BACKGROUND

Functional alleles of host plant susceptibility genes (S genes) can exacerbate the severity of diseases by enhancing pathogen compatibility. Genetic editing of the targeted host S genes has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in conferring broad-spectrum resistance across multiple crop species. We have previously identified a homolog () in the host plant as a susceptibility gene towards late blight caused by .

METHODS

In this study, we performed a detailed characterization of tissue-specific and -inducible expression patterns of this gene, and the subcellular localization of its encoded protein product.

RESULTS

Similar to phenotypes of two reported edited lines, two newly generated genetically edited lines of demonstrated enhanced resistance against without obvious growth and developmental abnormality. Phytohormonal quantifications and reactive oxygen species measurements showed that an line had lower constitutive abscisic acid contents and depleted reactive oxygen species burst induced by pathogen-associated molecular pattern. Further comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed that the expression of defense-related genes is disproportionally up-regulated in the line.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our findings confirmed as a functional host susceptibility gene towards late blight and shed light on the potential molecular mechanism underlying its function.