A bi-kinase module sensitizes and potentiates plant immune signaling

Abstract

Systemic signaling is an essential hallmark of multicellular life. Pathogen encounter occurs locally but triggers organ-scale and organismic immune responses. In plants, elicitor perception provokes systemically expanding Ca2+ and H2O2 signals conferring immunity. Here, we identify a Ca2+ sensing bi-kinase module as becoming super-activated through mutual phosphorylation and as imposing synergistically enhanced NADPH oxidase activation. A combined two-layer bi-kinase/substrate phospho-code allows for sensitized signaling initiation already by near-resting elevations of Ca2+ concentration. Subsequently, it facilitates further signal wave proliferation with minimal Ca2+ amplitude requirement, triggering protective defense responses throughout the plant. Our study reveals how plants build and perpetuate trans-cellular immune signal proliferation while avoiding disturbance of ongoing cellular signaling along the path of response dissemination.