Cell Wall Dynamics in the Parasitic Plant (Striga) and Rice Pathosystem
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Date
2025
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MPMI
Abstract
In the plant-plant pathosystem of rice (Oryza sativa) and the parasitic plant Striga hermonthica, cell walls from either plant are
important defensive and offensive structures. Here, we reveal
the cell wall dynamics in both Striga and rice using simultaneous RNA sequencing. We used weighted gene co-expression
network analysis to home in on cell wall modification processes
occurring in interactions with a resistant rice cultivar (Nipponbare) compared with a susceptible one (IAC 165). Likewise, we
compared the cell wall dynamics in Striga infecting resistant and
susceptible rice. Our study revealed an intense battlement at the
Striga-rice cell walls involving both parasite (offense) and host
(defense) factors, the outcome of which makes the difference
between successful or failed parasitism. Striga activates genes
encoding cell wall-degrading enzymes to gain access to the host,
expansins to allow for cell elongation, and pectin methyl esterase
inhibitors for rigidity during infection. In the susceptible host,
immune response processes are not induced, and Striga-derived
cell wall-degrading enzymes easily breach the host cell wall, resulting in successful parasitism. In contrast, the resistant host
invokes immune responses modulated by phytohormones to fortify the cell wall through polysaccharides and lignin deposition.
Through these processes, the cell wall of the resistant host successfully obstructs parasite entry. We discuss the implications
of these findings in the context of practical agriculture in which
cell wall modification can be used to manage parasitic plants.
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Citation
Barminga, Damaris, et al. "Cell wall dynamics in the parasitic plant (Striga) and rice pathosystem." Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions 38.2 (2025): 285-296.