Silencing of Nicotiana benthamiana SEC14 phospholipid transfer protein reduced jasmonic acid dependent defense against Pseudomonas syringae

We previously identified SEC14, phospholipid transfer protein superfamily gene, in Nicotiana benthamiana (NbSEC14) that was closely related to phospholipid signaling as well as jasmonic acid-dependent defense responses during plant immune responses against Ralstonia solanacearum. To examine effect of NbSEC14-silencing on basal plant defenses, we used two other bacterial pathogens with different virulent strategies, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci and pv. mellea. NbSEC14-silenced plants showed accelerated growth of P. syringae pv. tabaci and pv. mellea, and formation of necrotic lesions. Induction of JA-related PR-4 gene was compromised in NbSEC14-silenced plants, which was supported by reduced jasmonic acid levels in NbSEC14-silenced plants. These results suggested that NbSEC14 might be regulating plant basal resistance against plant pathogenic Pseudomonads via jasmonic acid-dependent signaling pathway.