Different roles of glycine-rich RNA-binding protein7 in plant defense against Pectobacterium carotovorum, Botrytis cinerea, and tobacco mosaic viruses

Glycine-rich RNA-binding protein7 (AtGRP7) has previously been demonstrated to confer plant defense against Pseudomonas syringae DC3000. Here, we show that AtGRP7 can play different roles in plant defense against diverse pathogens. AtGRP7 enhances resistance against a necrotrophic bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum SCC1 or a biotrophic virus tobacco mosaic virus. By contrast, AtGRP7 plays a negative role in defense against a necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. These results provide evidence that AtGRP7 is a potent regulator in plant defense response to diverse pathogens, and suggest that the regulation of RNA metabolism by RNA-binding proteins is important for plant innate immunity.

► AtGRP7 plays a positive role in defense against Pectobacterium carotovorum and TMV.
► AtGRP7 plays a negative role in defense against Botrytis cinerea.
► AtGRP7 is a potent regulator in plant defense to diverse spectrum of pathogens.
► The results point to the importance of RNA-binding proteins in plant innate immunity.