The NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES 1 (NPR1) and Related Family: Mechanistic Insights in Plant Disease Resistance

1The NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES 1 (NPR1), as well as PATHOGENESIS-RELATED (PR) genes, play a fundamental role in a plant’s response to pathogen challenge. NPR1 plays a significant role in the establishment of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) as well as induced systemic resistance (ISR); it acts as the master key to the plant defense signaling network, mediating cross-talk between the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid/ethylene (JA/ET) responses. Constitutive NPR1 expression within wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana ensures a quick response to SA. NPR1 is then translocated primarily to the nucleus where it indirectly activates PR gene expression by recruiting TGA transcription factors. The exact mechanisms involved in NPR1 activation, as well as NPR1-dependent/independent pathogenesis-related (PR) gene expression and the overall role of NPR1 in pathogen defense are important topics of study.

2The mechanism by which SA activates NPR1 is not completely understood, yet a lot has been uncovered in recent years. During non-stress conditions, NPR1 can be found as a large cytoplasmic oligomer. An oxidative burst observed during SA-induced SAR results in a reducing environment as the cell recovers. This redox state then contributes toward NPR1 monomerization, nuclear localization and PR gene expression. Activation of various TGA transcription factors occurs under these conditions. SA is believed to achieve reducing conditions in two stages: (1) induction of oxidative stress reducing genes (2–3 h after SA treatment) and, (2) NPR1 dependent PR gene expression (12–16 h after SA treatment). Expression of PR genes are essential for the development of SAR, Arabidopsis mutants deficient in NPR1 show reduced PR gene expression and increased susceptibility to pathogens. Hence NPR1 plays an integral part in the efficacy of plant immune responses.

3In studied plant species, two to six NPR1-like genes have been found. This family of proteins contain ankyrin repeats and Broad Complex, Tramtrack and Bric a brac/Pox virus and Zinc finger (BTB/POZ) domains, two well documented protein–protein interaction domains. Phylogenetic analysis separates the NPR1-like proteins into three distinct clades, suggesting functional divergence. Yet, significant overlap in clade function can be found within the first two clades involved in positive and/or negative SAR regulation. The third clade seems to be involved in the development of growing tissues. The varied functional role of NPR1-like proteins suggests a complex functionally important family involved in plant immune responses and development. Thus, this review aims to examine and consolidate these functions, providing mechanistic insights regarding pathogen response.

4The interaction between plants and their pathogens has been studied in some detail. Plant–pathogen interactions involve a wide variety of systems on both sides, the balance of which determines the success of either the host or the pathogen. Compatible interactions occur when a plant is unable to coordinate effective defense responses, enabling the pathogen to colonize and proliferate within the host. In contrast, an incompatible interaction occurs when defense responses are sufficient at preventing spread of the pathogen within host tissues. Successful plant immunity relies on both non-specific preformed and inducible defense mechanisms as well as specific induced immune responses. The first line of defense includes physical barriers such as waxy layers, rigid cell walls, antimicrobial compounds and secondary metabolites. Microbes which overcome these preformed defenses trigger the next line of immune responses. The first of these, pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) is induced by the action of pathogen-recognition receptors (PRRs) which recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) preventing further invasion of host tissues. Additionally, a subset of molecules referred to as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), are passively released from damaged native plant tissue and capable of activating and perpetuating innate immune responses.

5With the aim of overcoming PTI, pathogens secrete effector molecules which target specific host proteins, manipulating host processes with the purpose of enhancing virulence, a state referred to as effector triggered susceptibility (ETS). In response, intracellular resistance (R) proteins, most of which are nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) proteins, monitor the status of effector targeted plant proteins or bind directly to them, initiating defense responses in case of attack. These processes initiate effector triggered immunity (ETI), most often characterized by rapid localized programmed cell death (PCD) also known as the hyper-sensitive response (HR), which prevents further spread of the pathogen. Tissues distal to the initial site of infection experience an increased accumulation of several defense signals, including SA. Subsequently, systemic production of a collection of pathogen-induced antimicrobial proteins known as PR proteins increase, which enhance resistance to a variety of pathogens. This signifies the establishment of SAR, a long lasting systemic broad spectrum resistance which is effective at preventing infection by a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, viruses and nematodes. These basic defenses are intricately interwoven with numerous interactions both within and amongst pathways, which through coordinated signaling events comprise plant immunity.

6Salicylic acid is a phenolic compound produced by various prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In plants, its role is as a phytohormone essential to PTI, ETI, and SAR induction. Whereas the JA/ET signaling pathway is essential for defense against herbivores, insects, and necrotrophic pathogens, the SA signaling pathway is crucial to immune responses against biotrophic and hemibiotrophic pathogens. Such pathogen challenge induces the production of endogenous SA which is vital in establishing SAR. Consequently, mutants deficient in the accumulation of SA such as SA induction-deficient 2 (sid2) or enhanced disease-susceptibility 5 (eds5) and plants expressing the salicylate hydrolase nahG gene, display compromised SAR induction. Thus, an inability to synthesize or accumulate SA is directly correlated to increased susceptibility to certain pathogens. Interestingly, SA influences various other hormone signaling pathways including JA and ET as well as auxin. In general the balance between these hormones governs the bulk of host defense signaling. This is evident through heightened biotroph resistance resulting in increased susceptibility to necrotrophs and vice versa.

7The biosynthesis of SA relies on two pathways, (1) the cinnamic acid pathway which requires PHENYLALANINE AMMONIA LYASE (PAL) and (2) the isochorismate pathway requiring ISOCHORISMATE SYNTHASE (ICS) and ISOCHORISMATE PYRUVATE LYASE (IPL). The isochorismate pathway is regarded as the predominant biosynthetic pathway during pathogenic threat, evinced by Arabidopsis ics mutants which accumulate significantly lower levels of SA following pathogenic stress, a statement also true in Nicotiana benthamiana and Solanum lycopersicum. Several derivatives of SA exist in planta such as SA O-β-glucoside (SAG), salicyloyl glucose ester (SGE), methyl salicylate (MeSA), methyl salicylate O-β-glucoside (MeSAG) and 2,5 dihydroxybenzoic acid (gentisic acid). Notably gentisic acid is essential to activating a specific set of PR genes. In fact, many of the aforementioned derivates perform specialized roles in plant immune responses and are required for the complete induction of SA-dependent defense responses, although some are still subject to debate. Most notably, MeSA has been proven to act as a signal for SAR in tobacco, Arabidopsis and potato. However, in Arabidopsis extended exposure to light following infection can negate the need for MeSA to signal systemic SAR development. In addition, MeSA might also serve as a volatile cautioning signal to neighboring plants. Other compounds such as SAG and SGE ensure an ample supply of SA during pathogen challenge as bioactive free SA is readily hydrolyzed from inactive SAG stored within the vacuole.

