentration that does not cause damage, and a bacterial concentration that causes disease in all susceptible controls. The third paragraph of the Discussion section was updated from: Pst is a foliar pathogen that preferentially colonizes the aerial parts of tomato seedlings, including the cotyledons(24) (Figure 3). Therefore, qualitative phenotyping in the seedling flood assay focuses on growth and disease symptoms in aerial portions of the seedling, and tissue for the bacterial growth assay is sampled from the cotyledons for quantitative analysis. After flood inoculation, seedlings may die within 7-10 days after inoculation with PstDC3000 or 10-14 days after inoculation with PstT1, as discussed in section 11. Seedling death is visualized by a brown apical meristem, arrested epicotyl elongation, and/or arrested vegetative growth. If different bacterial strains are used, the timing will have to be empirically determined. In addition, the progression of disease on control plants should be monitored daily after flooding until a consistent time frame from the onset of disease symptoms to seedling death can be identified. Depending on the genotypes and treatments used in the flood assay, seedling phenotypes can be recorded as binary phenotypes or on a disease spectrum (Figure 4). A broader spectrum of phenotypes may be observed when flood inoculating F2 mapping populations from wild tomato accessions crossed to susceptible cultivars (Figure 4C). It may be best to phenotype segregating populations on a disease spectrum depending on how quickly the seedling dies and the degree of new vegetative growth and branching (Figure 4C). The seedling flood assay can also be used in conjunction with the seedling bacterial growth assay to quantitatively assess levels of bacterial growth associated with qualitative phenotypes in individual seedlings (Figure 7). Very large reductions (i.e., ~log 3) in bacterial growth or strong resistance in resistant seedlings of a wild accession compared to a susceptible cultivar suggest that the underlying genetic basis of resistance may be due to ETI(22). Smaller reductions in bacterial growth (i.e., ~log 1.7), as observed in LA1329 seedlings, may be due to the contribution of weaker resistance from quantitative trait loci and/or PTI. Thus, the seedling growth assay can be an important tool in further characterizing resistance in wild tomato lines. to: Pst is a foliar pathogen that preferentially colonizes the aerial parts of tomato seedlings, including the cotyledons(24) (Figure 3). Therefore, qualitative phenotyping in the seedling flood assay focuses on growth and disease symptoms in aerial portions of the seedling, and tissue for the bacterial growth assay is sampled from the cotyledons for quantitative analysis. After flood inoculation, seedlings may die within 7-10 days after inoculation with PstDC3000 or 10-14 days after inoculation with Pst19, as discussed in section 11. Seedling death is visualized by a brown apical meristem, arrested epicotyl elongation, and/or arrested vegetative growth. If different bacterial strains are used, the timing will have to be empirically determined. In addition, the progression of disease on control plants should be monitored daily after flooding until a consistent time frame from the onset of disease symptoms to seedling death can be identified. Depending on the genotypes and treatments used in the flood assay, seedling phenotypes can be recorded as binary phenotypes or on a disease spectrum (Figure 4). A broader spectrum of phenotypes may be observed when flood inoculating F2 mapping populations from wild tomato accessions crossed to susceptible cultivars (Figure 4C). It may be best to phenotype segregating populations on a disease spectrum depending on how quickly the seedling dies and the degree of new vegetative growth and branching (Figure 4C). The seedling flood assay can also be used in conjunction with the seedling bacterial growth assay to quantitatively assess levels of bacterial growth associated with qualitative phenotypes in individual seedlings (Figure 7). Very large reductions (i.e., ~log 3) in bacterial growth or strong resistance in resistant seedlings of a wild accession compared to a susceptible cultivar suggest that the underlying genetic basis of resistance may be due to ETI(22). Smaller reductions in bacterial growth (i.e., ~log 1.7), as observed in LA1329 seedlings, may be due to the contribution of weaker resistance from quantitative trait loci and/or PTI. Thus, the seedling growth assay can be an important tool in further characterizing resistance in wild tomato lines. The fourth paragraph of the Discussion section was updated from: Typically, genetic screens have been performed on four- to five-week-old adult tomato plants to identify the genetic basis of P. syringae resistance in wild accessions(20) (,) (21). Adult tomato plants require much longer growth times, require more space in the growth chamber, and are much larger plants, which means that usually few individuals are screened for each line. The seedling flood assay provides a powerful, alternative approach in the identification of P. syringae resistance in wild tomato accessions. Screening at the seedling stage permits a large sample size to be tested which can be particularly advantageous in detecting resistance in genetically complex populations. Reduced growth chamber space requirements and growth time facilitate a high-throughput approach and rapid detection of natural resistance in wild accessions to emerging pathogens. Furthermore, P. syringae resistance that was identified at the seedling stage in this assay is not restricted to the developmental stage. S. neorickii LA1329 and S. habrochaites LA1253 were initially identified at the seedling stage and also display resistance to PstT1 in adult plants as previously described(22). to: Typically, genetic screens have been performed on four- to five-week-old adult tomato plants to identify the genetic basis of P. syringae resistance in wild accessions(20) (,) (21). Adult tomato plants require much longer growth times, require more space in the growth chamber, and are much larger plants, which means that usually few individuals are screened for each line. The seedling flood assay provides a powerful, alternative approach in the identification of P. syringae resistance in wild tomato accessions. Screening at the seedling stage permits a large sample size to be tested which can be particularly advantageous in detecting resistance in genetically complex populations. Reduced growth chamber space requirements and growth time facilitate a high-throughput approach and rapid detection of natural resistance in wild accessions to emerging pathogens. Furthermore, P. syringae resistance that was identified at the seedling stage in this assay is not restricted to the developmental stage. S. neorickii LA1329 and S. habrochaites LA1253 were initially identified at the seedling stage and also display resistance to Pst19 in adult plants as previously described(22).