Extracellular DNA Mediated Plant Immunity Responses

Plants release and perceive fragments of DNA in the extracellular space as indicators of cellular damage or pathogen invasion. These extracellular DNA (exDNA) molecules act as Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs), alerting neighbouring cells to impending threat. Recognition occurs at the plasma membrane, triggering rapid depolarisation and influxes of calcium ions, which activate downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades. This early signalling leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the mobilisation of phytohormones such as jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. Together, these responses culminate in local cell wall fortification, synthesis of antimicrobial compounds and, in many cases, a programmed hypersensitive response to contain pathogen spread. In addition to acute defence, exDNA perception can prime systemic acquired resistance, bolstering distal tissues against subsequent attack. Extracellular DNA is found in specialised secretions such as root border-cell slime, where it contributes to root tip resistance against soil-borne fungi. Differential responses to self- versus non-self-DNA further refine the immune reaction, restraining conspecific growth in the rhizosphere and shaping plant–microbe interactions. Understanding the dynamics of exDNA release, perception and signal transduction has broad implications for sustainable crop protection, offering routes to novel elicitors, biostimulants and breeding strategies that exploit innate immunity without chemical pesticides.

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Extracellular DNA Mediated Plant Immunity Responses publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in extracellular dna mediated plant immunity responses across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Extracellular DNA (exDNA): DNA fragments released into the apoplast or rhizosphere following cell damage or secretion.

Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern (DAMP): Endogenous molecule that signals host tissue injury to activate innate immunity.

Plasma membrane depolarisation: A rapid change in membrane potential that serves as an early step in immune signalling.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules produced during defence that strengthen cell walls and kill pathogens.

Hypersensitive response: Localised cell death at infection sites that restricts pathogen spread.

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR): Long-distance immune priming that enhances resistance in uninfected tissues.

References

1. DAMPs, MAMPs, and NAMPs in plant innate immunity. BMC Plant Biology (2016).
2. Extracellular DNA Is Required for Root Tip Resistance to Fungal Infection. Plant Physiology (2009).
3. Extracellular Self-DNA (esDNA), but Not Heterologous Plant or Insect DNA (etDNA), Induces Plasma Membrane Depolarization and Calcium Signaling in Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and Maize (Zea mays). International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2016).
4. Arabidopsis thaliana Response to Extracellular DNA: Self Versus Nonself Exposure. Plants (2021).