8The role of SA in disease resistance is certainly significant in all plant species. Some pathogens even manipulate SA homeostasis to promote host invasion. Several Pseudomonas syringae pathovars produce the phytotoxin coronatine, which indirectly represses ICS1 and activates BENZOIC ACID/SALICYLIC ACID CARBOXYL METHYLTRANSFERASE 1 (BSMT1) expression, which converts SA into MeSA, to suppress SA accumulation. Although not directly responsible for all signal transduction, SA forms an integral part of a complex network responsible for signal transduction. Initially, global transcriptional profiling discovered extensive crosstalk between SA-, JA-, and ET- pathways in Arabidopsis. Microarray expression profiling in Arabidopsis also demonstrated the true extent of cross-talk between various defense signaling pathways. This interconnected signaling network serves to fine-tune defense responses through both antagonistic and synergistic interactions.

9Crosstalk between signaling networks is essential to spatial, temporal and plant–pathogen interaction specificity which informs trade-offs during challenge by multiple biotic and abiotic stresses. However, phytohormone crosstalk can often be manipulated by pathogens to increase virulence. Coronatine produced by virulent P. syringae for instance, which structurally mimics jasmonyl-L-isoleucine (JA-Ile), stimulates JA responsive pathways thereby suppressing SA signaling. Furthermore, coronatine accumulation is associated with increased abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis which in turn leads to reduced SA accumulation, basal defense gene expression and ultimately heightened susceptibility. It has also been clearly demonstrated that auxin, a primary growth hormone, antagonizes SA accumulation. To this effect, the P. syringae effector AvrRpt2 manipulates auxin homeostasis to promote virulence. These examples highlight the extent of crosstalk between phytohormone pathways which extends beyond SA and JA/ET antagonism, providing insight into the mechanisms plants use to overcome pathogenic threat. For instance, in wild-type Arabidopsis infected with P. syringae the accumulation of SA represses the JA mimicking effects of coronatine, while SA indirectly prevents the degradation of the auxin repressor AXR2 thereby avoiding the expression of auxin-responsive genes. Thus it is clear that the fundamental link in phytohormone crosstalk is the regulation of SA synthesis. For an in-depth review of the topic see.

10An indispensable player in the SA-defense response pathway is NPR1, a protein involved in fundamental responses to pathogenic challenge. The search for a SA responsive protein led to the discovery of NPR1, a positive regulator of SAR. Arabidopsis npr1 mutants display increased disease susceptibility and a decrease in SAR-triggered PR gene expression, specifically PR1 and PR5. Whereas complementing npr1 mutants with wild-type NPR1 restores resistance and PR gene expression. Various plant species overexpressing AtNPR1 or its orthologs display enhanced disease resistance to a wide range of pathogens. Furthermore, compelling evidence identifies NPR1 as a key element in the crosstalk between the SA and JA/ET responses. Hence NPR1 plays a significant role in a broad range of defense responses, acting as the master regulator of plant defense signaling.

11Specialized domains, specifically the ankyrin repeat and the BTB/POZ domains, facilitate protein–protein interactions. While a bipartite nuclear localization sequence allows for nuclear localization of NPR1 following SA induction. Consequently a subset of the TGA family of basic domain/leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors are activated by NPR1 leading to expression of PR genes and SAR induction. These data suggest that NPR1 is a transcription cofactor responsible for effecting SA-dependent signaling, a concept supported by genome-wide expression analysis of npr1 mutants. However, recent advances provide a clearer, malleable and intricate picture of NPR1-dependent defense responses.

12Numerous NPR1-like proteins, both putative and confirmed, have been identified in various plant species (Table 1). All described NPR1-like proteins contain an ankyrin repeat domain and BTB/POZ domain indicating high levels of functional conservation in the NPR1-like family. However, as the list of NPR1-like proteins in different plant species increases, so does the complexity and variability in function. In Arabidopsis alone, five additional NPR1-like genes have been described: AtNPR2, AtNPR3, AtNPR4, AtNPR5/AtBOP1 and AtNPR6/AtBOP2.

13Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the NPR1-like family classifies into three clades (Figure 1). Each clade seems to fall into a distinct functional niche. Clade 1 (AtNPR1 and AtNPR2) is involved with positive SAR regulation, clade 2 (AtNPR3 and AtNPR4) with negative SAR regulation and clade 3 (AtBOP1 and AtBOP2) with growth and development of leaves and flowers. These clades are not always functionally robust and as such phylogenetic analyses alone are insufficient for functional annotation. Nonetheless phylogenetic grouping provides a foundation for understanding functional variability among NPR1-like proteins.

14Effective defense responses rely on correct activation of either the SA- and JA-defense response pathways. Although known to interact synergistically, the SA- and JA-defense response pathways are commonly regarded as antagonistic. In so doing, plants ensure minimal fitness loss whilst safeguarding disease resistance. Research by clearly demonstrates antagonistic crosstalk between the SA and JA pathways. In wild-type Arabidopsis the combined exogenous application of SA and MeJA favors activation of the SA-defense response pathway, evident through increased PR1 expression and simultaneous suppression of JA-responsive defense gene expression. Furthermore, the simultaneous infection of Arabidopsis with both biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens results in an increased susceptibility to the latter, indicating JA defense suppression via the SA pathway. However, crosstalk seems to be limited to local tissues, thereby preventing necrotrophic pathogens from capitalizing on the suppressed JA response pathway in systemic tissue. Suppression also appears to be mediated by cytoplasmic NPR1 which upon SA induction limits JA dependent signaling.

