Plant Defense Regulation: An Insight into Cellular Mechanisms
In a groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal "Cell", a team of researchers led by the University of Würzburg have discovered an antagonist of systemin called AntiSys in tomato plants. This discovery sheds light on the intricate workings of plant immune systems and opens up possibilities for making crops more resistant and robust.
Tomatoes, like many other plants, have a defense system that triggers defense reactions in response to damage. The signaling molecule systemin plays a crucial role in this system, but when in excess, it can lead to uncontrolled activation of the immune system, causing disturbances in growth and development similar to a chronic inflammatory reaction.
The research team found that AntiSys, which resembles systemin in structure but acts as an inhibitor for the systemin receptor SYR1, prevents the defense system from overreacting. When AntiSys is missing in tomatoes, the plants show significant growth issues, produce fewer fruits, and display severe malformations.
Interestingly, AntiSys has also been found in related nightshade plants such as eggplant, potato, and bell pepper. The researchers see parallels between AntiSys in tomatoes and special antagonists in the human immune system that dampen inflammatory reactions.
Professor Georg Felix, the head of the study, stated that if they also remove the systemin receptors, the plants remain healthy despite the lack of AntiSys. This suggests the possibility of similar antagonists in other plant species and their potential use in agriculture.
The study can be found at this link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2025.07.044
For media inquiries regarding the study, contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Schaller at the University of Hohenheim or Prof. Dr. Georg Felix at the University of Tübingen. Press releases for the University of Hohenheim can be found at this link: https://www.uni-hohenheim.de/presse
The tomato gene cluster encodes four structurally similar peptides or their precursor proteins, in addition to the gene for systemin. Systemin is produced and released in large quantities when the plant is attacked by insects, causing a competitive displacement at the SYR1 receptor and triggering immune reactions. AntiSys, on the other hand, binds to the same receptor as systemin, but without activating it, ensuring the immune system remains inactive in healthy plants.
This discovery not only deepens our understanding of plant immune systems but also offers potential applications in agriculture. By understanding and manipulating these systems, we may be able to create crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases, improving food security and sustainability.
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