The branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase TaBCAT1 modulates amino acid metabolism and positively regulates wheat rust susceptibility

• DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab049
• Publication Date: 2021-02-09T14:28:46Z
• Authors: Pilar Corredor-Mo...; Francesca Minter; Phoebe E Davey; Eva Wegel; Baldeep Kular; Paul Brett; Clare M Lewis; Yvie M L Morgan; Luis A Macías Pérez; Andrey V Korolev; Lionel Hill; Diane G O Saunders
• Keywords: Rust (programming language); Defence mechanisms

Abstract Plant pathogens suppress defense responses to evade recognition and promote successful colonization. Although identifying the genes essential for pathogen ingress has traditionally relied on screening mutant populations, post-genomic era provides an opportunity develop novel approaches that accelerate identification. Here, RNA-seq analysis of 68 pathogen-infected bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties, including three (Oakley, Solstice Santiago) with variable levels susceptibility, uncovered a branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (termed TaBCAT1) as positive regulator rust susceptibility. We show TaBCAT1 is required yellow stem infection likely functions in (BCAA) metabolism, disruption mutants had elevated BCAA levels. also exhibited increased salicylic (SA) enhanced expression associated genes, indicating regulation, via TaBCAT1, key role SA-dependent activation. identified association between BCAAs resistance wheat. These findings provide insight into SA-mediated highlight metabolism response. Furthermore, could be manipulated potentially two most economically damaging diseases worldwide.