To nibble at plant resistance proteins

Science. 2009 May 8;324(5928):744-6. doi: 10.1126/science.1171666.

Abstract

To intercept invading microbes that threaten growth and reproduction, plants evolved a sophisticated innate immune system. Recognition of specialized pathogens is mediated by resistance proteins that function as molecular switches. Pathogen perception by these multidomain proteins seems to trigger a series of conformational changes dependent on nucleotide exchange. The activated resistance protein switches on host defenses, often culminating in the death of infected cells. Given their control over life and death, activity of these proteins requires tight regulation that involves intramolecular interactions between the various domains.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Diphosphate / metabolism
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / chemistry
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / genetics
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism*
  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Plant Diseases / immunology*
  • Plant Proteins / chemistry
  • Plant Proteins / genetics
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plants / immunology*
  • Plants / metabolism
  • Plants / microbiology*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Plant Proteins
  • Adenosine Diphosphate
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases