Publications of NIPGR Scientists

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://ndkr-library.nipgr.ac.in/handle/123456789/1

Browse

Author: search.filters.author.Bhagat, Prakash KumarSubject: search.filters.subject.MAP kinase

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    MPK3 mediated phosphorylation inhibits the dimerization of ABI5 to fine-tune the ABA signaling in Arabidopsis
    (Elsevier B.V., 2025) Bhagat, Prakash Kumar; Verma, Neetu; Pandey, Shubhangi; Verma, Deepanjali; Sinha, Alok Krishna
    Seed germination is, a critical physiological process, is tightly regulated by the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA). However, the cross talk between multiple regulatory pathways involved in seed germination remains poorly understood. Here, we show that ABA activates two MAP kinases, AtMPK3/AtMPK6, which interact with and phosphorylate AtABI5, a master regulator of ABA signaling. MAP kinase-mediated AtABI5 phosphorylation at the serine-314 position regulates its nuclear localization and dimerization. Interestingly, AtABI5 provides feedback regulation by directly binding to the promoter of AtMPK3 to modulate its transcription. Further, functional analyses revealed that overexpression of a phospho-null AtABI5S314A variant in the abi5-8 mutant background conferred increased ABA sensitivity during seed germination, heightened drought sensitivity, and delayed flowering compared to wild-type plants. Conversely, overexpression of phospho-mimic AtABI5S314D in abi5-8 mutant showed ABA insensitivity during seed germination, drought tolerance, and early floral transition similar to abi5-8 mutant. Collectively, our findings highlight that MAP kinase-mediated phosphorylation of AtABI5 fine-tunes ABA signaling by regulating its dimerization, providing new insights into the dynamic regulation of plant responses to environmental and developmental cues.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Phosphorylation of AGO1a by MAP kinases is required for miRNA mediated resistance against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae infection in rice
    (Elsevier B.V., 2024) Singh, Kirti; Sharma, Deepika; Bhagat, Prakash Kumar; Tayyeba, Sumaira; Noryang, Stanzin; Sinha, Alok Krishna
    Bacterial leaf blight is a devastating disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) which causes severe crop loss in rice. The molecular mechanism that initiates defense against such pathogens remains unexplored. Reports have suggested crucial role of several miRNAs in regulating immune responses in plants. Argonaute (AGO) proteins have been implicated in imparting immunity against pathogens by using small RNAs as guide molecules. Here, we show that phosphorylation of rice AGO1a by MAP kinases is required for miRNA expression regulation during Xoo infection. AGO1a is induced in response to pathogen infection and is under the control of SA signaling pathway. The pathogen responsive MAP kinases MPK3, MPK4 and MPK6, interact with AGO1a in planta and can phosphorylate the protein in vitro. Overexpression of AGO1a extends disease resistance against Xoo in rice and leads to a higher accumulation of miRNAs. Conversely, overexpression of a non phosphorylatable mutant protein aggravates disease susceptibility and remarkably suppresses the miRNA expression levels. At a molecular level, phosphorylation of AGO1a by MAP kinase is required for increased accumulation of miRNAs during pathogen challenge. Taken together, the data suggests that OsAGO1a is a direct phosphorylation target of MAP kinases and this phosphorylation is crucial for its role in imparting disease resistance.