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ALKBH1L Is an m6A Demethylase and Mediates PVY Infection in Nicotiana benthamiana Through m6A Modification

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal mRNA modification in eukaryotes, is also present in plants and is known to influence plant–virus interactions. However, its specific role in regulating Potato virus Y (PVY; Potyvirus yituberosi) infection, a major pathogen of potatoes, remains unclear. This study identified 16 potential m6A regulator genes in Nicotiana benthamiana through homology screening of Arabidopsis thaliana AlkB family members. Based on expression profiles in leaves at various developmental stages and following PVY infection, NbALKBH1L was selected for further analysis. Enzyme assays confirmed its m6A demethylase activity. Experiments with NbALKBH1L mutants, using RT-qPCR and m6A-IP-qPCR, demonstrated that it regulates PVY infection via the m6A pathway. Further investigation revealed that NbALKBH1L interacts with the PVY-encoded cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein. An interaction network constructed through immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) suggested that NbALKBH1L may serve as a central node in plant antiviral immunity, potentially linking metabolic processes with the regulation of viral infection. In summary, this study advances our understanding of plant m6A modifications in antiviral defense and provides valuable insights for future antiviral breeding strategies.

Source: Plants

DOI: 10.3390/plants14243796