Unravelling the transcription factor network controlling the biosynthesis of tryptophan-derived antimicrobial compounds in Arabidopsis roots and shoots
Final Report Abstract
As an efficient defence strategy, plants produce secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties to defeat invading microorganisms. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana camalexin, indole-glucosinolates (IGs) and indole-3-carbonyl nitrile-(ICN) derivatives are derived from the primary metabolite tryptophan (Trp) and have been demonstrated to inhibit growth of various plant pathogens. The complex biosynthetic pathway leading to Trp-derived secondary compounds is highly coordinated on transcriptional level and therefore, provides an excellent model system for studying transcriptional regulatory networks. Applying the protoplast-based PTA screening system (Protoplast Transactivation System), transcription factor candidates have been identified for activating biosynthetic genes related to particular branches of the network. Generation of transgenic gain- and loss-of-function resources enables studying the impact of candidate transcription factors in planta. Research on these resources is still in progress. The project focusses on a network of six group IXb ERF (Ethylen Repsonse Factor) transcription factors. ERF102 - ERF107 were found to form an interconnected regulatory network controlling particular braches of the Trp-secondary metabolism, e.g. ERF106 directly regulates IG- biosynthetic genes, whereas ERF107 is involved in controlling the ICN-pathway. This knowledge will be valuable in unravelling the regulatory properties of complex metabolic networks.
Publications
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(2016) Screen Identifying Arabidopsis Transcription Factors Involved in the Response to 9-Lipoxygenase-Derived Oxylipins. PLoS One: 11:e0153216
Walper, E, Weiste, C, Müller, MJ, Hamberg, M, Dröge-Laser W
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(2017) High-Throughput Protoplast Trans-Activation (PTA) Screening to Define Transcription Factors in Auxin-Mediated Gene Regulation. Methods Mol Biol.:1569:187-202
Wehner, N, Herfert, J, Dröge-Laser, W, Weiste, C
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(2019) A Gain-of-Function Screen reveals redundant ERF Transcription Factors providing Opportunities for Resistance Breeding towards the vascular fungal Pathogen Verticillium longisporum. MPMI 32: 1095- 1109
Fröschel, C, Iven, T, Walper, E, Bachmann, V, Weiste, C, Dröge-Laser, W
