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Phytophthora effectors promote infection by suppressing host RNA silencing.
Yongli Qiao1,2, Qin Xiong1,3, James Wong1,2, Howard Judelson1,2, Yuanchao Wang3, Wenbo Ma1,2
(1. Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521; 2
Center for Plant Cell Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521; 3. Department of Plant
Pathology, Nanjing Agriculture University, Nanjing, China 210095)
Effectors are essential virulence proteins produced by a broad range of parasites. Upon entry into host
cytoplasm, pathogen effectors manipulate specific physiological processes or signaling pathways to subvert
host immunity. However, the majority of effectors, especially those produced by eukaryotic pathogens,
remain functionally uncharacterized. Recently, we reported that two RXLR effectors from Phytophthora
sojae can suppress RNA silencing in plants. Furthermore, these Phytophthora Suppressors of RNA
silencing (PSRs) as well as some Viral Suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) promote Phytophthora
infection. These data demonstrate that Phytophthora pathogens have evolved effectors that target host RNA
silencing processes for the benefit of disease development. These findings are also consistent with a role of
small RNAs in host defense against Phytophthora. Here, we will report our recent progress on the
mechanistic analysis of the RNA silencing suppression activities and virulence functions of PSRs. We will
also discuss the role of small RNAs in regulating plant defense during Phytophthora infection.
Please limit text to 250 words or less. This abstract is 156 words.