image: A functional model of MdVQ17 in response to GLS infection in apple. After the plant is infected with GLS, the expression of MdWRKY17 and MdVQ17 is activated, and the proteins they encode accumulate. MdVQ17 interacts with MdWRKY17 to enhance the binding and transcriptional activation activity of MdWRKY17 on the MdDMR6 and MdPL-like promoters, thereby promoting MdWRKY17-mediated MdDMR6 and MdPL-like expression and thus SA degradation and pectin lyase activity, resulting in increased GLS susceptibility in apple.
Credit: Horticulture Research
A new study reveals critical insights into how apple trees respond to Glomerella leaf spot (GLS), a severe fungal disease impacting apple yields. Focusing on the regulatory roles of valine–glutamine (VQ) and WRKY proteins in plant defense, the research offers promising pathways for breeding disease-resistant apple varieties.
Apple cultivation is widespread, but Glomerella leaf spot (GLS), caused by the fungus Colletotrichum fructicola, poses a major threat, especially in China. This disease damages leaves and fruits, reducing yield and quality. Currently, GLS is primarily managed with fungicides, which have environmental drawbacks. To address these challenges, it is essential to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive apple susceptibility to GLS, particularly the impact of genes like MdVQ17.
The research (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhae159), conducted by Northwest A & F University and published in Horticulture Research on June 7, 2024, explores how MdVQ17 regulates apple susceptibility to GLS. The study identifies MdVQ17 as a significant modulator that increases disease susceptibility by enhancing salicylic acid degradation and pectin lyase activity.
The study demonstrates that MdVQ17 weakens apple resistance to GLS by interacting with the transcription factor MdWRKY17. This interaction boosts MdWRKY17’s activation of key genes such as MdDMR6 and MdPL-like, which are involved in salicylic acid degradation and pectin lyase activity, leading to increased vulnerability to GLS. The results highlight a complex regulatory network that diminishes the plant’s defense and alters critical biochemical pathways, presenting new targets for breeding GLS-resistant apples.
“Understanding the interactions between MdVQ17 and MdWRKY17 provides valuable insights into the genetic factors contributing to apple disease susceptibility. This study not only identifies key regulatory components but also offers potential pathways for developing more resilient apple cultivars,” says Dr. Ke Mao, a lead researcher in the study.
These insights could shape future breeding strategies targeting the MdVQ17-MdWRKY17 complex to enhance apple resistance to GLS. By suppressing MdVQ17 expression or disrupting its interaction with MdWRKY17, it may be possible to develop apple varieties that are less dependent on chemical fungicides, promoting more sustainable apple production.
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References
DOI
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhae159
Funding information
This work was supported by the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF (GZC20232160), the Postdoctoral Research Project of Shaanxi Province (2023BSHYDZZ72), the Key S&T Special Projects of Shaanxi Province (2020zdzx03-01-02), and the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA (CARS-27).
About Horticulture Research
Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number two in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2023. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.
Journal
Horticulture Research
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
MdVQ17 negatively regulates apple resistance to Glomerella leaf spot by promoting MdWRKY17-mediated salicylic acid degradation and pectin lyase activity
Article Publication Date
7-Jun-2024
COI Statement
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.