ARS | Publication request: Synergistic interaction of CLAVATA1, CLAVATA2, and RECEPTOR-LIKE PROTEIN KINASE 2 in cyst nematode parasitism of Arabidopsis

Submitted to: Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 26, 2012
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Plant-parasitic cyst nematodes are a major pest of many crop species. These nematodes secrete CLE-like proteins into host plant cells that help promote successful nematode infection. Previously, we showed that CLV2 and CRN, a plant receptor complex, is involved in perceiving nematode CLE peptides to facilitate nematode parasitism. In this study, we demonstrated that CLV1 and RPK2, two additional plant receptors, can also perceive nematode CLE peptides and are required for nematode parasitism. Our studies have clearly shown that cyst nematodes utilize their secreted CLE proteins to manipulate host plant cell functions for their own benefit. A better understanding of this nematode CLE-mediated parasitism will likely discover novel strategies for engineering nematode resistance in crop plants.

Technical Abstract: Plant-parasitic cyst nematodes secrete CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/ENDOSPERM SURROUNDING REGION (ESR) (CLE)-like effector proteins. These proteins act as ligand mimics of plant CLE peptides and are required for successful nematode infection. Previously, we showed that CLV2 and CORYNE (CRN), a heterodimer receptor-like kinase complex, is required for nematode CLE signaling. However, there was only a partial reduction in nematode infection when this signaling was disrupted, indicating there might be additional nematode CLE receptors. In this study, we demonstrate that CLV1 and RECEPTOR-LIKE PROTEIN KINASE 2/TOADSTOOL2 (RPK2), two additional receptors that can transmit the CLV3 signal independent of CLV2-CRN for shoot apical meristem maintenance, also play a role in nematode CLE perception. Localization studies showed that both receptors are expressed in nematode-induced syncytia. Infection assays with clv1 and rpk2 single mutants revealed a decrease in both nematode infection and syncytium size. Significantly, further reduction in nematode infection was observed when rpk2 was combined with clv1 and clv2 mutants. Taken together, our results indicate that nematode CLE perception by parallel signaling pathways or receptor complexes involving CLV1, CLV2-CRN, and RPK2 is important for nematode parasitism.