Interaction between pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins and phytohormone signaling pathways in conferring disease tolerance in plants.

Abstract

Pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins are critical defense signaling molecules induced by phytopathogens. They play a vital role in plant's defense signaling pathways and innate immunity, particularly in systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and serve as key molecular markers of plant defense. Overexpressing PR genes, such as chitinase, thaumatin, glucanase, thionin and defensin, either individually or in combination, have significantly boosted plants' defense responses against various pathogens. However, signaling pathways regulating the expression of these versatile proteins remain only partially understood. Plant hormones like salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) are known for their well-established roles in regulating PR gene responses to pathogens and other stress conditions. PR genes interact with various components of hormonal signaling pathways, including receptors (e.g., NPR1 in SA signaling), transcription factors (e.g., MYC2 in JA signaling), and cis-regulating elements (e.g., W-box), to modulate plant defense responses. Recent studies have highlighted the contributions of different plant hormones to plant immunity and their interactions with PR proteins in a process known as hormonal crosstalk, which helps coordinate immunity activation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the PR proteins, their complexity, and hormonal crosstalk in immunity, aiming to understand these interactions for improved pathogen resistance.