A. thaliana ILK1 modulated transcriptome under biotic and abiotic stress

Plants have integrated signaling networks that modulate the perception of signal and responses to environmental stresses including abiotic and biotic stress factors that affect crop productivity in many agricultural areas. Here we characterized the functions of INTEGRIN-LINKED KINASE1 (ILK1), a plant Raf-like MAP3K, in modulating dynamics of transcriptional responses following pathogen challenge. Analysis of mutants altered in ILK1 expression or kinase activity revealed kinase-dependent and independent ILK1 roles in PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI); ILK1 was also necessary for the control of ion homeostasis during PTI. ilk1 mutant and control samples were subjected to RNAseq analysis to identify differentially expressed genes that relay on ILK1 activity during PAMP (Pathogen-associated Molecular Pattern) challenge. A global transcriptomic analysis revealed ILK1's role in modulating the temporal dynamics and range of Arabidopsis transcriptional re-programming post-flg22 treatment.