OsRac1-mediated ROS production in rice innate immunity

Abstract

We have been studying molecular mechanisms regulating innate immunity in rice. In the previous studies we found that a small GTPase OsRac1 belonging to the Rac(Rop) GTPase family plays a major role in rice innate immunity. By studying a number of proteins directly and indirectly interacting with OsRac1 we have identified a network of proteins which function as a core protein complex which regulates rice innate immunity. We designate the model for this protein network as defensome model and studying various aspects of the model. OsRac1 interacts with Rboh (NADPH oxidase) and an adapter protein RACK1 (RWD) and these three proteins are major regulators of ROS production during innate immune responses in rice. We present results on regulation of ROS production by these proteins in rice.