15Interestingly some pathogens can manipulate this cross talk to promote disease. A necrotrophic fungus, Botrytis cinerea, expresses an exopolysaccharide which induces the SA pathway thereby preventing JA dependent gene expression. demonstrated the role of NPR1 in B. cinerea pathogenesis by infecting tomato plants in which NPR1 had been silenced. Such NPR1 deficient lines showed significantly reduced disease symptoms. Additionally, transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing NPR1 show enhanced B. cinerea susceptibility. This concept is supported by the observation that NPR1 may play a role in preventing the accumulation of SA during herbivory. In NPR1-silenced Nicotiana attenuata, SA accumulation was accompanied by an increased susceptibility to herbivores, suggesting that NPR1 might suppress SA production allowing JA-mediated defense responses to dominate. Indeed, NPR1 has been shown to prevent the accumulation of SA by negatively regulating ICS1 upon entry into the nucleus. Additionally, Arabidopsis npr1 mutants are deficient in mounting ISR. The Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) protein P6 is associated with repressing the SA- and enhancing the JA-defense response pathways. Interestingly, P6 is implicated in the accumulation of inactive NPR1 within the nucleus, an avenue which likely enforces its’ effect. Thus, NPR1 is essential in both the SA and JA/ET pathways, regulating the accumulation of SA to activate the appropriate defense signal.

16Although NPR1 is involved in hormone cross talk, its’ main purpose is establishing SAR through PR gene expression. Achieving this requires the nuclear localization of monomeric NPR1 which interacts with TGA transcription factors to form a transcriptional complex. This complex then associates with an activation sequence-1 (as-1)-like motif within the PR promoter. Factors such as NIM-INTERACTING2 (NIMIN-2), SNI1, NPR3, and NPR4 seem to be negative regulators which fine-tune NPR1-dependent gene expression.

17The nuclear localization of NPR1 is essential for the expression of PR genes. Preceding cellular oxidative stress NPR1 is primarily found within the cytoplasm in an oligomeric form, though some notable exceptions exist. The production of SA and subsequent oxidative stress decreases cellular reduction potential enforcing an increased production of reducing agents. Thioredoxins, in particular thioredoxin H-type 3 (TRX-h3) and thioredoxin H-type 5 (TRX-h5), lead to the reduction of Cys156 and disassembly of the NPR1 oligomer. Monomeric NPR1 is then translocated to the nucleus via a bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) where it induces the expression of PR1. Consequently, inhibiting the formation or nuclear localization of NPR1 monomers decreases PR1 expression while constitutive monomerization, as in the case of C82A and C216A point mutants, leads to increased PR1 gene expression. Hence NPR1 is required as a monomer within the nucleus to induce SAR-related defense genes.

18Remarkably NPR1 can be constitutively localized within the nucleus of tobacco and grapevine. In spite of this, NPR1 within these species still seems to be dependent on SA. Moreover, C82A and C216A mutants display even higher expression of PR genes following SAR induction. Confirmation of the SA-dependent nature of NPR1 came from, proving that NPR1 nuclear localization was insufficient at inducing SAR in the absence of inducers such as INA (2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid) or SA. Hence, mechanisms other than simple nuclear localization must play a role in controlling NPR1-dependent transcriptional processes.

19Although the N-terminal half of AtNPR1 exhibits low levels of transcriptional activity it is not likely to induce expression of PR1 sufficiently. However, tobacco NPR1 harbors a stronger transactivation domain which is sensitive to SA. In yeast-1-hybrid screens, a section of NtNPR1 (1–315) exhibits transcriptional activity superior to the VP16 viral transactivation domain. Yeast cells expressing the Gal4 BD:NtNPR1 fusion protein in SA containing medium had much higher reporter gene activities than cells in media lacking SA. Hence the extent and way NPR1 is regulated differs between species reflecting their individual evolutionary histories and environments.

20Expression of PR1 in tobacco is highly dependent on as-1-like promoter elements known to be responsive to SA. Several members of the TGA family of basic leucine zipper protein (bZIP) transcription factors associate with the as-1-like promoter element. Interestingly NPR1 has the ability to strongly interact with several of these transcription factors, namely; TGA1, TGA2, TGA3, TGA4, TGA5, TGA6, and TGA7. Interaction occurs predominantly within the nucleus where NPR1 activates TGA transcription factors by increasing their DNA binding affinity, evident through improved TGA2-as-1-like complex formation in the presence of wild-type NPR1. Two as-1-like cis elements can be found within the PR1 promoter, a positive regulating element, LS7, and a negative regulating element, LS5. Certain TGA transcription factors are able to associate with either of these elements, an association which is significantly enhanced by the presence of NPR1. This suggests that NPR1 may not only serve to activate gene transcription but also suppress it in order to establish SAR. Further corroboration for the fundamental role of TGA transcription factors in regulation of defense gene expression was found in the promoters for SA-induced genes which showed an overrepresentation of the TGA2 binding sequence TGACTT.

21In rice, Arabidopsis NPR1 binds to several bZIP transcription factors: rTGA2.1, rTGA2.2, rTGA2.3, rLG2. Correspondingly, rTGA2.1 associates with the Arabidopsis as-1-like promoter element as well as the rice RCH10 proximal promoter element. Tobacco contains several TGA transcription factors which are also capable of interacting with Arabidopsis NPR1, TGA2.1 and TGA2.2. In addition both of these transcription factors are capable of binding to as-1-like elements. Tomato NPR1 was also found to associate with bZIP transcription factors which show high sequence similarity to the Arabidopsis TGA family of bZIP transcription factors. Thus, a collectively conserved evolutionary role for NPR1 and TGA transcription factors is believed to exist in most if not all plant species.

22Several studies have tried to address the in vivo role of TGA transcription factors. In tobacco a TGA2 dominant-negative mutant resulted in increased PR1, PR2 and PR3 induction after SA treatment and enhanced disease resistance. Contrastingly, a different dominant-negative TGA2 mutant led to decreased PR gene induction and enhanced disease susceptibility in both tobacco and Arabidopsis. These seemingly contrasting results are most likely due to the unknown interactions of dominant-negative mutants with other TGA transcription factors. It seems that TGA2, TGA5, and TGA6 serve redundant roles in NPR1-dependent gene expression. Either transcription factor is able to restore wild-type PR gene induction or basal expression levels in the tga6-1tga2-1tga5-1 triple mutant.

