TALEs as double-edged swords in plant-pathogen interactions: Progress, challenges, and perspectives

Plant Commun. 2022 May 9;3(3):100318. doi: 10.1016/j.xplc.2022.100318. Epub 2022 Mar 25.

Abstract

Xanthomonas species colonize many host plants and cause huge losses worldwide. Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are secreted by Xanthomonas and translocated into host cells to manipulate the expression of target genes, especially by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola, which cause bacterial blight and bacterial leaf streak, respectively, in rice. In this review, we summarize the progress of studies on the interaction between Xanthomonas and hosts, covering both rice and other plants. TALEs are not only key factors that make plants susceptible but are also essential components of plant resistance. Characterization of TALEs and TALE-like proteins has improved our understanding of TALE evolution and promoted the development of gene editing tools. In addition, the interactions between TALEs and hosts have also provided strategies and possibilities for genetic engineering in crop improvement.

Keywords: TALEs; Xanthomonas; interaction; resistance; rice; susceptibility.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Host-Pathogen Interactions* / genetics
  • Oryza* / metabolism
  • Oryza* / microbiology
  • Plant Diseases / genetics
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Transcription Activator-Like Effectors* / genetics
  • Transcription Activator-Like Effectors* / metabolism
  • Xanthomonas* / genetics
  • Xanthomonas* / metabolism

Substances

  • Plant Proteins
  • Transcription Activator-Like Effectors

Supplementary concepts

  • Xanthomonas oryzae