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Paired NLRs originated from Triticum dicoccoides coordinately confer resistance to powdery mildew in wheat

Author

Listed:
  • Huaizhi Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Miaomiao Li

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Gaojie Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Keyu Zhu

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Guanghao Guo

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Hongkui Fu

    (Chinese Academy of Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Chenchen Hu

    (Chinese Academy of Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhiying Chu

    (Hebei Agricultural University)

  • Jinghuang Hu

    (Xianghu Laboratory)

  • Qiuhong Wu

    (Xianghu Laboratory)

  • Yongxing Chen

    (Xianghu Laboratory)

  • Dan Qiu

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Jingzhong Xie

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Delin Li

    (Xianghu Laboratory)

  • Beibei Li

    (Xianghu Laboratory)

  • Wenling Li

    (Xianghu Laboratory)

  • Lei Dong

    (Xianghu Laboratory)

  • Yikun Hou

    (Chinese Academy of Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xuejia Cui

    (Chinese Academy of Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Baoge Huang

    (Chinese Academy of Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yi Liu

    (Hebei Agricultural University)

  • Yiwen Li

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Hongjie Li

    (Xianghu Laboratory)

  • Chengguo Yuan

    (Hebei Gaoyi Stock Seeds Farm)

  • Lingli Dong

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

  • Zhiyong Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Science
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ping Lu

    (Chinese Academy of Science)

Abstract

Wheat has evolved diverse resistance genes against powdery mildew, typically controlled by single-gene-encoded proteins. Here, we report the map-based cloning of PmWR183, a resistance locus encoding two adjacent NLR proteins (PmWR183-NLR1 and PmWR183-NLR2) from wild emmer wheat. Stable transformation and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout experiments demonstrate that the two NLRs function cooperatively: neither gene alone confers resistance, but their co-expression restores immunity, while disruption of either gene abolishes resistance. PmWR183 mediates a developmental stage-dependent response, with susceptibility at the seedling stage and strong resistance at the adult stage. Protein interaction assays reveal constitutive association of PmWR183-NLR1 and PmWR183-NLR2, supporting their cooperative role. Geographical and haplotype analyses show the locus originates from wild emmer and is rare in cultivated wheat, exhibiting at least nine haplotypes. Together, our findings uncover a rare NLR gene pair conferring effective resistance to powdery mildew, providing valuable resources for wheat breeding.

Suggested Citation

  • Huaizhi Zhang & Miaomiao Li & Gaojie Wang & Keyu Zhu & Guanghao Guo & Hongkui Fu & Chenchen Hu & Zhiying Chu & Jinghuang Hu & Qiuhong Wu & Yongxing Chen & Dan Qiu & Jingzhong Xie & Delin Li & Beibei L, 2025. "Paired NLRs originated from Triticum dicoccoides coordinately confer resistance to powdery mildew in wheat," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64049-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64049-y
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