23While tga6-1tga2-1tga5-1 triple knockout mutants had reduced PR gene induction, basal levels of these genes were up to 50-fold higher. This would suggest a negative role of TGA factors in basal PR expression yet a positive requirement for induction following SA perception. Yet, another study provides evidence that TGA2 is unable to bind to the PR1 promoter in the absence of SA. However, an elegant study by clarified the conflicting evidence, showing that TGA2 and NPR1 are able to associate with the PR1 promoter independently of each other in the absence of SA. Interestingly, NPR1 is capable of associating with TGA2 after SA treatment leading to PR1 expression. The authors suggest that while TGA2 is a transcriptional repressor, NPR1 becomes a TGA2 transcriptional co-activator after perception of SA. Indeed, demonstrate that the N-terminal region of TGA2 is a non-autonomous repression domain required for association with PR1 cis-elements.

24Interaction between TGAs and NPR1 is dependent on a functional ankyrin repeat domain within NPR1. Although not essential to the interaction, the N-terminal domain of NPR1 also appears to be responsible for strengthening the interaction between NPR1 and certain TGAs. Several npr1 mutants deficient in mounting an effective SAR response are unable to interact with Arabidopsis TGA2, TGA3 as well as rice TGAs. These mutants, specifically npr1-1, npr1-2, nim1-2 and npr1-5, have point mutations in the ankyrin repeat domain.

25Redox seems to play yet another essential role in the activity of both TGA transcription factors and NPR1. The C-terminal section of interacting TGA transcription factors is required for NPR1-TGA formation in vitro and in vivo. While TGA1 and TGA4 were initially considered unable to interact with NPR1, determined that following SA treatment these transcription factors were able to interact with NPR1 in planta. Specifically, residues unique to TGA1 and TGA4, Cys260 and Cys266, mediate the interaction. During non-induced conditions these residues form an intramolecular disulphide bridge which prevents TGA1 from interacting with NPR1, yet after SA treatment Cys260 and Cys266 are reduced and TGA1-NPR1 interaction occurs. Similarly, exchanging Cys260 and Cys266 for Asn and Ser, respectively, allows constitutive interaction with NPR1 in the absence of SA.

26An additional group of NPR1-interacting proteins are NIMINs (NIM INTERACTING) proteins. These proteins are induced by SA or its functional analogs followed by nuclear localization where they interact directly with NPR1 forming a ternary complex with TGA factors. In Arabidopsis, 35S:NIMIN1 overexpression abolishes the establishment of SAR and reduced PR expression. However, overexpression of NIMIN1-2, which encodes for a mutant protein unable to bind to NPR1, results in near wild-type SAR induction and PR expression. Moreover, knockout nimin1-1 mutants showed increased PR expression after SA induction. Similar results were obtained through overexpression of rice NRR, an ortholog of NIMIN-2 and tobacco NIMIN-2a. In addition, application of SA/INA to tobacco or Arabidopsis substantially reduces the NPR1 interaction potential of NIMIN proteins, specifically NIMIN-1/2 in Arabidopsis and NIMIN-2a/2b/2c in tobacco.

27The aforementioned interaction is likely to be affected due to a conformational change which obscures the NIMIN binding motif in the C-terminal end of NPR1. A single amino acid change in the C-terminal of the nim1-4 mutant (Arg432Lys) severely impairs its potential to establish SAR. concluded that this mutation rendered the interaction between NIMIN-1 and NIMIN-2 to NIM1-4 non-responsive to SA in both Arabidopsis and tobacco. Therefore, NIMIN is clearly involved in regulating PR expression through modulating NPR1 activity in response to SA.

28In Arabidopsis NIMIN-1, NIMIN-2, and NIMIN-3 prevent each other from binding to NPR1, this interaction is dependent on the concentration of each protein and supports a theory whereby NIMIN proteins differentially interact with NPR1. In unchallenged Arabidopsis plants NIMIN-3 binds to NPR1 to prevent expression of PR genes. Upon SA detection NIMIN-2 is quickly induced and although it is not involved in suppressing PR gene expression it seems to play an unknown role in immediate/early SA responses. NIMIN-1 on the other hand delays the expression of PR genes, preventing premature activation. Similarly, in challenged tobacco plants overexpression of NIMIN-2a does not prevent PR expression but rather delays its expression. Correspondingly, down-regulation of NIMIN-2a leads to earlier PR gene expression. Additionally these data suggest that NIMIN-2a may be involved in priming tissue distal from the primary site of infection, allowing a quicker response during secondary infection.

29Two domains are essential for the co-activator function of NPR1, the BTB/POZ domain in the N-terminal region as well as a cryptic transactivation domain in the C-terminal region. Exchanging the α2 and α3 helix residues, which constitute the core of the BTB/POZ domain, with Ala (A-Sub) or removing the first 110 amino acids (Δ110NPR1) of the domain abolishes PR1 expression. However, these mutations do not substantially reduce TGA2-NPR1 binding, providing evidence that the BTB/POZ domain is responsible for co-activation of TGA2. were able to confirm this observation by restoring the inducible nature of PR1 in Arabidopsis lines containing A-Sub or Δ110NPR1 in which a truncated TGA2, which lacks the N-terminal repression domain Δ43:TGA2, was coexpressed. The authors were able to demonstrate that the BTB/POZ domain physically interacts with the N-terminal repression domain of TGA2, negating its effect.

30Furthermore, transcriptional activation via the TGA2-NPR1 complex after treatment with SA requires the C-terminal transactivation domain and two essential cysteine residues, Cys521 and Cys529, in an oxidized state within this domain. Surprisingly, while full length NPR1 tethered to a Gal4 DNA-binding domain lacks the ability to activate transcription in the absence of SA, the truncated Δ513:NPR1 C-terminal region containing the transactivation domain can. A subsequent study showed that the N-terminal BTB/POZ domain inhibits the C-terminal transactivation domain in SA naïve cells through physical interaction, yet binding of SA to NPR1 disrupts this interaction through a conformational change.

