title: Susceptibility genes 101: how to be a good host.
abstract: To confer resistance against pathogens and pests in plants, typically dominant resistance genes are deployed. However, because resistance is based on recognition of a single pathogen-derived molecular pattern, these narrow-spectrum genes are usually readily overcome. Disease arises from a compatible interaction between plant and pathogen. Hence, altering a plant gene that critically facilitates compatibility could provide a more broad-spectrum and durable type of resistance. Here, such susceptibility (S) genes are reviewed with a focus on the mechanisms underlying loss of compatibility. We distinguish three groups of S genes acting during different stages of infection: early pathogen establishment, modulation of host defenses, and pathogen sustenance. The many examples reviewed here show that S genes have the potential to be used in resistance breeding. However, because S genes have a function other than being a compatibility factor for the pathogen, the side effects caused by their mutation demands a one-by-one assessment of their usefulness for application.
authors.affiliation: ENZA Zaden, 1600 AA Enkhuizen, The Netherlands; email: c.vanschie@enzazaden.nl.
authors.forename: Chris C N
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: van Schie
authors.forename: Frank L W
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Takken
mesh_terms: D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D064307:Microbiota / Q000235:genetics*; D010944:Plants / Q000235:genetics* / Q000382:microbiology
keywords: biotrophy; compatibility; disease resistance; effector; plant breeding; plant pathogens