The MIK2/SCOOP Signaling System Contributes to Arabidopsis Resistance Against Herbivory by Modulating Jasmonate and Indole Glucosinolate Biosynthesis

Abstract

Initiation of plant immune signaling requires recognition of conserved molecular patterns from microbes and herbivores by plasma membrane-localized pattern recognition receptors. Additionally, plants produce and secrete numerous small peptide hormones, termed phytocytokines, which act as secondary danger signals to modulate immunity. In Arabidopsis, the Brassicae-specific SERINE RICH ENDOGENOUS PEPTIDE (SCOOP) family consists of 14 members that are perceived by the leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase MALE DISCOVERER 1-INTERACTING RECEPTOR LIKE KINASE 2 (MIK2). Recognition of SCOOP peptides elicits generic early signaling responses but knowledge on how and if SCOOPs modulate specific downstream immune defenses is limited. We report here that depletion of MIK2 or the single PROSCOOP12 precursor results in decreased Arabidopsis resistance against the generalist herbivore Spodoptera littoralis but not the specialist Pieris brassicae. Increased performance of S. littoralis on mik2-1 and proscoop12 is accompanied by a diminished accumulation of jasmonic acid, jasmonate-isoleucine and indolic glucosinolates. Additionally, we show transcriptional activation of the PROSCOOP gene family in response to insect herbivory. Our data therefore indicate that perception of endogenous SCOOP peptides by MIK2 modulates the jasmonate pathway and thereby contributes to enhanced defense against a generalist herbivore.

New insights into the transcriptional regulation of benzoxazinoid biosynthesis in wheat

“…Upon PEP perception, maize plants activate a vast array of immune responses, including induction of BXD metabolism ( Huffaker et al ., 2011 , 2013 ). A similar regulatory role has been recently described for SCOOP peptides in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana , in which the perception of SCOOP peptides positively modulates the herbivore-inducible accumulation of indole glucosinolates ( Stahl et al , 2022 ). Therefore, how wheat endogenous peptides regulate BXD synthesis is an interesting question for future research.…”

Antagonistic Regulation of Arabidopsis Leaf Senescence by SCOOP10 and SCOOP12 Peptides via MIK2 Receptor-Like Kinase

“…4E, F, G), indicating that SCOOP12-mediated inhibition of leaf senescence requires a functional MIK2. Furthermore, loss-of-function proscoop12 mutant lines 24 displayed premature senescence while senescence driven expression of PROSCOOP12 ( pSAG12:PROSCOOP12 transgenic plants) led to delay in leaf senescence (Fig. 4H and I).…”

A novel small open reading frame gene, IbEGF, enhances drought tolerance in transgenic sweet potato

“…There was crosstalk between peptide hormone BoPep4 and ABA signalling pathways under salinity stress ( Wang et al., 2022a ). The serine rich endogenous peptide (SCOOP) increased defense against a generalist herbivore by modulating the JA pathway in Arabidopsis ( Stahl et al., 2022 ).…”