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Betulinic Acid Delays Turnip Mosaic Virus Infection by Activating the Phytosulfokine Signalling Pathway in Nicotiana benthamiana

Summary

Researchers discovered that betulinic acid, a natural compound found in birch and eucalyptus trees, can slow down turnip mosaic virus infection in plants. The compound works by activating a plant hormone called phytosulfokine through special receptors on plant cells, which strengthens the plant’s natural defence against the virus. This finding suggests betulinic acid could become an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting vegetable crops from viral diseases.

Background

Plant viral diseases pose a significant threat to agricultural production with limited effective antiviral treatments available. Betulinic acid (BA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid from plants with known antiviral properties. This study investigates BA’s mechanism in delaying turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infection through the phytosulfokine (PSK) signalling pathway.

Objective

To determine whether betulinic acid delays TuMV infection in Nicotiana benthamiana and to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying this antiviral effect, particularly through the PSK-PSKR signalling pathway.

Results

BA treatment significantly inhibited TuMV infection and specifically induced NbPSK3 expression. Silencing NbPSK3 promoted viral infection while overexpression reduced it. Exogenous sulphonated PSK (PSKα) delayed TuMV infection, and silencing NbPSKR1 abolished this protective effect, indicating the pathway’s dependence on the receptor.

Conclusion

Betulinic acid delays TuMV infection through activation of the PSK-PSKR signalling pathway, identifying BA as a promising plant-derived antiviral agent and revealing PSK signalling as important for viral resistance in crop improvement.
  • Published in:Molecular Plant Pathology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40350930, DOI: 10.1111/mpp.70092
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