The WAK-like protein RFO1 acts as a sensor of the pectin methylation status in Arabidopsis cell walls to modulate root growth and defense
Abstract
Most organisms adjust their development according to the environmental conditions. For the majority, this implies the sensing of alterations to cell walls caused by different cues. Despite the relevance of this process, few molecular players involved in cell wall sensing are known and characterized. Here, we show that the wall-associated kinase-like protein RESISTANCE TO FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM 1 (RFO1) is required for plant growth and early defense against Fusarium oxysporum and functions by sensing changes in the pectin methylation levels in the cell wall. The RFO1 dwell time at the plasma membrane is affected by the pectin methylation status at the cell wall, regulating MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE and gene expression. We show that the extracellular domain of RFO1 binds de-methylated pectin in vitro, whose distribution in the cell wall is altered during F. oxysporum infection. Further analyses also indicate that RFO1 is required for the BR-dependent plant growth alteration in response to inhibition of pectin de-methyl-esterase activity at the cell wall. Collectively, our work demonstrates that RFO1 is a sensor of the pectin methylation status that plays a unique dual role in plant growth and defense against vascular pathogens. Show more
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https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000610530Publication status
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Journal / series
Molecular PlantVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
Cell PressFunding
163065 - The Plant Cell Wall Architecture: Deciphering the role of CTLs in plant cellulose biosynthesis (SNF)
184769 - Understanding the molecular biology of plant - vascular pathogen interaction (SNF)
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