31It was not until recently that two independent studies provided evidence that NPR1 and its paralogs directly interact with SA, providing invaluable insight into our understanding of SA perception. In the first study, using conventional non-equilibrium ligand binding assays, NPR3 and NPR4 were shown to bind to SA with low and high affinity, respectively. Subsequently, a different approach utilizing equilibrium dialysis found that NPR1 too can bind to SA with an affinity similar to that of other known hormone-receptor interactions. This interaction has been confirmed using three additional methods of detection, irrefutably setting the role of NPR1 as a bone fide SA receptor. Binding to SA specifically requires Cys521 and Cys529 and the presence of a transition metal, preferably copper, to facilitate it. Although orthologs of Arabidopsis NPR1 don’t harbor the same cysteine residues, the presence of similar residues with electronegative side-chains at comparable positions suggest some likelihood of parallel transition metal associations in other plant species. This interaction enforces a conformational change in the C-terminal transactivation domain which reduces its affinity for the N-terminal BTB/POZ domain. The authors further demonstrated that reducing conditions alone are not enough for disassembly of the NPR1 oligomer and suggested that the SA-induced conformational change was required for full disassembly. Thus, the function of NPR1 is enforced through a conformational changes which rely on direct interaction with SA.

32Paralogs of NPR1, namely NPR3 and NPR4, appear to be negative regulators of PR expression. Similar structure in these proteins seems to extend to functional similarities, from perception of SA to binding of TGAs. Initial research suggested that NPR4 could be a positive regulator of disease resistance as PR expression priming was compromised in npr4-2 mutants. However, npr3 npr4 double mutants displayed increased PR gene expression and increased disease resistance indicating that npr4-2 contributes to increased PR expression in npr3 npr4 double mutants. The redundancy of these proteins was also demonstrated through complementation with NPR3 or NPR4. Interestingly, NPR3 and NPR4 have also been shown to increase JA-dependent gene transcription and de novo JA synthesis following the accumulation of SA likely by promoting the degradation of JA repressing JAZ (JASMONATE ZIM DOMAIN) proteins. This suggests that NPR3 and NPR4 are essential in preventing disease caused by necrotrophic pathogens on tissues affected by ETI-triggered PCD. Several studies stimulated substantial debate regarding the exact role of NPR3/NPR4 in defense responses. However, their role as co-repressors of SA-inducible defense gene expression is clearly demonstrated by.

33Originally, NPR3 and NPR4 were proposed to primarily function as E3 ligases in a model by. The authors demonstrated that NPR3 and NPR4 possess differing affinities for SA, thus allowing them to effectively regulate NPR1-dependent gene expression through CUL3-mediated proteasome degradation of NPR1. In naïve cells with low SA concentrations, NPR4 which possess the highest affinity binds to NPR1 preventing ill-timed PR expression. Else, in SAR induced cells higher SA concentrations prevent NPR4-NPR1 association whereas NPR3 gains the ability to interact with NPR1, preventing NPR1-mediated suppression of the HR. Thus, NPR1 turnover rate and ultimately the induction of SAR is determined by the concentration gradient of SA from the initial site of pathogen infiltration to distal tissues. However, the model proposed by is inconsistent with the ostensible genetic redundancies between NPR3 and NPR4. Thus suggesting that NPR3 and NPR4 rather serve redundant roles, in contrast to independently functioning as SA receptors. Additionally, no observable interaction occurs between NPR1 and NPR3/NPR4 in yeast-2-hybrid assays or NPR3/NPR4 and Cul3A in co-immunoprecipitation assays. This suggests, at least, that determining whether NPR3 and NPR4 participate in post-translational modification of NPR1 requires further study.

34Instead, demonstrated that NPR3 and NPR4 are transcriptional co-repressors of SA-induced defense gene expression which function in parallel and independently of NPR1. The authors identified npr4-4D (Arg419Gln), a gain-of-function mutation which renders the mutant protein insensitive to SA and constitutively represses SA-inducible defense genes. Interestingly, mutation of the equivalent amino acid in NPR1 renders it insensitive to SA and is arguably the reason why NIM1-4 does not dissociate from NIMIN1 and NIMIN2 in the presence of SA. An equivalent mutation introduced into NPR3 (Arg428Gln) similarly enables it to suppress defense signaling in the presence of SA, confirming the redundant roles of NPR3/NPR4. Transcriptional repression of SA-inducible defense genes was shown to rely on a conserved motif (VDLNETP) within the C-terminal domain of NPR3 and NPR4 with similarity to the ethylene responsive element binding factor associated amphipathic repression motif (EAR; L/FDLNL/F(x)P). Furthermore, NPR3/NPR4 work together with TGA2/TGA5/TGA6 to suppress the expression of SA-inducible defense genes in SA naïve cells. The authors also confirmed that NPR3 and NPR4 bind to SA with high affinity. Meanwhile NPR4-4D, while still able to bind to TGA2 and form homodimers, showed a significantly lower (250-fold) binding affinity, demonstrating that R419 is essential in the binding of SA. Similarly, the NPR1R432Q mutant displays significantly lower SA binding affinity compared to wild-type NPR1 with no apparent effects on interactions with TGA2 or NIMIN1 in yeast-2-hybrid assays. Thus, both NPR3 and NPR4 are bone fide SA receptors with highly similar functionality to that of NPR1, albeit in opposition regarding SA-inducible defense gene expression.

