Manipulation of plant metabolism by pathogen effectors: more than just food

Abstract

To successfully infect plants, pathogens secrete effector proteins to the plant apoplast or inside plant cells, where they suppress plant immunity or interfere with other cellular processes to facilitate infection. Plant metabolism is crucial for most cellular processes and plays a key role in defense against pathogens, making it a major target for pathogen effectors. Effector proteins manipulate host metabolism to provide the pathogen with nutrients or to indirectly suppress plant chemical defense responses. Recent studies have shown that pathogens also utilize effectors to shape the microbiota composition by altering the concentration of certain plant metabolites. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the manipulation of plant metabolism by pathogen effectors. We also discuss what remains unknown regarding the manipulation of host metabolism by pathogen effectors.

The Dynamic Interaction between Oil Palm and Phytophthora palmivora in Bud Rot Disease: Insights from Transcriptomic Analysis and Network Modelling

“…In this case, a search for co-expressed genes associated with a state of susceptibility was performed in addition to the central genes explained above. For example, different authors have proposed that pathogens can manipulate host proteins to export nutrients to the apoplast [ 49 , 50 ]. Therefore, a search was performed for genes related to nutrient transportation, such as sugar and sulfur transporters.…”

A bacterial effector manipulates plant metabolism, cell death, and immune responses via independent mechanisms

“…Research on effector proteins secreted by plant pathogens over the past years has led to the conclusion that effectors are often multifunctional proteins and may have several different virulence targets in plant cells (Macho, 2016; Toruño et al ., 2016; Cai et al ., 2023), altogether contributing to the promotion of pathogen proliferation. Our research has shown that the T3E protein RipI is able to promote GABA accumulation in plant tissues (Xian et al ., 2020) and to suppress specific PAMP‐triggered immune responses, including ROS burst (Figs 1, 2) and the activation of defence‐related genes (Fig.…”

“…A powerful tool to achieve such manipulation is the secretion of proteins directly inside plant cells using a type‐III secretion system. These proteins, termed type‐III effectors (T3Es), have been shown to target numerous plant functions, including immunity, metabolism, or development (Macho, 2016; Toruño et al ., 2016; Cai et al ., 2023). Importantly, T3Es are multifunctional proteins, able to target different plant processes simultaneously (Macho, 2016; Toruño et al ., 2016).…”

Co-Expression Networks in Sunflower: Harnessing the Power of Multi-Study Transcriptomic Public Data to Identify and Categorize Candidate Genes for Fungal Resistance

“…Moreover, this gene was down-regulated in a tolerant inbred line at early stages of infection with the fungus S. sclerotiorum in sunflower, suggesting a common functional role in pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)triggered immunity [55]. Several authors have identified modulation of primary metabolic pathways during the defense response, although the specific players in each species remain to be elucidated [56][57][58].…”