The Arabidopsis ROP-activated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase RLCK VI_A3 is involved in control of basal resistance to powdery mildew and trichome branching

Plant Cell Rep. 2015 Mar;34(3):457-68. doi: 10.1007/s00299-014-1725-1. Epub 2014 Dec 10.

Abstract

The Arabidopsis receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase AtRLCK VI_A3 is activated by AtROPs and is involved in trichome branching and pathogen interaction. Receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) belong to the large superfamily of receptor-like kinases, which are involved in a variety of cellular processes like plant growth, development and immune responses. Recent studies suggest that RLCKs of the VI_A subfamily are possible downstream effectors of the small monomeric G proteins of the plant-specific Rho family, called 'Rho of plants' (RAC/ROPs). Here, we describe Arabidopsis thaliana AtRLCK VI_A3 as a molecular interactor of AtROPs. In Arabidopsis epidermal cells, transient co-expression of plasma membrane located constitutively activated (CA) AtROP4 or CA AtROP6 resulting in the recruitment of green fluorescent protein-tagged AtRLCK VI_A3 to the cell periphery. Intrinsic kinase activity of AtRLCK VI_A3 was enhanced in the presence of CA AtROP6 in vitro and further suggested a functional interaction between the proteins. In the interaction of the biotrophic powdery mildew fungus Erysiphe cruciferarum (E. cruciferarum) and its host plant Arabidopsis, Atrlck VI_A3 mutant lines supported enhanced fungal reproduction. Furthermore Atrlck VI_A3 mutant lines showed slightly reduced size and an increase in trichome branch number compared to wild-type plants. In summary, our data suggest a role of the AtROP-regulated AtRLCK VI_A3 in basal resistance to E. cruciferarum as well as in plant growth and cellular differentiation during trichome morphogenesis. Results are discussed in the context of literature suggesting a function of RAC/ROPs in both resistance and susceptibility to pathogen infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / microbiology
  • Arabidopsis / physiology*
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Ascomycota / pathogenicity
  • Disease Resistance
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Hordeum / genetics
  • Hordeum / metabolism
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Trichomes / growth & development
  • Trichomes / metabolism

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • ROP6 protein, Arabidopsis
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins