The TaFIM1 gene mediates wheat resistance against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and responds to abiotic stress

Abstract

Fimbrin, a regulator of actin cytoskeletal dynamics that participates in numerous physiological and biochemical processes, controls multiple developmental processes in a variety of tissues and cell types. However, the role of fimbrin in pathogen defense of wheat and the mechanisms have not been well studied. Here, we investigated that the expression of TaFIM1 gene of wheat was significantly induced in response to avirulent race of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) and silencing of TaFIM1 by virus-induced gene silencing method. The results show that silencing of TaFIM1 resulted in a reduction of resistance against the stripe rust indicated by both phenotypes and a histological examination of Pst growth. Additionally, the expression level of TaFIM1 gene was up-regulated under abiotic stresses. These findings suggest that TaFIM1 functions as a positive regulator of pathogen resistance of wheat plants and response to abiotic stress. Our work may show new light on understanding the roles of fimbrin in wheat.