TY - JOUR
T1 - Deciphering the Molecular Interplay Between RXLR-Encoded Avr Genes and NLRs During Phytophthora infestans Infection in Potato
T2 - A Comprehensive Review
AU - Juma, Bicko Steve
AU - Oxholm, Olga Agata
AU - Abuley, Isaac Kwesi
AU - Sørensen, Chris Khadgi
AU - Hebelstrup, Kim
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 by the authors.
PY - 2025/9
Y1 - 2025/9
N2 - Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally significant staple crop that faces constant threats from Phytophthora infestans, the causative agent of late blight (LB). The battle between Phytophthora infestans and its host is driven by the molecular interplay of RXLR-encoded avirulence (PiAvr) effectors and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors in potato. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural characteristics, functional diversity, and evolutionary dynamics of RXLR effectors and the mechanisms by which NLR receptors recognize and respond to them. The study elaborates on both direct and indirect modes of effector recognition by NLRs, highlighting the gene-for-gene interactions that underlie resistance. Additionally, we discuss the molecular strategies employed by P. infestans to evade host immunity, including effector polymorphism, truncation, and transcriptional regulation. Advances in structural biology, functional genomics, and computational modeling have provided valuable insights into effector–receptor interactions, paving the way for innovative resistance breeding strategies. We also discuss the latest approaches to engineering durable resistance, including gene stacking, synthetic NLRs, and CRISPR-based modifications. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is critical for developing resistant potato cultivars and mitigating the devastating effects of LB. This review aims to bridge current knowledge gaps and guide future research efforts in plant immunity and disease management.
AB - Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally significant staple crop that faces constant threats from Phytophthora infestans, the causative agent of late blight (LB). The battle between Phytophthora infestans and its host is driven by the molecular interplay of RXLR-encoded avirulence (PiAvr) effectors and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) immune receptors in potato. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural characteristics, functional diversity, and evolutionary dynamics of RXLR effectors and the mechanisms by which NLR receptors recognize and respond to them. The study elaborates on both direct and indirect modes of effector recognition by NLRs, highlighting the gene-for-gene interactions that underlie resistance. Additionally, we discuss the molecular strategies employed by P. infestans to evade host immunity, including effector polymorphism, truncation, and transcriptional regulation. Advances in structural biology, functional genomics, and computational modeling have provided valuable insights into effector–receptor interactions, paving the way for innovative resistance breeding strategies. We also discuss the latest approaches to engineering durable resistance, including gene stacking, synthetic NLRs, and CRISPR-based modifications. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is critical for developing resistant potato cultivars and mitigating the devastating effects of LB. This review aims to bridge current knowledge gaps and guide future research efforts in plant immunity and disease management.
KW - NLR
KW - Phytophthora infestans
KW - PiAvr
KW - RXLR effector
KW - Rpi gene
KW - gene stacking
KW - late blight
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105015640816
U2 - 10.3390/ijms26178153
DO - 10.3390/ijms26178153
M3 - Review
C2 - 40943081
AN - SCOPUS:105015640816
SN - 1661-6596
VL - 26
JO - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
JF - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
IS - 17
M1 - 8153
ER -