35The BLADE-ON-PETIOLE 1 (BOP1) and BOP2 genes encode proteins with structure similar to other NPR1-like proteins, containing both N-terminal BTB/POZ and C-terminal ankyrin repeat domains. However, the C-terminal of several BOP-like proteins in several plant species lack essential features characteristic of defense-related NPR1-like proteins such as a clear bipartite NLS, NIMIN1/2 binding region and the highly conserved NPR1 Arg432 residue. These differences seemingly translate into functional variation as bop1 bop2 double mutants display an unaltered wild-type response to Pseudomonas infection as well as SA application. However, some evidence of defense-related functions exist with BOP1 and BOP2 being implicated in the resistance-inducing activity of MeJA. Nonetheless, BOP1 and BOP2 are considered transcriptional co-activators which function redundantly and share similar transcriptional patterns, being expressed primarily at the base of lateral organs. Correspondingly, the overwhelming majority of evidence indicates that BOPs are vital to the growth and development of lateral organs. Even though they lack a defined NLS, BOPs can be found within the cytoplasm and nucleus of Arabidopsis. Thus unsurprisingly, BOPs influence transcriptional processes through interaction with TGA transcription factors. Of relevance is PERIANTHIA (PAN), a TGA transcription factor with known significance to developmental processes in Arabidopsis. Interestingly, BOPs have also been implicated in the lignin biosynthesis pathway. Hence, members of the NPR1-like family together make up one of the most important groups of proteins to study in the field of molecular biology of plant health and development.

36Microarray of the Arabidopsis transcriptome during SAR revealed that not all genes co-regulated with PR1 contain the expected TGA binding site in their promoters. Instead, W-box cis-elements which specifically bind WRKY transcription factors are more common suggesting that WRKY transcription factors might repress a subset of SA-inducible genes, which is alleviated during SAR. Indeed, wrky38 and wry62 single mutants and to a greater extent wrky38wrky62 double mutants display enhanced disease resistance and PR1 expression while overexpression has the opposite outcome. However, many WRKY transcription factors are positively associated with defense signaling, thus the role of this family in defense is complex. These transcription factors are involved in defense against a wide range of pathogens, with 43 out of 74 WRKY transcription factors in Arabidopsis being linked to pathogenic stress and response to SA.

37Accordingly, W-box cis-elements are found in several indispensable SA-inducible defense response gene promoters including that of ICS1, TL1-binding transcription factor (TBF1) and PR1. Furthermore, the presence of multiple W-boxes within the NPR1 promoter suggest that NPR1 may be transcriptionally regulated in this manner. demonstrated that WRKYs are likely involved in positively regulating the expression of NPR1, although the exact WRKY is yet to be identified. Nonetheless, WRKY transcription factors are regulated in both NPR1-dependant and independent manners.

38Interestingly, the CmYLCV promoter from Cestrum yellow leaf curling virus contains both the as-1 and W-box cis-elements in close proximity which associate with both TGA3 and WRKY53. These elements are essential to the SA-inducibility of the promoter, suggesting that in certain instances both TGA and WRKY transcription factors may work together to regulate transcription. Surprisingly, not only do these transcription factors interact, they require functional NPR1 to induce expression of Gus under control of the CmYLCV promoter after treatment with SA. Given the complexity of the interactions described here the possibility exists that NPR1 is both positively and negatively regulated by various WRKY transcription factors, although this requires further investigation.

39Several genes involved in the secretory pathway are upregulated by NPR1, the most notable are LUMINAL BINDING PROTEIN 2 (BiP2), Sec61α, DEFENDER AGAINST APOPTOTIC DEATH 1 (DAD1), and CALRETICULIN 3 (CRT3). These secretion-related genes all have a common promoter cis-element (TL1) which is bound by TBF1 a heat shock factor-like transcription factor instrumental in the growth-defense transition. Increased expression of secretory pathway genes most likely accommodates increased PR protein production during SAR, ensuring proper protein folding. Support for this conclusion came from mutants of BiP2, Sec61α, and DAD1 which all had reduced PR1 secretion after BTH treatment and compromised defense against P. syringae. Similarly, tbf1 mutants have unaltered PR1 transcript and protein levels yet significantly less protein is secreted into the apoplast. Furthermore, the link between TBF1 and NPR1 is evident from tbf1 and npr1-1 mutants which are both similarly compromised in the expression of BiP2 and CRT3. Thus, the expression of NPR1 and TBF1 are likely co-dependent with the authors suggesting that TBF1 might control NPR1 directly through TL1 elements in the promoter, or indirectly through WRKYs, while NPR1 may control TBF1 through TGAs directly or WRKYs indirectly as both contain the appropriate elements in their promoters, respectively.

40Priming is a process which enhances plant defense responses, enabling earlier and stronger induction of defense genes and enhanced pathogen resistance. In fact, SAR prepares a plant to defend against future pathogenic stress through priming. Thus unsurprisingly, NPR1 is essential in SA-induced priming in Arabidopsis. Of note are pathogen-responsive mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MPK3) and MPK6 which are essential to SAR and SA-mediated priming of defense responses. Following application of BTH, MPK3/MPK6 mRNA and inactive unphosphorylated proteins accumulate. Interestingly, the authors demonstrated that priming of MPK3/MPK6 is NPR1-dependant as npr1 mutant Arabidopsis plants fail to display the same response. and demonstrated the importance of this finding as NPR1-dependant priming affects early signaling events, such as flg22-triggered MAPK activation.

41Furthermore, priming has been shown to affect the progeny of primed Arabidopsis as descendants display enhanced resistance against biotic stresses without additional treatment. This transgenerational immune memory requires functional NPR1. Transgenerational immune memory relies, at least in part, on increased H3K9 acetylation of the PR1, WRKY6 and WRKY53 promoters. Quite surprisingly, the histone deacetylase HDAC19 was shown to be both SA- and NPR1-dependant. Meanwhile, NPR1 is involved in BTH and Psm induced increases in H3K4 trimethylation and subsequent gene activation of the WRKY6, WRKY29 and WRKY53 promoters. Together these studies suggest a role for NPR1 in histone modification to enforce priming of SA-induced defense genes, however, understanding the exact part that NPR1 plays in these processes requires further investigation.

42An important topic which adds to the complexity of NPR1-dependant transcriptional regulation is that of post-translation modification. The importance of NPR1 post-translational modification is exemplified by regulation of the oligomer-monomer transition in which NPR1 Cys156 is S-nitrosylated by S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) promoting the existence of NPR1 in its oligomeric form, opposing the action of SA-induced thioredoxins.

