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Extracellular DNA: The tip of root defenses?

Authors :
Hawes, Martha C.
Curlango-Rivera, Gilberto
Wen, Fushi
White, Gerard J.
VanEtten, Hans D.
Xiong, Zhongguo
Source :
Plant Science. Jun2011, Vol. 180 Issue 6, p741-745. 5p.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Abstract: This review discusses how extracellular DNA (exDNA) might function in plant defense, and at what level(s) of innate immunity this process might operate. A new role for extracellular factors in mammalian defense has been described in a series of studies. These studies reveal that cells including neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells produce ‘extracellular traps’ (ETs) consisting of histone-linked exDNA. When pathogens are attracted to such ETs, they are trapped and killed. When the exDNA component of ETs is degraded, trapping is impaired and resistance against invasion is reduced. Conversely, mutation of microbial genes encoding exDNases that degrade exDNA results in loss of virulence. This discovery that exDNases are virulence factors opens new avenues for disease control. In plants, exDNA is required for defense of the root tip. Innate immunity-related proteins are among a group of >100 proteins secreted from the root cap and root border cell populations. Direct tests revealed that exDNA also is rapidly synthesized and exported from the root tip. When this exDNA is degraded by the endonuclease DNase 1, root tip resistance to fungal infection is lost; when the polymeric structure is degraded more slowly, by the exonuclease BAL31, loss of resistance to fungal infection is delayed accordingly. The results suggest that root border cells may function in a manner analogous to that which occurs in mammalian cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01689452
Volume :
180
Issue :
6
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Plant Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
60043975
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2011.02.007