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Putative Transcriptional Regulation of HaWRKY33-AOA251SVV7 Complex-Mediated Sunflower Head Rot by Transcriptomics and Proteomics

Summary

This research identifies how sunflowers defend themselves against a devastating fungal disease called head rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Scientists discovered that a protein called HaWRKY33 works together with another protein (AOA251SVV7) to help resistant sunflower varieties fight off the infection. By understanding these molecular interactions and identifying critical regions of the HaWRKY33 protein, researchers can now develop better sunflower varieties that are naturally resistant to this disease, potentially saving farmers significant crop losses.

Background

Sunflower head rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a major agricultural problem causing significant yield losses. HaWRKY33 transcription factor is known to be involved in disease resistance signaling pathways, but its role against S. sclerotiorum infection remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of HaWRKY33-mediated defense responses.

Objective

To investigate the transcriptional regulatory network of HaWRKY33 in response to S. sclerotiorum infection and identify key amino acid residues critical for disease resistance function. The study aims to provide insights into molecular mechanisms of sunflower resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum for future breeding strategies.

Results

Identified two resistant varieties (W227 and BC2202-03) and two susceptible varieties (N241 and Z155). Transcriptomic analysis identified 9,443 differentially expressed genes with HaWRKY33 involved in plant-pathogen interaction pathway. AlphaFold 3 predictions revealed strong interactions between HaWRKY33 and AOA251SVV7 proteins, with ARG-189 and GLU-344 amino acids identified as key interaction sites.

Conclusion

HaWRKY33 functions as part of a transcriptional complex with AOA251SVV7 to regulate sunflower defense responses against S. sclerotiorum through the plant-pathogen interaction pathway. ARG-189 is identified as a critical amino acid residue for disease resistance function, with findings supporting development of molecular breeding strategies for enhanced sunflower resistance.
  • Published in:Plants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 41095160
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