43Additionally, proteasome-mediated turnover of NPR1 within the nucleus is a requirement for the complete induction of SAR. While the antagonistic effects of ABA and SA, which promote and protect against proteasome-mediated degradation, respectively, maintain homeostasis and ensure appropriate defense-related gene expression. Cullin 3 (CUL3) E3 ligase-facilitated ubiquitinylation and subsequent proteasome degradation is initiated within the N-terminal IκB-like phosphodegron motif of NPR1. Phosphorylation of Ser11/15 present in the phosphodegron motif signals proteasome-mediated degradation. Yet, even though degradation of NPR1 is reduced and basal resistance is elevated in npr1S11A/S15A, high levels of accumulated NPR1 within the cell prevent HR and the establishment of SAR. Compromised induction of SAR is also observed in mutants of NPR1-dependent genes wrky18 and wrky38 wrky62, and similarly in cul3a cul3b mutants in which NPR1 is not degraded. Hence, turnover seems to be necessary for effective activity of NPR1. This is somewhat expected as inherent instability of transcription factors necessitates turnover in order to preserve peak expression of target genes and is thus conceivably so for co-activators. However, NPR1 does not interact directly with CUL3 and E3 ligases, likely requiring substrate adapters to facilitate degradation, however, attempts to uncover such adapters have not been conclusive.

44Interestingly, small ubiquitin-like modifier 3 (SUMO3), which is positively involved in SA-induced defense gene expression, interacts with and sumoylates NPR1 following SA treatment. This interaction requires a SUMO-interaction motif (VIL)-(VIL)-x-(VIL) found within the ankyrin repeat domain of NPR1. Sumoylation alters the association of NPR1 with WRKY and TGA transcription factors, decreasing and increasing association, respectively. In addition to the IκB-like phosphodegron motif at Ser11/15, another exists at Ser55/59 and their phosphorylation status influences the ability of SUMO3 to sumoylate NPR1. Phospho-mimic npr1S55D/S59D prevents NPR1 sumoylation while npr1S11D/S15D enhances interaction with SUMO3 and leads to further sumoylation. Additionally, SUMO3 is required for phosphorylation of Ser11/15 forming a signal amplification loop which activates more NPR1 increasing defense gene activation and simultaneously targeting NPR1 for ubiquitinylation and degradation by the 26S proteasome. Together with the results obtained by, this work emphasizes the importance of NPR1 stability, through post-translational modification, to fine-tune NPR1-dependant defense responses.

45Thus unsurprisingly, several kinases have been implicated in the phosphorylation of NPR1. A pathogen-responsive member of the sucrose non-fermenting 1 (SNF1)-related kinase 3 (SnRK3) subgroup, PROTEIN KINASE SOS2-LIKE5 (PKS5) physically interacts with NPR1. The authors demonstrate that PKS5 phosphorylates the C-terminal region of NPR1, which contains the Cys-oxidized transactivation domain as well as the bipartite NLS. The Arabidopsis pks5 mutant as is with the npr1S11A/S15A mutant displays reduced expression of WRKY38 and WRKY62. Thus it seems that through phosphorylation of NPR1, PKS5 positively regulates the expression of WRKY38 and WRKY62.

46Similarly, SNF-1 RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 2.8 (SnRK2.8) interacts with and phosphorylates NPR1, specifically Ser589 and likely also Thr373, which are required for nuclear import of NPR1 and subsequent PR1 gene expression. Interestingly, SnRK2.8 is produced in response to SA-independent systemic signals and has been implicated in the induction of systemic immunity. It is possible that, similar to SnRK2.6, nitric oxide (NO) might play a role in SnRK2.8 activation as it plays a proven role in the import of NPR1 monomers into the nucleus of cells in distal tissues during SAR. Furthermore, Ser589 resides within the second NLS found in NPR1 (NLS2). The authors suggest a model by which SA-dependent NPR1 nuclear import, for which NLS1 is required, is predominant close to the site of infection, while distal tissues with only slightly elevated levels of SA, rely on phosphorylation of NLS2 by SnRK2.8. Therefore, multisite phosphorylation is clearly a defining feature of NPR1 function and warrants further investigation.

47In plants the circadian clock is crucial for synchronizing immune strategies, while redox signaling plays an important role in its implementation. SA levels oscillate throughout the day in a circadian rhythm. This oscillation is involved in establishing the redox rhythm and influencing the expression of circadian clock genes. Captivatingly, the expression of TIMING OF CAB2 EXPRESSION 1 (TOC1), an evening circadian clock gene, is upregulated by the application of SA. However, the timing of its expression does not change irrespective of whether SA is applied at dawn or dusk. Due to the redox sensitivity of NPR1, hypothesized that NPR1 might play a role in the expression of TOC1. Indeed, they demonstrated that basal and SA-induced expression of TOC1 was reduced and abolished, respectively, in npr1 mutants. This concept was further supported as NPR1 displayed increased association with TGA-binding sites of the TOC1 promoter in a SA-dependent manner. The NPR1 monomer also shows a circadian oscillation, peaking at night. The influence that NPR1 has on TOC1 is reliant on its translocation into the nucleus as trx-h3 trx-h5 mutants showed decreased basal TOC1 expression and decreased responsiveness to SA. Thus, oscillation in SA and subsequent redox changes drive the nuclear translocation of NPR1, which is required for the regulation of TOC1. However, these findings do not fully explain why SA-application at dawn showed a delayed induction of TOC1 until dusk. Through mathematical modeling and in planta confirmation it was shown that NPR1 regulates the morning clock gene LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY), a known antagonist of TOC1. This study underpins the importance of NPR1 in defense responses as well as the circadian clock, by interlacing these processes the plant can prioritize growth over increased immunity at night while increasing immunity at dawn when the threat from pathogens is highest.

48Arabidopsis NPR1 has been overexpressed in a multitude of agricultural crops and can enhance resistance to a variety of biotrophic and necrotrophic pathogens. This indicates that a high level of functional conservation likely exists in all plant species. However, overexpression studies in rice and strawberry also demonstrated the negative influences constitutive overexpression of AtNPR1 can have on certain crops. Though, specifically expressing AtNPR1 in only the green tissues of rice, using the PD54O-544 promoter, conferred resistance to sheath blight disease caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani without any detrimental phenotypic effects. This would suggest that more targeted expression of AtNPR1 might benefit strawberry as well as any other crops which exhibit sensitivity to global overexpression.

