Nucleotide-Binding Site-Leucine-Rich Repeat Gene Dynamics in Plant Defense
Summary
Plants deploy a sophisticated immune system in which nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) genes act as intracellular sentinels that detect pathogen effectors and trigger defence responses. These genes encode modular proteins comprising an N-terminal signalling domain, a central nucleotide-binding (NB-ARC) region and a C-terminal leucine-rich repeat (LRR) array that confers specificity. NBS-LRR repertoires are highly dynamic: they expand and contract through tandem and segmental duplications, diversifying their recognition capacity in fluctuating pathogen environments. Clusters of NBS-LRR genes at genomic hot-spots undergo rapid evolution, with allelic variation and presence–absence polymorphisms shaping resistance spectra. Regulation of NBS-LRR expression involves cis-elements, alternative splicing and post-translational control, ensuring a balanced immune output that minimises autoimmunity. Insights into the structural diversity and regulatory networks of NBS-LRR genes underpin marker-assisted breeding and genome-editing strategies that aim to enhance durable disease resistance and secure global crop productivity.
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Nucleotide-Binding Site-Leucine-Rich Repeat Gene Dynamics in Plant Defense publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat gene dynamics in plant defense across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) genes: A class of plant resistance genes encoding receptors that detect specific pathogen effectors and initiate defence signalling.
Effector-triggered immunity (ETI): A robust immune response activated when NBS-LRR proteins recognise pathogen-derived effector molecules.
Pattern-triggered immunity (PTI): The first layer of plant defence initiated by recognition of conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules produced in plants as part of the oxidative burst that limits pathogen growth and signals defence pathways.
Tandem duplication: A genomic process generating adjacent copies of genes, contributing to the expansion and diversification of gene families.
References
- Functional characterization of NBS-LRR genes reveals an NBS-LRR gene that mediates resistance against Fusarium wilt. BMC Biology (2024).
- Comprehensive Analysis and Functional Verification of the Pinus massoniana NBS-LRR Gene Family Involved in the Resistance to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Genome-wide identification and characterization of NBLRR genes in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) and their expression in response to Magnaporthe grisea infection. BMC Plant Biology (2024).
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