Journal Article

S-acylation of a geminivirus C4 protein is essential for regulating the CLAVATA pathway in symptom determination

Chen, Zian, Yang, Chengwei, Lai, Jianbin, Zeng, Runxiu, Xie, Qi, Cao, Zhendan, Liu, Xiaoshi, Li, Huiyun

2018

Overview

S-acylation of the beet severe curly top virus C4 protein is essential for its membrane association, interaction with CLV1, and symptom determination during geminivirus infection. Abstract Geminiviruses, such as beet severe curly top virus (BSCTV), are a group of DNA viruses that cause severe plant diseases and agricultural losses. The C4 protein is a major symptom determinant in several geminiviruses; however, its regulatory mechanism and molecular function in plant cells remain unclear. Here, we show that BSCTV C4 is S-acylated in planta, and that this post-translational lipid modification is necessary for its membrane localization and functions, especially its regulation of shoot development of host plants. Furthermore, the S-acylated form of C4 interacts with CLAVATA 1 (CLV1), an important receptor kinase in meristem maintenance, and consequentially affects the expression of WUSCHEL, a major target of CLV1. The abnormal development of siliques in Arabidopsis thaliana infected with BSCTV is also dependent on the S-acylation of C4, implying a potential role of CLAVATA signaling in this process. Collectively, our results show that S-acylation is essential for BSCTV C4 function, including the regulation of the CLAVATA pathway, during geminivirus infection.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Subject: abnormal development / Arabidopsis thaliana / Beet severe curly top virus / enzymes / host plants / lipids / meristems / plant diseases and disorders / plant viruses / Research Papers / siliques