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SUMMARY: Identification of protein interactors is ideally suited for the functional characterization of small molecules. 3′,5′‐cAMP is an evolutionary ancient signaling metabolite largely uncharacterized in plants. To tap into the physiological roles of 3′,5′‐cAMP, we used a chemo‐proteomics approach, thermal proteome profiling (TPP), for the unbiased identification of 3′,5′‐cAMP protein targets. TPP measures shifts in the protein thermal stability upon ligand binding. Comprehensive proteomics analysis yielded a list of 51 proteins significantly altered in their thermal stability upon incubation with 3′,5′‐cAMP. The list contained metabolic enzymes, ribosomal subunits, translation initiation factors, and proteins associated with the regulation of plant growth such as CELL DIVISION CYCLE 48. To functionally validate obtained results, we focused on the role of 3′,5′‐cAMP in regulating the actin cytoskeleton suggested by the presence of actin among the 51 identified proteins. 3′,5′‐cAMP supplementation affected actin organization by inducing actin‐bundling. Consistent with these results, the increase in 3′,5′‐cAMP levels, obtained either by feeding or by chemical modulation of 3′,5′‐cAMP metabolism, was sufficient to partially rescue the short hypocotyl phenotype of the actin2 actin7 mutant, severely compromised in actin level. The observed rescue was specific to 3′,5′‐cAMP, as demonstrated using a positional isomer 2′,3′‐cAMP, and true for the nanomolar 3′,5′‐cAMP concentrations reported for plant cells. In vitro characterization of the 3′,5′‐cAMP–actin pairing argues against a direct interaction between actin and 3′,5′‐cAMP. Alternative mechanisms by which 3′,5′‐cAMP would affect actin dynamics, such as by interfering with calcium signaling, are discussed. In summary, our work provides a specific resource, 3′,5′‐cAMP interactome, as well as functional insight into 3′,5′‐cAMP‐mediated regulation in plants. Significance Statement: The present study provides the list of potential 3′,5′‐cAMP interactors pointing towards actin as one of them. We demonstrate that 3′,5′‐cAMP can regulate actin bundling in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Fusarium graminearum is a fungal pathogen that causes Fusarium head blight in cereal crops. The identification of proteins secreted from pathogens to overcome plant defenses and cause disease, collectively known as effectors, can reveal the etiology of a disease process. Proximity‐dependent biotin identification (BioID) was used to identify potential effector proteins secreted in planta by F. graminearum during the infection of Arabidopsis. Mass spectrometry analysis of streptavidin affinity‐purified proteins revealed over 300 proteins from F. graminearum, of which 62 were candidate effector proteins (CEPs). An independent analysis of secreted proteins from axenic cultures of F. graminearum showed a 42% overlap with CEPs, thereby assuring confidence in the BioID methodology. The analysis also revealed that 19 out of 62 CEPs (approx. 30%) had been previously characterized with virulence function in fungi. The functional characterization of additional CEPs was undertaken through deletion analysis by the CRISPR/Cas9 method, and by overexpression into Triticum aestivum (wheat) leaves by the Ustilago hordei delivery system. Deletion studies of 12 CEPs confirmed the effector function of three previously characterized CEPs and validated the function of another four CEPs on wheat inflorescence or vegetative tissues. Lastly, overexpression in wheat showed that all seven CEPs enhanced resistance against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae DC3000. Significance Statement: Towards a better understanding of the Fusarium head blight disease, this study utilizes a proteomic tool called proximity‐dependent biotin identification, or BioID, to identify effector proteins from the pathogen Fusarium graminearum. Identification and characterization of effectors will enable pathologists to monitor the pathogen evolution, and use them as potential new targets for fungicide development as part of the integrated pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]