MAP4K4 associates with BIK1 to regulate plant innate immunity

ABSTRACT: To perceive pathogens, plants employ pattern recognition receptor (PRR) complexes, which then transmit these signals via the receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase BIK1 to induce defense responses. How BIK1 activity and stability are controlled is still not completely understood. Here we show that the Hippo/STE20 homolog MAP4K4 regulates BIK1-mediated immune responses. MAP4K4 associates and phosphorylates BIK1 at Ser233, Ser236 and Thr242 to ensure BIK1 stability and activity. Furthermore, MAP4K4 phosphorylates PP2C38 at Ser77 to enable flg22-induced BIK1 activation. Our results uncover that a Hippo/STE20 homolog, MAP4K4, maintains the homeostasis of the central immune component BIK1.

SUBMITTER: Dr. Yunhe Jiang 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-EMBOR-2019-47965-T | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other