Thinopyrum intermedium TiAP1 interacts with a chitin deacetylase from Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici and increases the resistance to Bgt in wheat

Abstract

The biotrophic fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) is a crucial factor causing reduction of global wheat production. Wild wheat relatives, e.g. Thinopyrum intermedium, is one of the wild-used parents in wheat disease-resistant breeding. From T. intermedium line, we identified the aspartic acid protein gene, TiAP1, which involved in resistance against Bgt. TiAP1 is a secreted protein that accumulates in large amounts at the infection sites of powdery mildew and extends to the intercellular space. Yeast two-hybrid showed that it interacted with the chitin deacetylase (BgtCDA1) of Bgt. The yeast expression, purification, and invitro test confirmed the chitin deacetylase activity of BgtCDA1. The bombardment and VIGS mediated host-induced gene silencing showed BgtCDA1 promotes the invasion of Bgt. Transcriptome analysis showed the cell wall xylan metabolism, lignin biosynthesis-related, and defence genes involved in the signal transduction were upregulated in the transgenic TiAP1 wheat induced by Bgt. The TiAP1 in wheat may inactivate the deacetylation function of BgtCDA1, cause chitin oligomers expose to wheat chitin receptor, then trigger the wheat immune response to inhibit the growth and penetration of Bgt, and thereby enhance the tolerance of wheat to pathogens.