Convergent gene loss in aquatic plants predicts new components of plant immunity and drought response

摘要: Abstract The transition of plants from sea to land sparked an arms race with pathogens. increased susceptibility is largely thought be due their dependence on micro-organisms for nutrients; the ensuing co-evolution has shaped plant immune system. By profiling receptors across flowering plants, we identified species low numbers NLR receptors. Interestingly, four these represent distinct lineages monocots and dicots that returned aquatic lifestyle. Both monocot dicot lost same well-known downstream signalling complex (EDS1-PAD4). This observation inspired us look other genes a similar loss pattern allowed predict putative new components immunity. Gene expression analyses confirmed group was differentially expressed under pathogen infection. Excitingly, another subset upon drought. Collectively, our study reveals minimal system required life water, highlights additional plants. Author summary Plant resistance pathogens commonly mediated by gene family, known as NLRs. Upon infection, changes in cellular environment trigger activation subsequent defence responses. Despite agricultural practices control load, relatively little about this family outside model crop species. In study, convergent reduction among two Furthermore, established occurred conjunction common pathway. Subsequently, convergently propose candidate addition, revealed agronomically important drought response adds understanding interactions between biotic stress, widely disease triangle. pathways shed further light link responses disease.