Abstract
ABSTRACTMany filamentous pathogens invade plant cells through specialized hyphae called haustoria. These infection structures are enveloped by a newly synthesized plant-derived membrane called the extrahaustorial membrane (EHM). This specialized membrane is the ultimate interface between the plant and pathogen, and is key to the success or failure of infection. Strikingly, the EHM is reminiscent of host-derived membrane interfaces that engulf intracellular metazoan parasites. These perimicrobial interfaces are critical sites where pathogens facilitate nutrient uptake and deploy virulence factors to disarm cellular defenses mounted by their hosts. Although the mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and functions of these host–microbe interfaces are poorly understood, recent studies have provided new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. In this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we summarize these recent advances with a specific focus on the haustorial interfaces associated with filamentous plant pathogens. We highlight the progress in the field that fundamentally underpin this research topic. Furthermore, we relate our knowledge of plant–filamentous pathogen interfaces to those generated by other plant-associated organisms. Finally, we compare the similarities between host–pathogen interfaces in plants and animals, and emphasize the key questions in this research area.
Highlights
Plant pathogens produce specialized cellular structures that invade host cells but remain enveloped by host-derived membranes
The mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and functions of these host–microbe interfaces are poorly understood, recent studies have provided new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. In this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we summarize these recent advances with a specific focus on the haustorial interfaces associated with filamentous plant pathogens
We emphasize the two major questions that underpin this research topic, how are plant–pathogen membrane interfaces formed and what are the functions of haustoria? We relate our understanding of plant-filamentous pathogen interfaces to other interfaces generated by other plant-associated organisms
Summary
Plant pathogens produce specialized cellular structures that invade host cells but remain enveloped by host-derived membranes. In this Cell Science at a Glance and the accompanying poster, we summarize these recent advances with a specific focus on the haustorial interfaces associated with filamentous plant pathogens. Haustoria form tight membrane interfaces between these plant pathogens and their invaded host cells (haustoriated cells) (Bozkurt et al, 2015, 2014; Whisson et al, 2016; Bozkurt et al, 2011) and resemble to some degree hostderived membrane interfaces that engulf intracellular metazoan parasites (Haldar et al, 2006).
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