Glycosyltransferase-Mediated Modulation of Reactive Oxygen Species Enhances Non-host Resistance to Pst DC3000 in Nicotiana Benthamiana

Non-host resistance (NHR) governs defense responses against a broad range of potential pathogen species in contrast with host resistance. To identify specific genes involved in disease resistance, we used a virus-induced gene-silencing screen in Nicotiana benthamiana and identified glycosyltransferase (NbGT) as an essential component of NHR. NbGT silencing enhanced the hypersensitivity response, reactive oxygen species response, and callose deposition in N. benthamiana, improving its NHR to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000. NbGT participated in reactive oxygen species accumulation caused by flg22 rather than coronatine and HrcC of Pst DC3000. Analyses of gene expression and enzyme activity demonstrated that NbGT-silenced plants exhibited enhanced expression and elevated levels of superoxide dismutase, resulting in heightened accumulation of HO. In conclusion, NbGT-silencing increases HO accumulation by regulating superoxide dismutase activity during the immune response to flg22, enhancing resistance to Pst DC3000 in N. benthamiana. This research provides novel insights into the role of glycosyltransferases in NHR.