Emerging roles of pathogen-secreted host mimics in plant disease development. Issue 12 (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Dousheng; Wang, Lifeng; Zhang, Yong; Bai, Lianyang; Yu, Feng
• Is Part Of: Trends in parasitology. Volume 37:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 1082
• Page End: 1095
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: pathogen effectors -- pathogen-secreted host mimics -- peptides -- phytohormones -- sRNA; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Parasitology; Biology; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Online resources; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.09.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4922

Abstract

Abstract : Plant pathogens and parasites use multiple virulence factors to successfully infect plants. While most plant–pathogen interaction studies focus on pathogen effectors and their functions in suppressing plant immunity or interfering with normal cellular processes, other virulence factors likely also contribute. Here we highlight another important strategy used by pathogens to promote virulence: secretion of mimics of host molecules, including peptides, phytohormones, and small RNAs, which play diverse roles in plant development and stress responses. Pathogen-secreted mimics hijack the host endogenous signaling pathways, thereby modulating host cellular functions to the benefit of the pathogen and promoting infection. Understanding the mechanisms of pathogen-secreted host mimics will expand our knowledge of host–pathogen coevolution and interactions, while providing new targets for plant disease control. Highlights: The occurrence of plant diseases is the consequence of plant–pathogen interactions. Pathogen effectors that modulate plant immunity or interfere with plant cellular functions are considered to be the main mediators of host–pathogen interactions. The secretion of host mimics that hijack the host cellular machinery to disrupt plant cell functions is another important strategy used by pathogens to promote infection. Several types of host mimics, including peptides, phytohormones, and sRNAs, have been identified and characterized in plant pathogenic bacteria, oomycetes, fungi, nematodes, and parasitic plants. Pathogen-secreted host mimics are likely evolved via horizontal gene transfer or convergent evolution. Pathogen-secreted host mimics could be a potential target for the development of new strategies for plant disease control.