Plant PAQR-like sensors activate heterotrimeric G proteins to confer resistance against multiple pathogens.

Abstract

Human adiponectin receptors (AdipoRs) and membrane progestin receptors (mPRs, members of the progestin and adipoQ receptor [PAQR] family) are seven-transmembrane receptors involved in the regulation of metabolism and cancer development, which share structural similarities with G protein-coupled receptors. Plant PAQR-like sensors (PLSs) are homologous to human PAQRs but their molecular functions remain unclear. In this study, we found that PLSs associate with cell surface receptor-like kinases through KIN7 and positively regulate plant immune responses, stomatal defense, and disease resistance. Moreover, PLSs activate heterotrimeric G proteins (Gαβγ) to transduce immune signals and regulate the exchange of GDP for GTP on GPA1. Further analyses revealed that the immune function of PLSs is conserved in rice and soybean and contributes to resistance against multiple diseases. Notably, heterologous expression of human AdipoRs in Arabidopsis replicates the immune functions of PLSs. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that PLSs are key modulators of plant immunity via the G-protein pathway and highlight the potential application of human genes in enhancing plant disease resistance.