2024 article
The ZmCPK39-ZmDi19-ZmPR10 immune module regulates quantitative resistance to multiple foliar diseases in maize
Zhu, M., Zhong, T., Xu, L., Guo, C., Zhang, X., Liu, Y., … Xu, M. (2024, November 4). NATURE GENETICS.
open access via doi.org (publisher)
Gray leaf spot, northern leaf blight and southern leaf blight are three of the most destructive foliar diseases affecting maize (Zea mays L.). Here we identified a gene, ZmCPK39, that encodes a calcium-dependent protein kinase and negatively regulates quantitative resistance to these three diseases. The ZmCPK39 allele in the resistant line displayed significantly lower pathogen-induced gene expression than that in the susceptible line. A marked decrease in ZmCPK39 abundance mitigated the phosphorylation and degradation of the transcription factor ZmDi19. This led to elevated expression of ZmPR10, a gene known to encode an antimicrobial protein, thereby enhancing maize resistance to foliar diseases. Moreover, the F