Understanding the Functions of Plant Disease Resistance Proteins

Many disease resistance (R) proteins of plants detect the presence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or fungi by recognizing specific pathogen effector molecules that are produced during the infection process. Effectors are often pathogen proteins that probably evolved to subvert various host processes for promotion of the pathogen life cycle. Five classes of effector-specific R proteins are known, and their sequences suggest roles in both effector recognition and signal transduction. Although some R proteins may act as primary receptors of pathogen effector proteins, most appear to play indirect roles in this process. The functions of various R proteins require phosphorylation, protein degradation, or specific localization within the host cell. Some signaling components are shared by many R gene pathways whereas others appear to be pathway specific. New technologies arising from the genomics and proteomics revolution will greatly expand our ability to investigate the role of R proteins in plant disease resistance.