H2020 EPILIPIN Project: Deciphering the role of oxylipins in the epigenetic mechanisms that control plant immunization
- Type Project
- Status Filled
- Execution 2018 -2020
- Assigned Budget 158.121,6 €
- Scope Europeo
- Main source of financing H2020
- Project website EPILIPIN
Oxylipin production/signaling is required for transgenerational stress memory:
First, we established a within-generation (Systemic Acquired Resistance, SAR) and transgenerational (Transgenerational Acquired Resistance, TAR) priming assay against the biotrophic pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa) in the host laboratory. We found that mutants altered in oxylipin production/signaling failed to display TAR, revealing an important role for oxylipin pathways in transgenerational stress memory.
Interaction between oxylipins and epigenetic pathways:
To determine the interplay of oxylipin and epigenetic pathways, we analyzed the ability of DNA (de)methylation mutants to perceive oxylipin compounds. As DNA (de)methylation mutants were unaffected in oxylipin perception, our results appear to position oxylipin signaling upstream of the epigenetic imprint in the cascade mediating priming. Furthermore, mutants defective in oxylipin production/perception were altered in their response to epigenome-altering compounds, pointing to an altered epigenetic landscape or epigenetic plasticity in the aforementioned mutants.
Characterization of genes related to oxylipins in the mobilization of the epigenetic machinery:
We designed chop-PCR markers to perform approximate DNA methylation profiling for oxylipin-related mutants under basal conditions and in response to infection. Our results supported the requirement of oxylipin production/signaling for DNA methylation changes triggered in response to pathogen attack. To validate these results, we leveraged the Ep5C gene, previously used in the Ep5C::GUS reporter construct to identify DNA methylation-defective mutants associated with immune priming. We observed constitutive induction of the construct upon introgression into the aforementioned oxylipin-related mutants, mimicking DNA methylation-deficient mutants and reinforcing the notion that oxylipin pathways mediate DNA methylation changes associated with plant defense and priming.
Positioning mitochondrial stress in the signaling cascade:
During the development of the project, various results produced within the group in the context of other advances in the field pointed to an important role of mitochondria in the oxylipin signaling pathway. Given that a) oxylipin signaling involves mitochondrial changes, b) oxylipin-defective mutants are altered in mitochondrial proteins, and c) the production of methyl group donors for epigenetic marks partially takes place in mitochondria, we developed a working model in which signaling triggered by pathogen recognition and mediated by oxylipins would induce mitochondrial changes that affect the deposition of epigenetic marks underlying stress memory (priming). Consequently, mitochondrial stress induced a very strong resistance phenotype against the biotrophic pathogen Hpa. The aforementioned induction of mitochondrial stress was sufficient to trigger both SAR and TAR, supporting our model.
In summary, our results demonstrate that specific oxylipins and related proteins are necessary for plant immune priming, the most promising target for the development of alternative, and hopefully more sustainable, crop protection strategies, one of the priorities of the European Union. Beyond our initial ambitions, the data obtained in the context of recent advances in this field allowed us to place mitochondria at the center of the intracellular signaling cascades mediating epigenetic stress memory.
To maximize the impact on the scientific community, the results of this project have been disseminated at six national and international meetings and three invited seminars. The results will be published in high-impact journals, consolidating the high level of the group and research center, and my position in the field. I have also participated in seminars for the host group and research center, and have continued my active contribution to scientific societies and communities. Aware of the importance of communication, I have participated in various teaching and outreach activities, promoting public interest in science and EU investments in research, while also engaging with and better understanding their concerns and priorities. We will soon evaluate the translation of some of the results into the development of sustainable food security strategies, leveraging the center's infrastructure (CNB/CSIC Technology Transfer Departments).
Reducing crop losses caused by pests and diseases is necessary to produce more food on less land, ensure food security, and prevent the overexploitation of natural resources. Therefore, international organizations such as [name of product/service/product/service.
To fill this gap in our knowledge, we have undertaken an ambitious project using the unique genetic and molecular tools available in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to first analyze the role of natural oxylipin compounds in priming processes and then to study the relationship between both molecular pathways to delineate plant defense mechanisms and stress memory.
Reducing crop losses caused by pests and diseases is absolutely necessary to feed the growing global population, but the use of pesticides increases environmental damage and contributes to climate change. As a result, international entities such as the European Union are driving the search for alternative strategies. Experts point to "plant immunization" or priming as the safest and most effective approach to stimulate the endogenous immune system of plants. Unfortunately, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved is needed for its application in crop protection. In this context, epigenetic mechanisms and oxylipin pathways are involved in priming processes, but their specific contribution and the relationship between these two pathways have not yet been addressed.
To fill this gap in our knowledge, we propose an ambitious but feasible project based on solid and exciting preliminary results. We will use the unique genetic and molecular tools available in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to first analyze the role of natural oxylipin compounds in different priming processes and then study the relationship between both molecular pathways to delineate the plant's defense and priming mechanisms.
The synergistic interaction between the host group, a world leader in oxylipin research, and the applicant, an expert in epigenetics, ensures the maximization of the two-way transfer of knowledge, training, and networking. Furthermore, this initiative has a potentially significant impact and represents a key milestone in the applicant's career, complementing their current knowledge and expanding their skills.
Taking these considerations together, the EPILIPIN project offers a unique opportunity for the development of research that perfectly aligns with the EU's concerns and priorities of improving crop yields while minimizing the impact of agriculture on the environment by exploring the use of natural compounds (oxylipins) to trigger long-term immunization (priming).
Our contribution represents a breakthrough in unraveling the epigenetic basis of plant immunity, a timely and relevant field. The results obtained allowed us to propose a working model that reinforces the role of oxylipins in priming processes, but also positions mitochondria as an interface, integrating external signals and coordinating plant responses to environmental changes by modifying the plant epigenome.
Furthermore, given that oxylipins are natural compounds, the project has great potential to yield highly interesting results for the development of sustainable crop protection strategies. Furthermore, oxylipins play key roles in other organisms. For example, they are important components of the human lipidome. In humans, oxylipins have been shown to be linked to aging, as well as to major diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer; all of which are associated with mitochondrial alterations and epigenetic changes.
Therefore, the results obtained in this MSCA could significantly influence various disciplines, some of them with a direct impact on a large part of society. Finally, the fellowship has supported me during my first steps as an independent researcher, preparing me to pursue independent and mature research positions in the future.
- AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS (CSIC)
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