Calcium-signaling proteins mediate the plant transcriptomic response during a well-established Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris infection

Abstract

The plant immune system is divided into two branches; one branch is based on the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP-triggered immunity), and the other relies on pathogenic effector detection (effector-triggered immunity). Despite each branch being involved in different complex mechanisms, both lead to transcription reprogramming and, thus, changes in plant metabolism. To study the defense mechanisms involved in the Brassica oleracea–Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) interaction, we analyzed the plant transcriptome dynamics at 3 and 12 days postinoculation (dpi) by using massive analysis of 3′-cDNA ends. We identified more induced than repressed transcripts at both 3 and 12 dpi, although the response was greater at 12 dpi. Changes in the expression of genes related to the early infection stages were only detected at 12 dpi, suggesting that the timing of triggered defenses is crucial to plant survival. qPCR analyses in susceptible and resistant plants allowed us to highlight the potential role of two calcium-signaling proteins, CBP60g and SARD1, in the resistance against Xcc. This role was subsequently confirmed using Arabidopsis knockout mutants.