49Nevertheless, AtNPR1 overexpression in crops such as wheat, tomato, carrot, soybean, canola, citrus, tobacco, and cotton display significantly improved disease resistance and even crop yield without any negative phenotypic effects. Interestingly overexpression of AtNPR1 seems to have a negligible effect on basal defense gene expression in many crops, while significantly increasing the response time and strength of defense responses. Remarkably, tobacco overexpressing AtNPR1 also displayed increased resistance to the herbivore Spodoptera litura. Thus, in many cases increasing NPR1 expression not only increases broad spectrum disease resistance but does so without negative impacts on plant growth.

50Overexpression of Rice NPR1 (OsNPR1/NH1) in Arabidopsis is able to complement the npr1 mutant, however, several negative consequences are observed, including enhanced herbivore susceptibility. This, however, suggests a role for NH1, like that of AtNPR1, in crosstalk between the SA- and JA-defense signaling pathways. Yet, these observations together with the negative phenotypic effects observed during overexpression of AtNPR1 in rice while such deleterious effects are absent in many other crops, would suggest that some notable differences exist between species regarding the regulation of NPR1. The high basal level of SA in rice which remains unaltered following pathogen infection contrasts with that of Arabidopsis and tobacco and supports such a theory. Therefore, although NPR1 may serve functionally conserved roles in all plant species, the underlying mechanisms which regulate NPR1-dependant pathways need to be understood for the species under investigation.

51Overexpression of AtNPR1 orthologs from several plant species have also been studied. Apple AtNPR1 orthologs MhNPR1 (Malus hupehensis) and MpNPR1 (Malus pumila) enhanced resistance to several important pathogens in Malus x domestica. Likewise, overexpression of LhSorNPR1 from the oriental hybrid lily ‘Sorbonne’ in Arabidopsis increased wild-type resistance to P. syringae. In tobacco, overexpression of MhNPR1 increased resistance to B. cinerea and interestingly, salt tolerance. Similarly, complementation of Arabidopsis npr1 using VaNPR1.1 (Vitis aestivalis cv. Norton) increased salt tolerance. Additionally, Arabidopsis npr1 mutants are complemented using BnNPR1 (Brassica napus) while overexpression in B. napus enhanced resistance to P. syringae without any obvious negative effects, emphasizing similarity between NPR1-dependant defense responses in these two species. However, NPR1 incompatibility between species is made apparent as apical dominance is affected in Arabidopsis overexpressing VvNPR1.1. These results support the highly versatile and important role of NPR1 in studied plant species. For a thorough review on its potential uses in transgenic crop protection, see.

52Since its discovery more than 20 years ago, NPR1 has been the focus of countless studies. During this time several NPR1-dependant pathways have been uncovered as have many of the complex mechanisms governing the regulation of NPR1 (Figure 2). However, much is still left unanswered, owed to the multifaceted relationships that exist between NPR1, its paralogs and their interacting partners. Truly grasping the extent of such interactions requires an increased effort to discover novel interactions in different species, tissues and during plant–pathogen specific interactions. A topic pursuant to this which is severely underrepresented in the literature is that of tissue specific regulation of NPR1-dependant pathways. Microarray data suggests that significant differences exist regarding the expression of NPR1-like genes across various tissues in Arabidopsis. Similarly, the expression of avocado NPR1-like genes exhibit unique spatial preferences. The importance of these observations are highlighted in Arabidopsis npr3 knockout mutants which display increased resistance to P. syringae on developing flowers but not leaves.

53Important aspects of the regulation of NPR1 function and homeostasis which require further attention are that of post-translational modification and proteasome degradation of NPR1. Important questions have been raised regarding these processes, including whether NPR3 and NPR4 act as E3 ligases which lead to the ubiquitinylation of NPR1. Surprisingly, even though suggested such a role, a more recent report failed to detect interactions between either NPR1 and NPR3/NPR4 or NPR3/NPR4 and CUL3A. Given the importance of NPR1 turnover to maintain optimal NPR1-dependant gene expression and the role post-translational modifications have in this process, it is imperative to further characterize and understand the process. Discovering how exactly NPR1 is ubiquitinylated by CUL3 given the absence of direct interaction could increase our understanding of post-translational modification as a means of regulating the function of NPR1.

54Given that NPR1, NPR3, NPR4, BOP1, and BOP2 all function in the regulation of various transcriptional processes, it is hard to ignore the possibility that NPR2 may serve a similar yet undefined function. This is especially true since NPR2 is induced by biotic stress and was shown to play a significant role in the perception of SA. Phytohormones SA, JA and ET are known to promote leaf senescence and notably, various WRKY and bZIP transcription factors are involved. Furthermore, an essential component of SA-induced leaf senescence in Arabidopsis, MAPK6, influences the activity and gene expression of NPR1. Therefore it is not surprising that Arabidopsis npr1-5 null mutants which are impaired in SA biosynthesis suppress precocious leaf senescence characteristic of pat14 mutants. Together, these data clearly suggest that NPR1-dependant signaling is involved in senescence. Interestingly, noted that NPR2 transcripts were most abundant in senescent tissue, thus it is conceivable that NPR2 may serve a similar or even a more direct role in senescence. Conversely, NPR2 may simply be a redundant or non-functional paralog of NPR1. In either case, it would be worthwhile to investigate and determining which transcription factors interact with NPR2 may be a good place to start.

55Given the complex nature of the NPR1-like protein family and uncertainty surrounding the aspects mentioned above, caution should be exercised regarding generalizing statements concerning functions in planta and across species. Instead emphasis should be placed on describing temporal, spatial and plant–pathogen interaction specific functions. Nonetheless, continued research on the NPR1-like protein family is warranted and will undoubtedly bring forth novel insights into the molecular pathways involved in plant stress responses and development.

56RB conceptualized, drafted, and reviewed the manuscript. SN reviewed and assisted in drafting the manuscript. NvdB conceptualized, reviewed, and assisted in drafting the manuscript. All authors contributed to and approved the final manuscript.

57The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.