Stem rust resistance in wheat is suppressed by a subunit of the mediator complex

Nat Commun. 2020 Feb 28;11(1):1123. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-14937-2.

Abstract

Stem rust is an important disease of wheat that can be controlled using resistance genes. The gene SuSr-D1 identified in cultivar 'Canthatch' suppresses stem rust resistance. SuSr-D1 mutants are resistant to several races of stem rust that are virulent on wild-type plants. Here we identify SuSr-D1 by sequencing flow-sorted chromosomes, mutagenesis, and map-based cloning. The gene encodes Med15, a subunit of the Mediator Complex, a conserved protein complex in eukaryotes that regulates expression of protein-coding genes. Nonsense mutations in Med15b.D result in expression of stem rust resistance. Time-course RNAseq analysis show a significant reduction or complete loss of differential gene expression at 24 h post inoculation in med15b.D mutants, suggesting that transcriptional reprogramming at this time point is not required for immunity to stem rust. Suppression is a common phenomenon and this study provides novel insight into suppression of rust resistance in wheat.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Basidiomycota / pathogenicity
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Plant / genetics
  • Disease Resistance / genetics*
  • Gene Duplication
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
  • Genes, Plant / genetics
  • Mediator Complex / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Plant Diseases / genetics*
  • Plant Diseases / immunology
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology
  • Plant Immunity / genetics
  • Poaceae / classification
  • Poaceae / genetics
  • Triticum / genetics*
  • Triticum / immunology
  • Triticum / microbiology

Substances

  • Mediator Complex