Phytosulfokine peptide optimizes plant growth and defense via glutamine synthetase GS2 phosphorylation in tomato.

Phytosulfokine (PSK) is a plant pentapeptide hormone that fulfills a wide range of functions. Although PSK has frequently been reported to function in the inverse regulation of growth and defense in response to (hemi)biotrophic pathogens, the mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. Using the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000 pathogen system, we present compelling evidence that the PSK receptor PSKR1 interacts with the calcium-dependent protein kinase CPK28, which in turn phosphorylates the key enzyme of nitrogen assimilation glutamine synthetase GS2 at two sites (Serine-334 and Serine-360). GS2 phosphorylation at S334 specifically regulates plant defense, whereas S360 regulates growth, uncoupling the PSK-induced effects on defense responses and growth regulation. The discovery of these sites will inform breeding strategies designed to optimize the growth-defense balance in a compatible manner.