Analysis of Methylesterase Gene Family in Fragaria vesca Unveils Novel Insights into the Role of FvMES2 in Methyl Salicylate-Mediated Resistance against Strawberry Gray Mold

作者：Ruimin Jia, Keyan Xing, Lin Tian, Xiaomin Dong, Ligang Yu, Xihui Shen, Yang Wang · 发表于：Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01447 · 被引用次数：5 · 研究领域：Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity、Plant Disease Resistance and Genetics、Plant nutrient uptake and metabolism

Methylesterases (MESs) hydrolyze carboxylic ester and are important for plant metabolism and defense. However, the understanding of MES’ role in strawberries against pathogens remains limited. This study identified 15 FvMESs with a conserved catalytic triad from the Fragaria vesca genome. Spatiotemporal expression data demonstrated the upregulated expression of FvMESs in roots and developing fruits, suggesting growth involvement. The FvMES promoter regions harbored numerous stress-related cis -acting elements and transcription factors associated with plant defense mechanisms. Moreover, FvMES 2 exhibited a significant response to Botrytis cinerea stress and showed a remarkable correlation with the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed an efficient binding potential between FvMES2 and methyl salicylate (MeSA). The role of FvMES2 in MeSA demethylation to produce SA was further confirmed through in vitro and in vivo assays. After MeSA was applied, the transient overexpression of FvMES 2 in strawberries enhanced their resistance to B. cinerea compared to wild-type plants.