Molecular Matchmaking: How a Plant Pathogen Manipulates Host-Vector Interactions

Summary: A groundbreaking study reveals the intricate mechanisms by which the phytoplasma effector protein SAP54 influences plant-insect interactions to benefit its own transmission. This research uncovers a complex interplay between the pathogen, its plant host, and insect vectors.Key findings include:

• SAP54 enhances the attraction of female leafhoppers to infected plants, but only in the presence of male leafhoppers.
• The effector targets the plant MADS-box transcription factor SVP (SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE), promoting its degradation.
• SAP54 suppresses biotic stress responses in leaves exposed to male leafhoppers, making plants more attractive to females.
• Female leafhoppers prefer colonizing male-exposed svp mutant plants, mimicking the effect of SAP54.

This study demonstrates how a single parasite gene can have far-reaching effects on host-vector interactions, exemplifying the concept of extended phenotypes. It also highlights the unexpected role of plant developmental regulators in mediating insect interactions and plant defense responses.

References: Orlovskis, Z., Singh, A., Kliot, A., Huang, W., & Hogenhout, S. A. (2024). Molecular Matchmakers: Phytoplasma Effector SAP54 Targets MADS-Box Factor SVP to Enhance Attraction of Fecund Female Vectors by Modulating Leaf Responses to Male Presence. eLife, 13, e98992. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.98992.2

Hashtags:#PlantPathology #ExtendedPhenotype #InsectVectors #PhytoplasmaEffectors #PlantMicrobeInteractions