Subtype-selective agonists of plant hormone co-receptor COI1-JAZs identified from the stereoisomers of coronatine

Abstract

Severe genetic redundancy is particularly clear in gene families encoding plant hormone receptors, each subtype sharing redundant and specific functions. Genetic redundancy of receptor family members represents a major challenge for the functional dissection of each receptor subtype. A paradigmatic example is the perception of the hormone (+)-7-iso-jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine, perceived by several COI1-JAZ complexes; the specific role of each receptor subtype still remains elusive. Subtype-selective agonists of the receptor are valuable tools for analyzing the responses regulated by individual receptor subtypes. We constructed a stereoisomer library consisting of all stereochemical isomers of coronatine (COR), a mimic of the plant hormone (+)-7-iso-jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine, to identify subtype-selective agonists for COI1-JAZ co-receptors in Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum. An agonist selective for the Arabidopsis COI1-JAZ9 co-receptor efficiently revealed that JAZ9 is not involved in most of the gene downregulation caused by COR, and the degradation of JAZ9-induced defense without inhibiting growth.

Chemical Driving the Subtype Selectivity of Phytohormone Receptors Is Beneficial for Crop Productivity

“…The stereoisomer of COR, Ent2E, could specifically bind to COI1-JAZ9, while the other stereoisomer, Ent6, exhibits limited selectivity across various JAZ subtypes in the context of COI1-JAZ interactions. 79 In contrast, COR-NOPh, a keto-modified derivative, demonstrates enhanced selectivity among JAZ subtypes (Figure 3G). 80 Unlike the overall response of JA, selective activation of COI1-JAZ9 attenuates the JAZ-mediated inhibition of the EIN3/EIL1 signaling pathway.…”

“…This activation correlates with a significant upregulation of PDF1.2, a crucial player in the defense against necrotizing pathogens. Furthermore, the selective activation of COI1-JAZ9 does not affect the growth of Arabidopsis while concurrently enhancing resilience against invasions, marking a favorable balance between immunity enhancement and growth maintenance. , …”

“…They are significantly affected by changes in the structure of the agonists. The stereoisomer of COR, Ent 2E, could specifically bind to COI1-JAZ9, while the other stereoisomer, Ent 6, exhibits limited selectivity across various JAZ subtypes in the context of COI1-JAZ interactions . In contrast, COR-NOPh, a keto-modified derivative, demonstrates enhanced selectivity among JAZ subtypes (Figure G) .…”

“…Furthermore, the selective activation of COI1-JAZ9 does not affect the growth of Arabidopsis while concurrently enhancing resilience against invasions, marking a favorable balance between immunity enhancement and growth maintenance. 79,80 The Potential of Selective Activation of Phytohormone Receptor Subtypes. Identifying the functions of receptor subtypes through genetic mutation following the determination of their gene sequences may appear straightforward for biologists.…”