role of FLS3 and BSK830 in pattern-triggered immunity in tomato
Authors: Sessa Guido , Martin Gregory 
Published: January 2022

Pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) located on the plant cell surface initiate immune responses by perceiving conserved pathogen molecules known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). PRRs typically function in multiprotein complexes that include transmembrane and cytoplasmickinases and contribute to the initiation and signaling of pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). An important challenge is to identify molecular components of PRR complexes and downstream signaling pathways, and to understand the molecular mechanisms that mediate their function. In research activities supported by BARD-4931, we studied the role of the FLAGELLIN SENSING 3 (FLS3) PRR in the response of tomato leaves to flagellin-derivedPAMPs and PTI. In addition, we investigated molecular properties of the tomato brassinosteroid signaling kinase 830 (BSK830) that physically interacts with FLS3 and is a candidate for acting in the FLS3 signaling pathway. Our investigation refers to the proposal original objectives that were to: 1) Investigate the role of FLS3 and its interacting proteins in PTI; 2) Investigate the role of BSK830 in PTI; 3) Examine molecular and phosphorylation dynamics of the FLS3-BSK830 interaction; 4) Examine the possible interaction of FLS3 and BSK830 with Pstand Xcveffectors. We used CRISPR/Cas9 techniques to develop plants carrying single or combined mutations in the FLS3 gene and in the paralogsFLS2.1 and FLS2.2 genes, which encode the receptor FLAGELLIN SENSING2 (FLS2), and analyzed their function in PTI. Domain swapping analysis of the FLS2 and FLS3 receptors revealed domains of the proteins responsible for PAMP detection and for the different ROS response initiated by flgII-28/FLS3 as compared to flg22/FLS2. In addition, in vitro kinase assays and point mutations analysis identified FLS2 and FLS3 domains required for kinase activity and ATP binding. In research activities on tomato BSK830, we found that it interacts with PRRs and with the co-receptor SERK3A and PAMP treatment affects part of these interactions. CRISPR/Cas9 bsk830 mutant plants displayed enhanced pathogen susceptibility and reduced ROS production upon PAMP treatment. In addition, BSK830 interacted with 8 Xanthomonastype III secreted effectors. Follow up analysis revealed that among these effectors XopAE is part of an operon, is translocated into plant cells, and displays E3 ubiquitinligase activity. Our investigation was also extended to other Arabidopsis and tomato BSK family members. Arabidopsis BSK5 localized to the plant cell periphery, interacted with receptor-like kinases, and it was phosphorylatedin vitro by the PEPR1 and EFRPRRs. bsk5 mutant plants displayed enhanced susceptibility to pathogens and were impaired in several, but not all, PAMP-induced responses. Conversely, BSK5 overexpression conferred enhanced disease resistance and caused stronger PTI responses. Genetic complementation suggested that proper localization, kinase activity, and phosphorylation by PRRs are critical for BSK5 function. BSK7 and BSK8 specifically interacted with the FLS2 PRR, their respective mutant plants were more susceptible to B. cinereaand displayed reduced flg22-induced responses. The tomato BSK Mai1 was found to interact with the M3KMAPKKK, which is involved in activation of cell death associated with effector-triggered immunity. Silencing of Mai1 in N. benthamianaplants compromised cell death induced by a specific class of immune receptors. In addition, co-expression of Mai1 and M3Kin leaves enhanced MAPKphosphorylation and cell death, suggesting that Mai1 acts as a molecular link between pathogen recognition and MAPK signaling. Finally, We identified the PP2C phosphatase Pic1 that acts as a negative regulator of PTI by interacting with and dephosphorylating the receptor-like cytoplasmickinase Pti1, which is a positive regulator of plant immunity. The results of this investigation shed new light on the molecular characteristics and interactions of components of the immune system of crop plants providing new knowledge and tools for development of novel strategies for disease control.